Digimon Adventure: Reevaluating a nostalgic classic

Digimon Adventure: The Beginning of a New Adventure

Digimon Adventure, which began airing in 2020, is an epic story set in the digital world and the real world. The original work is based on a game by Akiyoshi Hongo, and the series director is Masato Mitsuzuka. It was produced by Fuji Television Network, Yomiuri Advertising Agency, and Toei Animation, and aired on Fuji Television Network. It aired from April 5, 2020 to September 26, 2021, and is a long series consisting of 67 episodes, each 30 minutes long. The broadcast was temporarily postponed due to the influence of COVID-19, but resumed on June 28.

story

The story begins in Tokyo in 2020, where networks have become an indispensable part of human life. The protagonist, Taichi Yagami, is a fifth-grade boy who was left alone at home to prepare for a weekend summer camp. However, a large-scale network failure occurred mainly in the metropolitan area, and Taichi's mother and sister Hikari were boarding a train in Shibuya, so Taichi headed to Shibuya to help them. There, a mysterious phenomenon occurs to the "chosen children," and Taichi is drawn into the Digital World. In the Digital World, Taichi meets his partner Digimon, Agumon, and embarks on an unknown adventure with the other chosen children.

cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows:

• Taichi Yagami: Yuuko Sanpei
• Ishida Yamato: Daisuke Namikawa
• Mitsushiro Izumi: Yumiko Kobayashi
• Takenouchi Sora: Ryoko Shiraishi
• Takeshi Kido: Takeshi Kusao
• Tachikawa Mimi: Takano Marika
• Takeru Takaishi: Megumi Han
• Hikari Yagami: Misaki Watada
• Agumon: Chinatsu Sakamoto
• Gabumon: Mayumi Yamaguchi
• Tentomon: Takahiro Sakurai
• Piyomon: Shigematsu Kachou
• Gomamon: Junko Takeuchi
• Palmon: Yamada Kinoko
• Patamon: Matsumoto Miwa
• Tailmon: Mie Sonozaki
• Narration: Masako Nozawa

Main Staff

The production team is as follows:

• Original story: Akiyoshi Hongo
• Producers: Ebana Shoju (Fuji Television), Sagawa Naoko (Yomiuri Advertising), Sakurada Hiroyuki, Takami Satoru
• Series Director: Masato Mitsuzuka
• Series Composition: Atsuhiro Tomioka
• Character design: Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, Akihiro Asanuma
• Chief animation director: Akihiro Asanuma
• Art director: Ryoka Kinoshita
• Art setting: Toshitaka Amada
• Music: Toshihiko Sahashi
• Produced by: Fuji Television Network, Yomiuri Advertising, Toei Animation

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: Tokyo Digital Crisis (2020/04/05)
• Episode 2: War Games (2020/04/12)
• Episode 3: And into the Digital World (2020/04/19)
• Episode 4: Birdramon Flight (2020/06/28)
• Episode 5: Sacred Digimon (2020/07/05)
• Episode 6: The Targeted Kingdom (2020/07/12)
• Episode 7: That Man, Joe Kido (2020/07/19)
• Episode 8: Children's Siege (2020/07/26)
• Episode 9: The Complete Form Attacks (2020/08/02)
• Episode 10: Super Evolution of Steel (2020/08/09)
• Episode 11: Wolf Standing in the Desert (2020/08/16)
• Episode 12: Lilimon Blooms (2020/08/23)
• Episode 13: Garudamon the Crimson Wing (2020/08/30)
• Episode 14: Clash of the King of Insects (2020/09/06)
• Episode 15: Zudomon: The Lightning Hammer (2020/09/13)
• Episode 16: Tokyo Invasion: The Dark Shadow (2020/09/20)
• Episode 17: Tokyo Battle: Orochimon (2020/09/27)
• Episode 18: Tokyo Destruction Countdown (2020/10/04)
• Episode 19: Roar, Beast King Fist (2020/10/11)
• Episode 20: The Awakening of the Seventh (2020/10/18)
• Episode 21: Armed Steel Reversal (2020/10/25)
• Episode 22: The Indomitable Blue Wing (2020/11/01)
• Episode 23: Devimon, the Messenger of Darkness (2020/11/08)
• Episode 24: Ultimate Dandevimon (2020/11/15)
• Episode 25: Dive to the next sea (2020/11/22)
• Episode 26: Breakthrough: Sea Monster Encirclement (2020/11/29)
• Episode 27: To the New World (2020/12/06)
• Episode 28: Children's Survival (2020/12/13)
• Episode 29: Escape from the Burning Jungle (2020/12/20)
• Episode 30: Ultimate WarGreymon (2020/12/27)
• Episode 31: The New Dark Millenniumon (2021/01/10)
• Episode 32: Hope Soaring Through the Sky (2021/01/17)
• Episode 33: Light at Dawn (2021/01/24)
• Episode 34: Hikari and Tailmon (2021/01/31)
• Episode 35: Shining Angewomon (2021/02/07)
• Episode 36: Satellite Sniper Operation (2021/02/14)
• Episode 37: Mimi-chan Wars (2021/02/21)
• Episode 38: Burning Blue Friendship (2021/02/28)
• Episode 39: Jagamon Potato Hell (2021/03/07)
• Episode 40: Make the Decisive Shot! (2021/03/21)
• Episode 41: Monmon Park in the Fog (2021/03/28)
• Episode 42: Inventor Garbemon (2021/04/05)
• Episode 43: Clash of the Kings of Digimon (2021/04/11)
• Episode 44: Hikari and the Moving Forest (2021/04/18)
• Episode 45: Startup MetalGarurumon (2021/04/25)
• Episode 46: The Holy Sword of Hope (2021/05/02)
• Episode 47: Villains of the Wilderness (2021/05/09)
• Episode 48: Mugendramon's Attack (2021/05/16)
• Episode 49: The Advent of the Evil God Millenniumon (2021/05/23)
• Episode 50: The End of the Ultimate Holy War (2021/05/30)
• Episode 51: The Mystery Hidden in the Crest (2021/06/06)
• Episode 52: Tenmai Hououmon (2021/06/14)
• Episode 53: The Geko Hot Springs Rebellion (2021/06/20)
• Episode 54: Wandering War Demon Libertymon (2021/06/27)
• Episode 55: Digimon School Targeted (2021/07/04)
• Episode 56: Crescent Moon Golden Wolf (2021/07/11)
• Episode 57: Contact from Ruin (2021/07/18)
• Episode 58: Hikari: A New Life (2021/07/25)
• Episode 59: Lightning HerculeKabuterimon (2021/08/01)
• Episode 60: Vaikemon Conquers the Glacier (2021/08/08)
• Episode 61: To the place I want to go back to (2021/08/15)
• Episode 62: Tears of Shakkoumon (2021/08/22)
• Episode 63: Emblem of Courage (2021/08/29)
• Episode 64: The Angels' Determination (2021/09/05)
• Episode 65: Giant Ruin Negamon (2021/09/12)
• Episode 66: The Last Miracle, the Last Power (2021/09/19)
• Episode 67: The End of the Adventure (2021/09/26)

Theme songs and music

The opening and ending themes are as follows:

• OP: "Unidentified Airship"
• Vocals: Takayoshi Tanimoto
• Lyricist: Yuriko Mori
• Composition and Arrangement: Naozumi Mabuchi
• Ending Theme: "Dreamers"
• Sung by: ATEEZ
• ED: "Overseas Highway"
• Vocals: Wolpis Carter
• ED: "Mind game"
• Singer: Maica_n
• ED: "Q?"
• Sung by: Reol
• Lyricist: Reol
• Composer: Giga, Reol
• Arrangement: Giga
• ED: "Regret is a seed"
• Sung by: Chiaki Fujikawa
• Lyricist: Chiaki Fujikawa
• Composition and arrangement: Ryutaro Fujinaga (Elements Garden)

Evaluation and Impressions

"Digimon Adventure" faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original game while adding new storylines and characters, appealing to new audiences as well as existing fans. In particular, the depiction of the digital world and the Digimon evolution scenes are visually very appealing, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. In addition, the subtitles for each episode cleverly express the development of the story, helping to draw the viewer's interest.

The series also delves deeply into themes such as character growth, friendship, and courage, and there are many scenes that move viewers. In particular, the relationship between Taichi Yagami and Agumon, as well as the bonds with the other Chosen Children, are depicted as central elements of the story. In addition, each character's personality is well-drawn, and the fact that viewers can easily empathize with them has also been praised.

In terms of music, the theme songs and insert songs play a role in livening up the atmosphere of the story, and the opening theme "Unidentified Airship" in particular is a powerful song that symbolizes the beginning of the adventure. There are also many different ending themes, selected to match the content of each episode, and many of them remain in the viewers' hearts.

Recommended points

"Digimon Adventure" is an appealing work that crosses over the fantastical worldview of the digital world with the real world. In particular, the Digimon evolution and battle scenes are visually very enjoyable, so it is recommended for viewers who value animation quality. In addition, the themes of character growth, friendship, and courage are deeply depicted, so it is also suitable for viewers who want to be moved.

In addition, fans of the original game can enjoy the new story and characters from a fresh perspective. In terms of music, the theme songs and insert songs play a role in livening up the story, so it is recommended for viewers who love music.

Overall, Digimon Adventure is a work that can be enjoyed by a wide range of audiences, and is especially recommended for those who enjoy a story that depicts adventures in the digital world and character growth.