Sarazanmai Review: A world where youth and secrets intersect

Sarazanmai - Sarazanmai - Reviews and Recommendations

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

April 12, 2019 - June 21, 2019
0:55～

■Broadcasting station

Fuji Television

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 11

■Original Story

Ikuni Rapper

■ Director

Kunihiko Ikuhara

■ Production

Animation production: MAPPA, Lapin Truck

■Works

©Ikuni Rapper/Silicon Commanders

■ Story

The setting is Asakusa.
One day, three second-year junior high school students, Kazuki Yasaka, Yuu Kuji, and Enta Jinnai, encounter a mysterious kappa-like life form called "Keppi."
He has his shirikodama forcibly taken away and is transformed into a kappa.

"If you want to return to your original form, connect in a certain way and bring me the zombie's shirikodama."
Keppi tells the three boys. Will the boys be able to connect with each other and steal the zombies' shirikodama?!
At the same time, something was about to happen at the police box where Niiboshi Reo and Akutsu Masatake worked.

■Explanation

Connect or lose sight of it. Don't let go, your desire is your life.

■Cast

・Ikki Yasaka/Ayumu Murase/Yu Kuji/Kouki Uchiyama/Enta Jinnai/Shun Horie/Keppi/Junichi Suwabe/Leo Niiboshi/Mamoru Miyano/Masatake Akutsu/Yoshimasa Hosoya/Harukawa/Rie Kugimiya/Chief Kuji/Kenjiro Tsuda/Otonei Jinnai/Mariya Ise/Sara Azuma/Teiko/Zombie/Ryo Kato

■ Main staff

・Director / Kunihiko Ikuhara ・Chief Director / Nobuyuki Takeuchi ・Series Composition / Kunihiko Ikuhara, Teruko Utsumi ・Character Original Design / Migi ・Character Design ・Chief Animation Director / Kayoko Ishikawa ・Concept Design / Katsunori Shibata ・Assistant Director / Maimu Matsushima ・Art Director / Ayaka Fujii, Studio Pablo
・Color design: Kunio Tsujita ・Director of photography: Takeo Ogiwara ・Editing: Masayuki Kurosawa ・Music: Yukari Hashimoto ・Original story: Ikuni Rapper ・Animation production: MAPPA, Lapin Truck

■ Main Characters

- Ikki Yasaka, a second-year junior high school student. He used to be a bright boy who loved soccer, but now he is obsessed with "something."
A boy who transferred to Ikki's class. There are bad rumors about him and he is isolated in class.
Jinnai Tsubameta is Kazuki's childhood friend. When Kazuki was in the soccer club, the two were the "golden duo."
A mysterious kappa-type lifeform who calls himself the first heir to the throne of the Keppi Kappa Kingdom. He removes the shirikodama from humans and turns them into kappas.
・Nippon Reo A police officer working at the police box and Shinbu's partner.
Akutsu: A police officer working at the Shinbu Police Box and Reo's partner.
Azuma Sara A local idol who serves as the MC for the local Asakusa TV program.
・Kuji Chikai Yu's older brother. He does bad things for a living and is always in danger. He currently lives apart from Yu.

■Subtitle

・First dish: I want to connect, but I want to lie (2019/04/11)
・Second dish: I want to connect, but I also want to take away (2019/04/18)
・Third dish: I want to connect, but it's not rewarded (2019/04/25)
・The Fourth Plate: I want to connect, but you're not by my side (2019/05/02)
・The Fifth Plate: I Want to Connect, but It's Not Allowed (2019/05/09)
・The sixth dish: I want to connect, so I won't give up (2019/05/16)
・The Seventh Plate: I Want to Connect, but I Want to Betray (2019/05/23)
・The Eighth Plate: I want to connect, but I can't see you anymore (2019/05/30)
・The ninth dish: I want to connect, but I can't communicate (2019/06/06)
・The 10th dish: I want to connect, but I can't (2019/06/13)
・The 11th dish: Because we want to connect, Sarazanmai (2019/06/20)

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・Period: 1-11
・Masara・Lyrics by Maguro Taniguchi
・Composer: Maguro Taniguchi
・Arrangement: KANA-BOON
・Song: KANA-BOON
・ED1
・Period: 1-11
・Stand by Me・Lyrics: Yuho Kitazawa・Composition: Yuho Kitazawa・Arrangement: the peggies, Shiraishi Satori・Singer: the peggies
・IN1
・Period/1-5, 7, 10, 11
Lyrics by Kunihiko Ikuhara and Teruko Utsumi. Music by Yukari Hashimoto. Sung by Kazuki Yasaka (Ayumu Murase), Yu Kuji (Subaru Uchiyama), Enta Jinnai (Shun Horie), and Keppi (Junichi Suwabe).
・1-5 and 7th dishes are Yasaka Kazuki (Murase Ayumu), Kuji Yuu (Uchiyama Subaki), Jinnai Enta (Horie Shun), Keppi (Suwabe Junichi), 10th dish is Niiboshi Reo (Miyano Mamoru), Akutsu Masatake (Hosoya Yoshimasa), Keppi (Suwabe Junichi), 11th dish is Yasaka Kazuki (Murase Ayumu), Kuji Yuu (Uchiyama Subaki), Jinnai Enta (Horie Shun), Keppi (Suwabe Junichi), Kawauso (Kuroda Takaya)
・IN2
・Period: 2-5, 7
・Otter Iyaaa ・Lyrics by Kunihiko Ikuhara and Teruko Utsumi ・Music by Yukari Hashimoto ・Singer by Reo Shinsei (Mamoru Miyano) and Masatake Akutsu (Yoshimasa Hosoya)
・IN3
・Period: 1, 7
・After School Copper ・Lyrics by Logie Omiya (Girlish Elise)
・Composer: Logie Omiya (Girlish Elise)
・Singer: Sara Azuma (Teiko)
・IN4
・Period/9
・After School Copper_Salala Scat
Lyrics by Logie Omiya (Girlish Elise)
・Composer: Logie Omiya (Girlish Elise)
・Singer: Sara Azuma (Teiko)

■Review

"Sarazanmai" is a work filled with director Kunihiko Ikuhara's unique worldview and deep themes, making it an anime that leaves a strong impression on viewers. Set in Asakusa, this work depicts the strange adventures of a kappa and a group of human boys, and although on the surface it has strong elements of fantasy and comedy, deep human drama and social issues are hidden beneath it.

The story centers around three second-year junior high school students, Yasaka Kazuki, Kuji Yuu, and Jinnai Enta. They encounter a mysterious kappa-like lifeform called "Keppi," who steals their shirikodama and transforms them into kappas. Keppi tells the three of them, "If you want to return to your original form, you must connect with them in a certain way and bring back the zombie shirikodama," and they embark on a difficult mission. This premise is very unique and has enough appeal to hold the interest of viewers.

Director Kunihiko Ikuhara's works are always characterized by visual beauty and symbolic expression, and Sarazanmai is no exception. From the scenery of Asakusa and the design of the kappa to the character's expressions and movements, everything is carefully drawn. In particular, the design of the kappa is a perfect blend of cuteness and creepiness, making a strong visual impact. Additionally, the work of character designer Kayoko Ishikawa is excellent, and the individuality of each character is well expressed.

While the story depicts the friendship, conflict, and growth of the boys, it also deals with social themes. For example, through the presence of Kuji Yu's older brother, Kuji Chika, it depicts family problems and the impact of crime. In addition, through the character of Azuma Sara, it touches on idol culture and the influence of the media. These themes function as elements that make the viewer think deeply, and have value that goes beyond mere entertainment.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of "Sarazanmai." The energetic sound of KANA-BOON, who sings the opening theme "Masara," and the depth of the lyrics add to the atmosphere of the work. In addition, the gentle melody and lyrics of the ending theme "Stand by Me" by the peggies have a soothing effect on the hearts of viewers. Furthermore, you can enjoy songs used in the play, such as "Kawasoiyaa" and "Houkago Copper," as you progress through the story.

The acting of the cast is also superb. In particular, Murase Ayumu as Yasaka Kazuki, Uchiyama Kouki as Kuji Yu, and Horie Shun as Jinnai Enta realistically express the emotions of their characters, eliciting sympathy from the viewers. Additionally, the voice of Suwabe Junichi as Keppi is also an important element in bringing out the charm of the characters. The acting of Miyano Mamoru as Niiboshi Reo and Hosoya Yoshimasa as Akutsu Mabu also adds depth to the progression of the story.

"Sarazanmai" is a work that combines visual beauty, deep themes, and attractive characters and music. This is an anime that I would highly recommend to those who want to enjoy director Kunihiko Ikuhara's unique worldview, those who want to enjoy a story about the growth and friendship of boys, and those who are interested in social themes. After watching it, you will surely be left thinking about something.

■Recommendation

Here are some recommended points to help you enjoy Sarazanmai.

1. **A must-see for fans of director Kunihiko Ikuhara**: Director Kunihiko Ikuhara's works are always characterized by visual beauty and deep themes. Sarazanmai is no exception, and you can enjoy the director's unique worldview. If you're a fan of Revolutionary Girl Utena or Mawaru Penguindrum, be sure to check it out.

2. **A story about the growth and friendship of boys**: Kazuki Yasaka, Yu Kuji, and Enta Jinnai grow and deepen their friendship in difficult situations. Their story will resonate with viewers and warm their hearts. Recommended for those who like youth anime.

3. **People who are interested in social themes**: Sarazanmai deals with various social themes, such as family issues, the effects of crime, idol culture, and the influence of the media. If you are interested in these themes, this will be a thought-provoking work.

4. **For those who want to enjoy the music**: The opening theme "Masara", the ending theme "Stand by Me", and the songs "Kawasoiyaa" and "Houkago Copper" are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the music while watching the anime.

5. **Those who want to enjoy the scenery of Asakusa**: The setting of "Sarazanmai" is Asakusa. The scenery of Asakusa depicted in the anime is beautiful and realistically reproduced. Recommended for those who like Asakusa or want to enjoy traditional Japanese scenery.

Above is my review and recommendation of "Sarazanmai". This is a worthwhile anime that combines visual beauty, deep themes, and charming characters and music. Please watch it and enjoy its unique worldview.