Review of "Laughing Under the Clouds": A touching story of laughter and tears

"Laughing Under the Clouds" - A Meiji-era tale of adventure and brotherly love

"Laughing Under the Clouds" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Karakara Kemuri, and was broadcast from October 5 to December 21, 2014. Set in Meiji-era Japan, it depicts the great adventures of the three brothers of the Kumo family. In this article, we will introduce the details of the series, including its outline, characters, staff, and theme song, and delve deeper into its appeal and reviews.

Overview

The setting of "Laughing Under the Clouds" is the 11th year of the Meiji era. With the rapid Westernization of Japan, more and more people became dissatisfied with the government, and prisons became overflowing with prisoners. The government then established a prison for serious criminals on Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, Japan's largest lake prison, "Gokumon-dokoro," from which it was impossible to escape. This is the story of the three brothers of the Kumo family, who act as intermediaries to this prison, and how they grow up while facing various difficulties.

Broadcast information

"Laughing Under the Clouds" was broadcast during the following periods and on the following stations.

• Nippon Television: October 3, 2014 - December 20, 2014 / Friday 25:58 - 26:28
• Biwako Broadcasting: October 12, 2014 - December 28, 2014 / Sundays 23:30 - 24:00
• BS Nippon Television: October 12, 2014 - December 29, 2014 / Sundays 24:00 - 24:30
• AT-X: October 14, 2014 - December 30, 2014 / Tuesdays 22:30 - 23:00
• Sun TV: October 14, 2014 - January 7, 2015 / Tuesdays 24:00 - 24:30

It was also streamed online.

• NTV On Demand: October 4, 2014 - December 20, 2014 / Updated Saturday 0:00 (Friday midnight)
• Niconico Live Broadcast: October 5, 2014 - December 21, 2014 / Sunday 1:30 - 2:00 (Saturday late night)
• Niconico Channel: October 5, 2014 - December 21, 2014 / Updated Sunday 2:00 (Saturday late night)
• Bandai Channel: October 5, 2014 - December 21, 2014 / Updated Sundays at 12:00
• d Anime Store: October 5, 2014 - December 21, 2014 / Updated Sundays at 12:00

Original story and production

The original work is a manga by Karakara Kemuri and published by Mag Garden. Animation was handled by Doga Kobo and the director was Hiroshi Haraguchi. Copyright belongs to Karakara Kemuri, Mag Garden, and the Laughing Under the Clouds Production Committee.

story

In the year 1878, the rapid Westernization of Japan caused an increase in people who were dissatisfied with the government, and prisons were overflowing with prisoners. The government then established a prison for serious criminals on Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, the largest lake prison in Japan, where it was impossible to escape. This is the story of the three brothers of the Kumo family, who act as intermediaries to this prison, and how they grow up while facing various difficulties.

cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows:

• Cloudy Sky: Yuichi Nakamura
• Kumo Soramaru: Yuki Kaji
• Kumo Chutaro: Taonaga Tsubasa
• Shirako Kinjo: Takahiro Sakurai
• Peony: Rina Sato
• Hiraura: Kenichi Suzumura
• Abe Sosei: Toriumi Kosuke
• Sayaka Ohara:
• Seiichiro Takamine: Hiroki Yasumoto
• Takeda Rakucho: Hiro Shimono
• Ashiya Mutsuki: Fujiwara Yuki
• Zenzo Inukai: Takahiro Fujiwara
• Corpse Thousand Wolves: Hiroshi Iwasaki
• Naoto Kagami: Shinichiro Miki
• Nishiki: Mamiko Noto

Main Staff

The main staff are as follows:

• Original work: Karakara Kemuri (published by Mag Garden)
• Director: Hiroshi Haraguchi
• Series composition, script: Yuya Takahashi (Queen B)
• Character design: Takao Maki
• Music: Shuichiro Fukuhiro
• Sound Director: Takahiro Enomoto
• Sound Production: Delphi Sound
• Art director, art setting: Yuki Ikenoue
• Art setting: Matsumoto Yoshikatsu (Animation Studio Basara)
• Background: GREEN
• Color design: Genta Makabe
• Edited by: Emi Onodera
• Animation production: Doga Kobo

Main Characters

The details of the main characters are as follows:

• Kumo Tenka : The eldest son of the Kumo family. He acts as a parent to the Kumo family. He has a cheerful and unconventional personality. He is so strong that he can defeat dozens of prisoners in an instant with his light movements.
• Kumo Soramaru : The second son of the Kumo family. He is serious and hardworking, but he is a hard worker who is bossed around by his free-spirited brothers. He inherited the Kumo family's protective sword, which has been passed down for generations.
• Kumo Chutaro : The third son of the Kumo family. He loves Tenka. He accepts Tenka's orders without hesitation and always carries them out, no matter how difficult they may be. He is extremely fast.
• Kinjou Shirako : A freeloader at the Kumo family. She was seriously injured 10 years ago and was saved by Tenka, and has been looking after the Kumo family ever since. She is a descendant of the Fuma clan, a ninja group.
• Botan : A teacher at the school Chutaro attends. He develops a relationship with the Kumo family.
• Nishiki : A descendant of the Fuma clan, a ninja group.
• Naoto Kagami : A murderer from Choshu who plots to overthrow the new government.
• Abe Sosei : The unit directly under the Minister of the Right. Captain of the "Yamainu" (Cat). He is a ruthless man who considers the subjugation of Orochi his absolute mission and will stop at nothing to achieve it.
• Takeda Rakucho : A unit directly under the Minister of the Right. A young member of the "Yamainu" (cat).
• Sasaki Fukiko : A unit directly under the Minister of the Right. A member of the "Yamainu" (Cat).
• Takamine Seiichiro : A unit directly under the Minister of the Right. A member of the "Yamainu" (Cat).
• Inukai Zenzo : A unit directly under the Minister of the Right. A member of the "Yamainu" (cat).
• Ashiya Mutsuki : A unit directly under the Minister of the Right. A member of the "Yamainu" (Cat).
• Corpse Chiro : A unit under the direct command of the Minister of the Right. ``Yamainu'' member.
• Masked Man : A mysterious figure.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: Three Brothers Standing in the Clouds (2014/10/03)
• Episode 2: A murderer mocks the cloudy sky (2014/10/10)
• Episode 3: The second son sneaks into prison (2014/10/17)
• Episode 4: Fuuma, Survived the Prison Gate (2014/10/24)
• Episode 5: The world is in turmoil (2014/10/31)
• Episode 6: The sun falls in the clouds (2014/11/07)
• Episode 7: Laughing in the Foam (2014/11/14)
• Episode 8: A boy cries in the rain (2014/11/21)
• Episode 9: The Successor Stands in the Cloudy Sky (2014/11/28)
• Episode 10: White Darkness, Curved Backwards (2014/12/05)
• Episode 11: The sun re-ignites in the cloudy sky (2014/12/12)
• Episode 12: Brothers Gather in the Sun (2014/12/12)

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs are as follows:

• OP1 : Biai no Kaze (episodes 2-7)
  ・Lyrics: Himi Izutsu ・Composition: Syu
  Arrangement: Yutaka Araya Vocals: Ryuji Aoki
• OP2 : The Wandering Sun (episodes 8-11)
  ・Lyrics: Himi Izutsu ・Composition: Syu
  Arrangement: Yutaka Araya Vocals: Ryuji Aoki
• ED1 : ATTITUDE TO LIFE (episodes 1-11)
  Lyrics: SHO
  ・Composer: Syu
  ・Arrangement: Yorimasa Hisatake & GALNERYUS
  ・Singer: Galneryus

Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Laughing Under the Clouds" is an adventure story set in Meiji-era Japan, but it also depicts universal themes such as brotherly love, friendship, and growth. In particular, the three brothers of the Kumo family are full of unique personalities, and the way they overcome the difficulties they face is fascinating.

Tenka's cheerfulness and strength, Soramaru's seriousness and hard work, Chutaro's purity and speed. The characteristics of each brother enrich the story and draw the audience in. In addition, the supporting characters such as Kinjou Shirako, Botan, and Nishiki are also attractive, and their relationships with the Kumo family add depth to the story.

The animation was done by Doga Kobo, and the quality is high, with beautifully drawn Meiji-era landscapes and battle scenes. In particular, the depiction of the execution of the dead is realistic and powerful, making it very visually appealing.

The music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. The opening songs "Biai no Kaze" and "Ruten no Hi" are a perfect match of Ryuji Aoki's powerful vocals and Syu's composition, bringing out the flavor of an action-adventure drama. The ending song "ATTITUDE TO LIFE" is impressive with Galneryus' powerful performance and SHO's powerful lyrics, symbolizing the theme of the story.

The show has been well received by viewers, and is especially popular as a story of brotherly love and growth. It is also praised for its setting in Japan during the Meiji period, and for its story development that weaves together historical backgrounds. However, some viewers have commented that the story unfolds a little too quickly, but overall the show has been well received.

Recommended points

"Laughing Under the Clouds" can be recommended for the following reasons.

• A story of brotherly love and growth : The story depicts the bond and growth of the three Kumo brothers, and contains many touching scenes.
• An action-packed adventure set in Japan during the Meiji era : a fascinating story interwoven with historical background.
• Characters with Unique Personalities : The characters, including the three Kumo siblings, are charming and draw viewers in.
• Beautiful Animation : Doga Kobo's animation is of high quality, with beautifully rendered Meiji-era landscapes and battle scenes.
• Impressive Music : The opening and ending themes add to the atmosphere of the work and enrich the viewing experience.

Above, we have introduced detailed information, appeal, and reviews of "Laughing Under the Clouds." This work is recommended for those who want to enjoy a story of brotherly love and growth, and for those who like adventure stories set in Meiji-era Japan. Please give it a watch.