The appeal and reviews of "Space Something Kotetsu-kun": The appeal of its unique world view and characters

Space Something Kotetsu-kun - A journey of dreams and humor into space

"Uchu Nanchara Kotetsu-kun" is a TV anime series based on the popular web manga by Nishimura Yuji, which aired on NHK Educational TV from April 7, 2021 to March 2, 2022. There are 32 episodes in total, each 10 minutes long, but they are packed with content and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. This anime has a story that combines dreams of space with humor, providing viewers with laughter and emotion.

story

The story is set in Animal Kingdom 50 years after mankind landed on the moon. Animal Kingdom was far behind humans in space development, but the age of space development arrived when Prime Minister Animal declared, "We will also plant our flag on the moon!" In response to this declaration, Animal Kingdom Space Academy was established, and students including the main character Kotetsu set out on a journey to space.

Kotetsu is a first-year student in the pilot course who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Although he is a bit of a scaredy-dovey character, his determination to achieve his goal is endearing. The story follows Kotetsu and his friends as they grow and overcome various challenges through their days at the Space Academy.

character

In addition to Kotetsu, other characters with unique personalities appear, including Nico, who loves studying, Lou, who is crazy about developing spacecraft, Hikaru, who aims to become a space attendant, and Otama, who is researching space food. Each character learns the importance of friendship and cooperation as they pursue their own dreams.

In particular, adults such as Kotetsu's grandfather, the principal, and Tobio also play important roles, supporting the students and sometimes teaching them with humor. In addition, DAXA-kun's "Today's Trivia" will convey space knowledge to viewers in an easy-to-understand way.

Production and staff

This anime is based on the original work by Nishimura Yuji, directed by Sakuda Hazumu, and animated by Fanworks. The series is composed by Kato Yoichi, and produced and written by the Chokkura Tsuki Made Committee. In order to recreate Nishimura Yuji's unique worldview in the anime, the staff worked hard to create the anime with attention to detail.

In particular, the character designs, movements, background depictions, etc., while respecting the atmosphere of the original work, are pursued in a way that is unique to anime. In addition, the sound aspects, such as the narration by Tsuyoshi Muro and the "something voice", are also ingenious.

music

The ending theme "2000 Something Space Journey" was performed by RHYMESTER. The song was written by a luxurious team of Utammaru and Mummy-D, composed by DJ JIN and Mr.Drunk, and arranged by DJ JIN, making it a perfect match for the theme of the anime. In episode 31, RHYMESTER appeared as themselves in animal form, surprising viewers.

Episodes and collaborations

The subtitles of each episode begin with Kotetsu's entrance ceremony and depict various cosmic knowledge and events at the academy. In particular, episodes 13 and 14 featured an event called "U-1 Grand Prix!", with comedian Chocolate Planet appearing as guests. Also, in episode 21, a collaboration with "Minna de Muscle Exercise" was held, with exercise physiologists Michiya Tanimoto and Shinji Takeda appearing. These collaborations further enhance the appeal of the anime.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Space Something Kotetsu-kun" is an anime for children, but adults can also enjoy it. There are many highlights, such as a humorous story and character growth, as well as "Today's Something Trivia" where you can learn about space. In addition, the guests and collaborations in each episode are also one of the things to look forward to, so viewers will never get bored.

In particular, the efforts of Kotetsu and his friends as they work towards their dreams are inspiring to viewers. This anime, which depicts the dream of space while also teaching the importance of friendship and cooperation, is perfect for watching with the whole family. Furthermore, I would like to recommend this work to many people as it combines Nishimura Yuji's unique worldview with the unique expression of anime.

More Information

Below is detailed information about "Space Something Kotetsu-kun."

Public Media

TV anime series

Original Media

comics

Broadcast period

April 7, 2021 - March 2, 2022
18:45～

Broadcasting Station

Broadcast: NHK Educational TV

Fraction

10 min

Number of Episodes

Episode 32

original work

・Original work by Yuji Nishimura

director

・Director: Hazumu Sakuda

Production

Animation Production: Fanworks Production, Copyright: Chokkura Tsuki Made Committee

Publications

©2021 Space Academy/Chokkaido Committee

cast

・Kotetsu/Natsumi Fujiwara・Nico/Junya Enoki・Lou/Masashi Tamaki・Hikaru/Ayana Taketatsu・Otama/Akane Yamaguchi・Michiko/Ayasa Ito・Grandpa/Kappei Yamaguchi・Principal/Yoshiaki Aoyama・Tobio/Takashi Koyama・Mr. Izumi/Kensuke Nishi・DAXA/Tsuyoshi Muro・Narration/Tsuyoshi Muro

Main Staff

・Original Story: Yuji Nishimura ・Director: Hazumu Sakuda ・Series Composition: Yoichi Kato ・Animation Production: Fanworks ・Production: Chokkura Tsuki Made Committee

Main Characters

・Kotetsu Pilot Course. The protagonist aims to become an astronaut at the Space Academy.
Her dream is to become an astronaut and solve the mysteries of the universe.
Although she is a little timid, she is an earnest, hardworking person who works hard to achieve her goals.

Nico, pilot department. The top elite of the class who loves studying.
Her dream is to shake hands with an alien. She looks cool, but she actually likes cute things. She tries to hide it.

・Spacecraft Development Department. Researches rockets.
Her dream is to create a car that can go into space. She is usually kind and easygoing. When it comes to science and technology, she can become so engrossed that she loses sight of what's going on around her.

・Hikaru is in the space attendant department. She is currently studying how to provide hospitality to guests going to space.
Her dream is to introduce the stars in a fun way. She is curious and innocent. When she finds something that interests her or is fun, she will go ahead and do it.

・Otama Space Food and Beverage Department. Studying space food.
Her dream is to become the best chef in the universe. She is cheerful, confident, and has a strong spirit of adventure.
Although he can be a bit clumsy at times, he is a serious person at heart. He speaks with an accent, but thinks he is speaking standard Japanese.

Michiko: Koteu's classmate who skipped a grade and enrolled in the school.
He has a high pride and is a bit childish.
He hates to lose and wants to be the best at everything.
He has a slightly foul mouth.

・Grandpa Kotetsu's grandfather.
He had been fascinated by space since he was young, and encouraged Kotetsu to become an astronaut.
Sometimes he talks in an exaggerated way, which surprises Kotetsu.
Principal The principal of Space Academy.
In my efforts to convey the wonder of the universe, my talk tends to become long.
His students are annoyed by his constant puns, but he's actually very knowledgeable about space.
He interacts frankly with his students.

・The manager of "Hormone Yaki Tobio", a restaurant frequented by Tobio Kotetsu and his friends.
He may look wild, but he's actually a caring and reliable adult.
I've been good friends with the principal for a long time.

・Izumi Sensei Kotetsu's homeroom teacher.
He teaches kindly, but sometimes strictly, so that everyone can become a great astronaut.
He is highly trusted by his students.

・DAXA
DAXA's mascot character.
In "Today's Trivia" they teach various facts about the universe.

subtitle

・Episode 1/Kotetsu's Entrance Ceremony (2021/04/07)
・Episode 2: My First Space Academy (2021/04/14)
・Episode 3: Nico's Strawberry Pen (2021/04/21)
・Episode 4/Principal's special lecture (2021/04/28)
・Episode 5: Tobio's Hormones (2021/05/12)
・Episode 6: Hikaru's Moon Exploration 2 (2021/05/19)
・Episode 7: Let's participate in the commemorative festival (2021/06/02)
・Episode 8: Omelette with a Ladle (2021/06/09)
・Episode 9: Obachan's Five (2021/06/16)
・Episode 10: Planet Monooki (2021/06/23)
・Episode 11: Search for UFOs (2021/07/07)
・Episode 12/Horoscope (2021/07/14)
・Episode 13: U-1 Grand Prix! Part 1 (2021/09/08)
・Episode 14/U-1 Grand Prix! Part 2 (2021/09/15)
・Episode 15/Home Planetarium (2021/09/22)
・Episode 16: Training with Grandpa (2021/09/29)
・Episode 17: Brushing Teeth in Space (2021/10/06)
・Episode 18: Space and Farts (2021/10/13)
・Episode 19: Let's Make a Space Suit (2021/10/27)
・Episode 20/Black Hole (2021/11/03)
・Episode 21: The Universe is a Muscle (2021/11/10)
・Episode 22: The Dark Side of the Moon (2021/11/24)
・Episode 23: See the International Space Station (2021/12/01)
・Episode 24: Contact with Aliens (2021/12/08)
・Episode 25: Let's go to the observatory! (2021/12/15)
・Episode 26: Search for meteorites (2021/12/22)
・Episode 27/Let's advertise (2021/01/19)
・Episode 28: Lou's Factory (2022/01/26)
・Episode 29/Ladle's Menu (2022/02/02)
・Episode 30/Opening! Commemorative Festival (2022/02/09)
・Episode 31: Aim to be number one! (2022/02/23)
・Episode 32/Catchphrase (2022/03/02)

Theme songs and music

・ED
・2000 Something Space Journey・Lyrics by Utadamaru and Mummy-D
・Composition: DJ JIN, Mr.Drunk
・Arrangement/DJ JIN
・Song: RHYMESTER

Conclusion

"Space Something Kotetsu-kun" is a wonderful anime that depicts the dreams and humor of space. There are many highlights, such as the growth and friendship of Kotetsu and his friends, and "Today's Something Trivia" where you can learn about space. This anime is perfect for watching with the whole family, and I would definitely recommend it to many people.