Danchi Tomoo Season 2: An evolution that exceeds expectations and a touching story

Danchi Tomoo (2nd Season) - Danchi Tomoo - All-round evaluation and recommendation

Overview

"Danchi Tomoo" is a TV anime series based on the manga by Oda Tobira, which aired on NHK from April 12, 2014 to February 7, 2015. The second season consists of 38 episodes and follows the daily life of the main character Tomoo, his family and friends in a housing complex. Animation is handled by Shogakukan Music & Digital Entertainment, production by NHK Enterprises, and production and copyright by NHK and Shogakukan Shueisha Productions.

■ Story

"Danchi Tomoo" focuses on the daily life of Kinoshita Tomoo, a fourth-grade boy who lives in Edashima Danchi. Tomoo is fairly good at sports and studying, and is popular, but what makes him so appealing is how he puts all his effort into play and silly things. Through his interactions with his family and friends, the story depicts the fun and importance of life in the danchi.

In the second season, Tomoo's growth, his bond with his family, and his friendships with his friends are depicted in greater depth. In particular, since Tomoo's father is away on a business trip, the relationship with his mother and sisters is emphasized. Another highlight is the adventures and challenges that Tomoo takes on with his best friends.

■ Characters

The main character, Tomoo, is a bit rough around the edges, but he has a strong sense of responsibility and a generous personality. He respects his father, who is currently working away from home, and loves the popular comic "Colonel Sports." His mother, Tetsuko, is a powerful housewife who does housework and works part-time, supporting the family in the absence of their father. His older sister, Kimiko, is a smart and reliable girl who spends her days looking after Tomoo.

Tomoo's best friend, Yoshimoto Masato, has a slightly mature personality and is Tomoo's perfect straight man. Yoshida Yoshinobu has a gentle personality and is often caught up in Tomoo's recklessness. Kikkawa Mitsuo is an honor student whose trademark is glasses, and he likes reading and stargazing. Kamakura Keiko (Keriko) is a tomboyish girl with strong legs and a knack for kicking. Hayama Yoriko is a kind girl who is good at drawing. Nezu Yukio is Tomoo's rival, a boy who knows a lot about new games.

Other characters who brighten Tomoo's life include Honda-sensei, the homeroom teacher at Edashima Elementary School, and the residents of the housing complex. Shimada-san is a member of the housing complex's residents' association and has a serious personality. Kashino Toshizo is an 89-year-old elderly man who follows the same rhythm every day. Hazama Kumon is a former judge who has a habit of thinking about things in terms of the law. Konno Yuji is a university student who works part-time at a convenience store. Aoto Hidemi is a second-year high school student who is good at yo-yos. Sakagami-san is Aoto's best friend and loves books. The popular hero manga "Colonel Sports", which is serialized in Tomoo's favorite manga magazine "Shonen Spitz", also appears as an important character.

■ Production staff

The director is Watanabe Ayumu, the director is Uchida Shingo, and the series composition and script are by Yamada Ryuji. Abe Mika, Tanabe Shigenori, and Tsuchiya Rikei also contributed to the scriptwriting. Character design is by Kuwabata Mitsuru, CG directors are Sato Masumi and Abe Asuka, art director is Tajiri Kenichi, art set director is Momonai Tsutomu, color design is Kohioki Tomoko, director of photography is Gonda Koichi, sound director is Kameyama Toshiki, and music is by Hasegawa Tomoki. Sakakibara Tomoyasu is the animation producer, and production supervisors are Kashiwagi Atsuko, Dobashi Keisuke, and Hasegawa Yuki.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "Danchi de DAN!RAN!", with lyrics by Masuko Naozumi and Kiyosaku, music by Uehara Tomoyasu, arrangement by Dohatsuten, and sung by Dohatsuten feat. Kiyosaku (MONGOL800). There are two ending themes: "Akane" from episodes 40 to 52, with lyrics and music by Sasaki Ryosuke, arrangement by Yayoshi Junji and a flood of circle, and singing by a flood of circle. From episode 53 onwards, the ending theme is "Friends! Friends!", with lyrics by jam, music and arrangement by Tabo Koichi, and singing by Rico. Also, from episode 54 onwards, "Colonel Sports' Theme" is used as an insert song, sung by Dohatsuten.

■Evaluation

"Danchi Tomoo" is a work that carefully depicts the small events and human relationships of everyday life, evoking sympathy from viewers. In particular, there are many heartwarming scenes of Tomoo's interactions with his family and friends, which are heartwarming to watch. Additionally, the episodes depicting Tomoo's growth and the deepening of his friendships are also moving and leave a strong impression on viewers.

The characters are all rich in personality, with their own backgrounds and personalities well drawn. The relationships between Tomoo's family and friends are also realistic, making the viewers feel close to the show. The setting of a housing complex is also appealing, evoking nostalgia for the Showa era while also depicting themes that are relevant to modern life.

The production staff is highly skilled, and the character designs, background art, music, and other aspects of the work enhance the worldview of the work. In particular, the character designs faithfully reproduce the atmosphere of the original work while adding movements and expressions that are unique to anime. The music also matches the atmosphere of the work, eliciting emotions from the viewer.

■Recommendation

"Danchi Tomoo" is recommended for those who like works that depict small everyday events and human relationships. It is especially perfect for those who value bonds with family and friends, and those who want to feel nostalgic for the Showa era. In addition, the episodes depicting Tomoo's growth and deepening friendship are also moving, so it is also recommended for those who want to spend a heartwarming time.

It is also recommended for those who are particular about character design, background art, music, etc. The production staff has high technical skills and has firmly brought out the worldview of the work. In particular, the character design faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the original work while adding movements and expressions unique to anime. The music also matches the atmosphere of the work and brings out the emotions of the viewer.

"Danchi Tomoo" is a work that carefully depicts the small everyday events and human relationships, evoking empathy in viewers. In particular, there are many heartwarming scenes of Tomoo's interactions with his family and friends, which are heartwarming to watch. Additionally, the episodes depicting Tomoo's growth and the deepening of his friendships are also moving and leave a strong impression on viewers. The production staff's technical skills are also high, and the character designs, background art, music, and other elements enhance the worldview of the work. Please be sure to watch it and enjoy life in the housing complex with Tomoo and his friends.