The appeal and reputation of Ramen-loving Koizumi-san: In search of the ultimate ramen experience

Ramen-loving Koizumi-san - The ultimate ramen experience and a coming-of-age story

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

January 4, 2018 - March 22, 2018
From 20:00

■Broadcasting station

AT-X, TOKYO MX

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 12

■Original Story

Narumi

■ Director

Kenji Seto

■ Production

Animation Production: Studio Gokumi, AXsiZ

■Works

©Naru Narumi, Takeshobo / "Ramen-Loving Koizumi-san" Production Committee

■ Story

Cool and mysterious high school girl "Koizumi-san"
Osawa Yu, a classmate who is interested in the transfer student's girlfriend, spots Koizumi in line at a ramen restaurant on his way home one day and, by chance, ends up eating ramen with her...

■Explanation

"Koizumi-san" is a cool and quiet transfer student who doesn't get along with others.
She is a ramen professional who is always searching for delicious ramen...!?
The authentic ramen graffiti is here!

■Cast

・Ms. Koizumi/Ayana Taketatsu ・Yu Osawa/Ayane Sakura ・Misa Nakamura/Akari Kito ・Jun Takahashi/Yumi Hara

■ Main staff

・Original work: "Ramen-loving Koizumi-san" by Naru Narumi (published by Takeshobo)
Director: Kenji Seto Series Composition: Tatsuya Takahashi Scenario: Tatsuya Takahashi, Tatsuhiko Urahata, Ayumi Sekine Character Design: Takuya Tani Chief Animation Director: Takuya Tani, Masaaki Sakurai, Masaru Koseki Art Director: Risa Wakabayashi (Atelier Platz)
・Color design/Aiko Matsuyama・Director of photography/Yasuhiro Asagi・Editor/Akinori Mishima・Sound director/Tetsu Motoyama・Sound production/Groove・Music/Takashi Tanaka & Shinichi Hosono・Music producer/Masao Fukuda・Music production/Flying Dog・Video editing/IMAGICA
・Animation production: Studio Gokumi, AXsiZ
Produced by: "Ramen-Loving Koizumi-san" Production Committee

■ Main Characters

Mr. Koizumi A mysterious transfer student who has come to Yuu's high school. He is usually quiet and cool, but when it comes to ramen, his personality changes... He is a die-hard ramen fanatic who pursues ramen all day and night and devotes everything to it.
・Osawa Yuu A high school girl who loves cute girls. She tries to get closer to Koizumi-san every day, but it always ends in failure. She has a college-aged brother. Surprisingly, she is good at cooking.
Nakamura Misa Yu's classmate. She is jealous of Koizumi-san, who is more popular than her. She loves spicy food.
・The representative of Takahashi Junyu's class. He has a serious and straightforward personality, but he also has a worrisome and timid side. For some reason, he doesn't like ramen...

■Subtitle

・First bowl/Yasai Mashi Garlic Caramel, Mayu, Rich・Second bowl/Hokkyoku, Cocococo Izumi-san・Third bowl/Saimin, Aji-chuu Counter, Instant Noodles・Fourth bowl/Youshoku-ten, Red or White, Convenience Store・Fifth bowl/Tomato Ramen, Euglena, Queue・Sixth bowl/Morning Ramen, Cold, Museum・Seventh bowl/Nationwide・Eighth bowl/Local noodle bag, Family style・Ninth bowl/Mountain, Buta Yaro, Back Fat・Tenth bowl/Unknown Taste Ramen, Rotating Ramen, Challenge Accepted!!
・10th cup/delicious ramen, Osaka ・12th cup/Nagoya, reopening

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・FEELING AROUND
Lyrics/Kouji Mihara (Frederick)
・Composition: Koji Mihara (Frederick)
Arrangement: Yusuke Tanaka, Yusuke Tachizaki, Takashi Kondo Vocals: Minori Suzuki Horn arrangement: Yusuke Tanaka, Satoshi Takeshima Sound: Yusuke Tanaka (agehasprings)
Produced by: Yusuke Tanaka (agehasprings)

・ED
・LOVE MEN HOLIC
・Lyrics/Sachikana Nishizawa ・Composition/WEST GROUND
・Arrangement/WEST GROUND
・Singer: Nishizawa Yukina

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■The appeal of the work

"Ramen-loving Koizumi-san" is a story that depicts the daily life of Koizumi-san, a high school girl who loves ramen. Her passion for ramen and her interactions with the characters around her are interwoven into a story that draws the viewer in. In particular, the scenes introducing different ramen in each episode are a visual and taste treat. Even if you're not a ramen lover, you'll be captivated by the depictions of delicious ramen.

■Charm of the characters

The main character, Ms. Koizumi, has a cool and taciturn appearance, but her completely different personality when the topic of ramen comes up is charming. Her love and knowledge of ramen impresses viewers. The individuality of each character also enriches the story, such as Osawa Yu's approach to Ms. Koizumi, Nakamura Misa's jealousy, and Takahashi Jun's dislike of ramen. In particular, the interactions between Yu and his brother and other classmates are not to be missed.

■Animation and direction

The animation by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ is meticulous in order to bring out the best in the ramen. There are many visually beautiful scenes, such as the steam from the ramen, the texture of the noodles, and the placement of the ingredients, making it an entertaining experience to watch. Director Seto Kenji's direction not only brings out the best in ramen, but also skillfully portrays the emotions of the characters. In particular, the camerawork and sound effects in the ramen-eating scenes provide viewers with a realistic dining experience.

■Music and theme songs

The opening theme "FEELING AROUND" is impressive with Suzuki Minori's refreshing singing voice and lyrics by Koji Mihara of Frederic. It fits the atmosphere of the anime perfectly and lifts the mood of the viewers. Meanwhile, the ending theme "LOVE MEN HOLIC" features Nishizawa Sachikane's powerful singing voice and WEST GROUND's composition, making it a fitting song for the ending of the story. Additionally, the background music by Tanaka Takashi and Hosono Shinichi also plays an important role in bringing out the emotions of each scene.

■Comparison with the original

The original manga was written by Narumi Naru, and is characterized by a story filled with love for ramen. The anime version has faithfully inherited the essence of the original, but by turning it into a movie, it has become even more appealing. In particular, the animation complements parts that could not be fully expressed in the original, such as the depiction of ramen and the expressions of the characters. In addition, original episodes not found in the original have been added, providing fresh surprises for fans.

■ Viewer reactions

"Ramen-loving Koizumi-san" has been highly praised by ramen-loving viewers. The types of ramen and shop information introduced in each episode are so realistic that they make viewers want to actually visit the places. The portrayal of character growth and friendship has also been well-received, with many viewers particularly empathizing with the relationship between Koizumi-san and Yuu. There are also episodes that introduce food cultures other than ramen and regional characteristics, which has made the show popular with a wide range of viewers.

■ Recommendation points

"Ramen-loving Koizumi-san" is a must-watch for ramen lovers. You can enjoy the depiction of delicious ramen and the growth of the characters. It is also recommended for people with an interest in food, as you can learn about food culture and regional characteristics. Furthermore, the story of youthful friendship and love will resonate with a wide range of age groups. Please give it a watch.

Related information

・Official website: https://koizumi-san.com/
・Twitter: @koizumi_anime
・Original manga: Naru Narumi "Ramen-loving Koizumi-san" (published by Takeshobo)

■ Summary

"Miss Koizumi Loves Ramen" is a heartwarming story about the love for ramen and friendship among young people. You can enjoy the depiction of delicious ramen and the growth of the characters. Even if you are not a ramen fan, you can learn about food culture and regional characteristics, so it is recommended for a wide range of people. Please give it a watch.