The appeal and evaluation of "Dragon Quest: Hisone and Masotan": A unique world view and in-depth character exploration

"Hisone and Masotan": A heartwarming adventure of a dragon and a girl

"Hirone and Masotan" is an anime series that aired in 2018, depicting the unique relationship between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and a dragon. The anime was created by BONES, Shinji Higuchi, and Mari Okada, and is set at the Gifu Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The story follows rookie Self-Defense Force officer Hisone Amakasu as she meets a dragon named Masotan and they fly together in the sky.

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

April 13, 2018 - June 29, 2018
0:00～

■Broadcasting station

TOKYO MX, BS Fuji

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 12

■Original Story

BONES, Shinji Higuchi, Mari Okada

■ Director

Shinji Higuchi

■ Production

・Animation Production: Bones

■Works

©BONES, Shinji Higuchi, Mari Okada / "Hisone and Masotan" Tobiidan

■ Story

"I'll fly with you Sora."
Hisone Amakasu is a new recruit who has just started working at the Gifu Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Tired of unintentionally hurting others because she is too honest, she has chosen to become a term-limited SDF officer.
However, a fateful encounter changes her life forever.
A dragon disguised as a fighter jet hidden at the base chose Hisone and flew high into the sky. Thus, Hisone's job became a pilot to pilot the dragon, an "OTF (transformative flying organism)."
What secrets does the dragon, who is said to determine the fate of the nation, hide?

■Explanation

An innovative work story begins about a dragon managed by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and its new crew members!
Top creators have come together at Bones, the animation production company behind Psalms of Planets Eureka Seven.
The original story, created by Shinji Higuchi (general director) of the blockbuster "Shin Godzilla" in collaboration with Mari Okada (screenwriter) of "Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day," unfolds heartwarmingly through the interactions between a dragon and a young girl.
A modern Japanese mythology of love, laughter, and tears, created by a stellar staff including Kobayashi Hiroshi (director), Aoki Toshinao (character concept), Ito Yoshiyuki (character design), and Iwasaki Taisei (music)!

■Cast

・Hisone Amakasu/Misaki Kuno/Nao Kaizaki/Tomoyo Kurosawa/Eru Hoshino/Maki Kawase/Ririko Kinuban/Satomi Arai/Mayumi Hitomi/Kaori Nazuka

■ Main staff

・General Director: Shinji Higuchi ・Director: Hiroshi Kobayashi ・Series Composition: Mari Okada ・Character Design: Toshinao Aoki ・Character Design: Yoshiyuki Ito ・Animation Production: Bones

■ Main Characters

Hisone Amakasu is a new recruit at the Gifu Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. He has an honest and serious personality, but because he cannot lie, he often says things that are serious and hurts people, so he avoids standing out from the crowd. Soon after arriving at the base, he encounters the legendary dragon "Masotan" and is swallowed by it, which leads to him being chosen as a D-Pilot (Dragon Pilot). Although he is clumsy, he experiences the pleasure of flying with the dragon and resolves to live with the legendary creature.
・Masotan A dragon with huge wings and a long tail. He has an honest and serious personality, but is shy around strangers.
・Kaizaki Nao A small D-Pié candidate at Gifu Base. She has a strong personality and has a tendency to start conversations in a punky manner like a delinquent. Her mother was once a D-Pié, and Nao was also a prime candidate for D-Pié until Hisone came along, but Dragon didn't accept her. She is so jealous of Hisone that she continues to be mean to her for no reason. In fact, she is a hard worker more than anyone else.
Eru Hoshino A dragon pilot working at Tsuiki Base in Fukuoka Prefecture, she is a gifted woman who excels in both academics and martial arts. She is good-looking, has a cool and dignified personality, and speaks and acts with pride, preferring to behave like an ace pilot. However, she has a low level of understanding of OTFs (transformative flying organisms), and seems to be overlooked by those around her. The dragon she pilots camouflages itself as an F-2A fighter jet.
A Dragon pilot at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture, she is calm and intelligent. Her head is so quick that she always sees the bottom line before anything else, and she likes to think negatively. She suffers from scopophobia, and is always half-crying and never lets go of her handkerchief. However, she can read the situation and mood right away, so her situational judgment skills are extremely high. The Dragon she pilots is disguised as an E-2C early warning aircraft.
・Mayumi Hitomi A dragon pilot at Iruma Air Base in Saitama Prefecture. She has a large body, is easygoing and gentle, and always has a calm smile on her face. She used to work at a zoo, and was scouted by the people at the base after she was fond of the wild animals. She seems to understand the words and feelings of dragons naturally, and acts as an interpreter for everyone. The dragon she pilots disguises itself as a C-1 transport aircraft.

■ Main robot items

・F-15J
Nickname: Masotan Camouflage type: F-15J fighter jet A dragon with huge wings and a long tail.
・F-2A
Nickname: Norma Disguise type: F-2A fighter A dragon with a sharp body and a long body. She has a proud personality and prefers solitude.
・C1
Nickname: Futomomo Disguise type: C-1 transport A giant dragon that swallows anything through its mouth. Has a laid-back personality.
・E-2C
Nickname: Akemi Disguise type: E-2C early warning aircraft A dragon with a disc-shaped head. Afraid of being looked at, it hides in the shadows and only shows one eye.

■Subtitle

・Episode 1: This is not sane (2018/04/13)
・Episode 2/I'll ​​name the dragon Masotan (2018/04/20)
・Episode 3: Please take responsibility (2018/04/27)
・Episode 4: They came to Gifu (2018/05/04)
・Episode 5: Is there anyone who likes to be liked and disliked? (2018/05/11)
・Episode 6: I'll call out your name (2018/05/18)
・Episode 7: Kingdom of Love (2018/05/25)
・Episode 8: Limited Time Only! Super Spicy Grandma Flavor (2018/06/01)
・Episode 9: Gyaaaaa!! (2018/06/08)
・Episode 10: When I fall in love, I melt (2018/06/15)
・Episode 11: The Sky of Montparnasse and the Scum Girl (2018/06/22)
・Episode 12: We Are Invincible (2018/06/29)

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・Period: 1~12
・The Girl Crosses That Sky・Lyrics by Mari Okada・Composition by Taisei Iwasaki・Arrangement by Taisei Iwasaki・Produced by Taisei Iwasaki・Singer by Riko Fukumoto・Ending Theme
・Period: 1~12
・Le temps de la rentrée ~The journey home from love (new semester)~
Lyrics: Robert Henri Gall
・Composer/Patrice Maurice Gall
・Arrangement: Taisei Iwasaki ・Produced by: Taisei Iwasaki ・Singer: D Pie (Hisone Amakasu (CV: Misaki Kuno), Nao Kaizaki (CV: Tomoyo Kurosawa), Eru Hoshino (CV: Maki Kawase), Ririko Kinuban (CV: Satomi Arai), Mayumi Hitomi (CV: Kaori Nazuka))

The appeal and evaluation of "Hisone and Masotan"

"Dragon Quest: Hisone and Masotan" has attracted many viewers with its unique setting and deep storyline. Below, we will take a closer look at the appeal and reviews of this work.

Unique setting and worldview

The greatest appeal of "Hisone to Masotan" is its unique setting, depicting the relationship between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and dragons. The idea of ​​a dragon disguised as a fighter jet, something not seen in regular anime, stimulates the imagination of viewers. Another attraction is the realistic portrayal of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, with the atmosphere of the base and the life of the Self-Defense Force members depicted realistically. This creates a worldview that draws viewers in, with an exquisite blend of fantasy and realistic elements.

Character Appeal

The main character, Amakasu Hisone, is an honest and earnest character, but because she cannot lie, she ends up hurting those around her, making her a very human character. Her growth and the deepening bond with the dragon "Masotan" will warm the hearts of viewers. The other D-pilots are also unique, with Kaizaki Nao's hardworking side, Hoshino Eru's pride, Kinuban Ririko's negative thinking, Hitomi Mayumi's kindness, and each with their own unique charms. The human drama woven by these characters is also a major part of the appeal of this work.

Story Development

The story of "Hisone and Masotan" begins with Hisone being chosen by a dragon and depicts her growth as a D-Pi. Each episode has a different theme, and we can see not only the relationship between Hisone and Masotan, but also interactions with other D-Pi and developments that delve into the dragons' secrets. In particular, the build-up to the final episode is spectacular, with a touching ending for the viewers.

The production staff's commitment

This work was produced by a stellar team of BONES, Shinji Higuchi, and Mari Okada. Shinji Higuchi's skill as general director and Mari Okada's storytelling through the script have the power to draw viewers in. In addition, Toshinao Aoki's original character ideas, Yoshiyuki Ito's character designs, and Taisei Iwasaki's music also enhance the quality of the work. Taisei Iwasaki's music in particular is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work.

Viewer reactions and ratings

"Dragon Quest: Hisone and Masotan" has been highly praised by many viewers since it was first broadcast. In particular, the unique setting, deep story development, and charming characters have been highly praised, and have gained many fans. The realistic portrayal of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the heartwarming storyline that follows the interactions with dragons were also well received. The relationship between Hisone and Masotan, as well as the growth of the other D-Pilots, became a hot topic among viewers, and many discussions were held on social media.

Recommended points of "Hisone and Masotan"

"Hisone and Masotan" is a work that has a unique setting, a deep storyline, and charming characters. Below, we will take a closer look at the points that make this work recommended.

Unique setting and worldview

The unique setting, depicting the relationship between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and dragons, stimulates the imagination of viewers. The idea of ​​a dragon disguised as a fighter jet is a perfect blend of fantasy and realistic elements, creating a world that draws viewers in. This setting is fresh and not seen in other anime, providing viewers with a new experience.

Character Appeal

The characters, including the main character Hisone Amakasu, are all unique and charming. Hisone's growth and the deepening bond with the dragon "Masotan" will warm the hearts of viewers. The other D-Piés also have their own unique charms, creating a human drama that will draw viewers in. The charms of these characters will deeply move viewers.

Story Development

The story of "Hisone and Masotan" begins with Hisone being chosen by a dragon and depicts her process of growing as a D-Pi. Each episode has a different theme, and we can see not only the relationship between Hisone and Masotan, but also interactions with other D-Pi and developments that delve into the dragons' secrets. In particular, the build-up to the final episode is spectacular, with a touching conclusion for the viewer. The development of this story has the power to draw the viewer in.

The production staff's commitment

This work was produced by an all-star team of BONES, Higuchi Shinji, and Okada Mari. Higuchi Shinji's skill as general director and the storytelling through Okada Mari's script have the power to draw viewers in. Aoki Toshinao's original character ideas, Ito Yoshiyuki's character designs, and Iwasaki Taisei's music also enhance the quality of the work. Iwasaki Taisei's music in particular is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. The attention to detail of these staff members enhances the appeal of the work.

Viewer reactions and ratings

"Hisone and Masotan" has been highly praised by many viewers since it was first broadcast. In particular, the unique setting, deep story development, and charming characters have been highly praised, and have gained many fans. The realistic portrayal of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the heartwarming storyline that depicts interactions with dragons were also well received. The relationship between Hisone and Masotan and the growth of the other D-Pilots have become hot topics among viewers, and many discussions have been held on social media. These reactions and evaluations from viewers are proof of the appeal of this work.

Conclusion

"Hisone and Masotan" is a work that is appealing with its unique setting, deep story development, and charming characters. The unique setting, which depicts the relationship between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and dragons, stimulates the viewer's imagination and creates a world view that exquisitely blends fantasy and realistic elements. In addition, each character, including the protagonist Hisone Amakasu, is unique and charming, deeply moving the viewer. Furthermore, the attention to detail of the stellar production staff enhances the quality of the work. This work has been highly praised among viewers and has gained many fans, so it is definitely worth watching at least once.