The appeal and evaluation of "Jimoto ga Japan": An anime that offers deep insight into Japanese culture

Local Japan - The appeal of comedy anime filled with local love

Overview

"Jimoto ga Japan" is a TV anime series that aired on TV Tokyo from April 8, 2019 to March 23, 2020. It is based on a manga by Seiji Hayashi, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. It has 50 episodes, each 10 minutes long, but is packed with content, and was broadcast every week on "Oha Suta." The animation was produced by ODDJOB and directed by Isamu Ueno.

■ Story

When Abiko Tokio comes to the big city of Tokyo from Yamagata, he is confronted by a mysterious classmate, Hinomoto Japan, who calls himself the "Master of Todofuken." Japan is a character who loves all 47 prefectures and uses the 47 secret fist techniques, Todofuken, that he has invented himself in each region of the country. Through his actions that are full of love for his hometown and his interactions with Tokio and his friends, various local gags unfold.

■Explanation

"Jimoto ga Japan" is a comedy anime with the theme of hometown love. The main character, Hinomoto Japan, loves all the prefectures in Japan, and shows off the "Todofuken" dances he invented for each region. Although the anime is short, each episode introduces the characteristics and culture of a different prefecture, providing viewers with laughter and emotion. In particular, the scenes in which Japan expresses his hometown love are heartwarming, while also being full of humorous gags.

■Cast

・Hinomoto Japan - Minami Takayama ・Tokio Abiko - Kotaro Nishiyama ・Hide - Wataru Hatano ・Masao Kikuchi - Tessho Genda ・Komachi Yuze - Reina Ueda ・Nao Kayahara - Emiri Kato

■ Main staff

Original story: Seiji Hayashi (serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump)
・Director - Isamu Ueno ・Series Composition - Masato Naruse, Kouji Hashimoto ・Character Design - Sana Nohara, Fumiyuki Uehara ・Music - Koji Mizuguchi ・Animation Production - ODDJOB

■ Main Characters

・Hinomoto Japan The protagonist of this work. A self-proclaimed "Tōdōfuken Master" in class J of Tsutsuura Junior High School. All of Japan is his hometown, and he has love for all 47 prefectures. As if embodying his love for his hometown, Japan surprises those around him with his "Tōdōfuken" that makes use of the characteristics of each prefecture. His actions are sometimes humorous and sometimes moving, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

・Tokio Abiko transfers from his hometown of Yamagata to class J of Tsutsuura Junior High School in Tokyo. He is fascinated by Japan's strong love for his hometown. At first, Tokio is confused by Japan's actions, but gradually he comes to empathize with Japan's passion and they become friends who work together to spread love for their hometown. His story of growth is also one of the attractions of this work.

・Hide is a first-year student at Tsutsuura Junior High School. His hometown is Saitama Prefecture. He is troubled by people saying bad things about his hometown, but Japan saves him. Thanks to Japan's influence, Hide rediscovers his hometown and becomes proud of it. His character plays an important role in conveying to viewers the importance of hometown love.

・Kikuchi Masarao A first-year student at Tsutsuura Junior High School. A city boy from Setagaya, Tokyo. A rival of Japan, he hates country folk. Masarao is a character that contrasts with Japan, and the value of hometown love is also depicted from his perspective. There are also episodes in which Japan's hometown love deepens through conflict and reconciliation with Masarao.

・Yuse Komachi A first-year student at Tsutsuura Junior High School. Her hometown is Akita Prefecture. She is shy and speaks in Akita dialect when she gets excited. She is interested in Japan...!? Komachi is a character who has a crush on Japan, but also cherishes her hometown. The scenes introducing her Akita dialect and local culture will bring new discoveries to the viewers.

・Nao Kayahara A first-year student at Tsutsuura Junior High School. Her hometown is Kagawa Prefecture. Japan is a childhood friend from her hometown. Nao is a character who treasures her childhood memories with Japan and expresses her love for her hometown. Her episodes play an important role in illustrating the origins of her love for her hometown.

■ Theme songs and music

・Theme song: "Bravo! Local is number one!!"
Lyrics - Nagae Kuwahara Composition - Koji Mizuguchi Arrangement - Koji Mizuguchi Singer - Akira Kushida

■ Evaluation and appeal

"Jimoto ga Japan" has captivated many viewers with its unique concept and humorous storyline. In particular, each episode introduces the culture and characteristics of a different prefecture, providing viewers with new knowledge and encouraging them to rediscover their hometown love. The unique acting of the characters, including Japan, also captured the hearts of viewers.

Despite the short broadcast time of the anime, the condensed story and gags in each episode provide viewers with laughter and emotion. In particular, the scenes in which Japan expresses his love for his hometown warm the viewers' hearts, while also being full of humorous gags. The growth of each character and changes in their relationships are also depicted, deeply moving the viewers.

■ Recommendation points

"Jimoto ga Japan" is a comedy anime with the theme of hometown love that provides viewers with laughter and emotion. In particular, each episode introduces the culture and characteristics of a different prefecture, providing viewers with new knowledge and encouraging them to rediscover their hometown love. In addition, the unique acting of the characters, including Japan, also captures the hearts of viewers.

This anime is especially recommended for people who value local pride and are interested in the culture of the prefectures of Japan. It is also recommended for people who like gag anime and those who want to laugh and be moved in a short time. "Jimoto ga Japan" is a heartwarming work that will bring smiles and emotions to the viewers.

■Detailed information

・Release media: TV anime series ・Original media: Manga ・Broadcast period: April 8th, 2019 to March 23rd, 2020 ・Broadcast time: 7:05~ *Broadcast on "Oha Suta".
・Broadcasting station: TV Tokyo series ・Running time: 10 minutes ・Number of episodes: 50 ・Original work: Seiji Hayashi ・Director: Isamu Ueno ・Production: Animation production / ODDJOB
・Copyright: ©Seiji Hayashi/Shueisha, Toudoufukenbu

Conclusion

"Jimoto ga Japan" is a comedy anime with the theme of hometown love, providing viewers with laughter and emotion. Each episode introduces the culture and characteristics of a different prefecture, providing viewers with new knowledge and encouraging them to reaffirm their hometown love. The unique acting of the characters, including Japan, also captures the hearts of viewers. This anime is especially recommended for people who value hometown love and those who are interested in the cultures of prefectures across Japan. It is also recommended for people who like comedy anime and those who want to laugh and be moved in a short amount of time. "Jimoto ga Japan" is a heartwarming work that provides viewers with smiles and emotion.