Impressions and reviews of the 14th episode of Ani x Para, "episode 14 Para Snowboarding"

Ani x Para - Who is your hero? - Episode 14 "Para Snowboarding"

■ Public Media

TV Special

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

From February 20, 2022
■TV Broadcast
NHK BS1 February 20, 2022 (1 episode) Sunday 18:45-18:50

■Broadcasting station

Broadcast: NHK BS1

■Frequencies

5 mins

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

・Character design: Kazuhiko Shimamoto

■ Director

・Director: Hidetoshi Omori

■ Production

・Animation Production: Nippon Animation ・Production: NHK Enterprises ・Production: NHK
・Work: NHK

■Works

©Kazuhiko Shimamoto/NHK

■ Story

This is a story of life that depicts "resignation," which requires breaking away from one's past self, and a new "challenge." Mayama's body does not move as he wants it to, and he is halfway through his sports. But one shocking word from his wife, Haruka, moves Mayama's heart...

■Explanation

The character designs are by Kazuhiko Shimamoto, a manga artist known for works such as "Aoi Honoo"! Mayama, a man who was once in the limelight as a snowboarder, starts from scratch and takes on the new challenge of snowboard cross, but what is the true coolness he pursues?

■Cast

・Mayama Kei/Terashima Takuma ・Mayama Haruka/Uchida Maaya ・Dorati/Konishi Katsuyuki

■ Main staff

・Character design: Kazuhiko Shimamoto ・Director: Hidetoshi Omori ・Screenplay: Shinta Kano ・Music: Kohei Yamada ・Animation production: Nippon Animation ・Production: NHK Enterprises ・Production: NHK
・Work: NHK

■ Main Characters

・Kei Mayama
A professional snowboarder. In pursuit of "coolness," he was active as a leader in slopestyle, but an accident during a competition caused him to have difficulty walking independently. As a result of rehabilitation, he recovered enough to be able to snowboard again, and switched to becoming a para-snowboarder. He progressed from slopestyle, which relies on skill, to snowboard cross, which is a speed competition. Unable to go as fast as he wanted, he spoke of giving up, but his wife Haruka told him that he was "uncool," and he decided to face his limits again.
・Haruka Mayama
Kei's wife. She faces the reality that her husband lost the use of his legs after a sudden accident. She respects her husband who has been working hard at rehabilitation and is back on the stage. After losing a race, Kei starts making excuses, but she gives him a pep talk.
Drati: A Norwegian para-snowboarder. He looks big and muscular, but he's actually a nice guy. He's a good rival to Mayama.

■ Theme songs and music

・TM1
・SPACESHIP
Lyrics: WurtS
・Composer: WurtS
・Arrangement: WurtS
・Song: WurtS

Evaluation

The 14th installment of the "Ani x Para - Who is your hero? -" series, "episode 14 Para Snowboarding", is a 5-minute TV special that aired on NHK BS1 on February 20, 2022. The work is an original anime, with character designs by manga artist Kazuhiko Shimamoto. It was directed by Hidetoshi Omori, written by Shinta Kano, with music by Kohei Yamada, and animated by Nippon Animation. It was produced by NHK Enterprises and NHK, and the copyright belongs to NHK.

The protagonist of this episode is Mayama Kei, a professional snowboarder who was once a leading figure in slopestyle. An accident during a competition left him unable to walk independently, but after rehabilitation he made a comeback as a para-snowboarder. Mayama switched from slopestyle, which relies on skill, to snowboardcross, which is a competition of speed, and took on this new challenge. However, unable to go as fast as he would like, he uttered words of resignation. At that moment, his wife Haruka told him that he was "uncool," and he resolved to face his limits once again.

Takuma Terashima plays Kei Mayama, Maaya Uchida plays his wife Haruka, and Katsuyuki Konishi plays Dorati, a Norwegian para snowboarder. The theme song "SPACESHIP" was written, composed, arranged, and sung by WurtS.

Story and Themes

"Episode 14 Para Snowboarding" is the story of a turning point in Mayama Kei's life. He was once a brilliant snowboarder who pursued "coolness," but an accident took that dream away from him. However, through rehabilitation he is able to snowboard again and begins a new challenge as a para snowboarder. In this episode, Mayama takes on a new sport, snowboard cross, and is shown coming to terms with his own limitations.

The themes of this work are "giving up" and "challenge." After his accident, Mayama has recovered enough to be able to snowboard again, but he is unable to go as fast as he would like and gives up. However, his wife Haruka's words "that's not cool" motivate him and he resolves to face his limits once again. This episode teaches us the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, but continuing to take on new challenges.

Character design and direction

The character designs are by Kazuhiko Shimamoto, whose unique touch gives the work a lively look. Mayama Kei's character in particular realistically depicts the changes and inner conflicts he faces before and after the accident, leaving a deep impression on viewers. His wife, Haruka's character, is also well-drawn, with the strength and kindness that supports her husband.

In terms of directing, Director Omori Hidetoshi's skillful technique shines through. In just five minutes, he effectively portrays the turning points in Mayama's life and his relationship with his wife. In particular, the scene in which Mayama challenges himself in snowboard cross realistically conveys the sense of speed and tension, drawing the viewer in. Additionally, the background music by Yamada Kohei also plays a role in building up emotions as the story unfolds.

Cast performances

Terashima Takuma, who plays Mayama Kei, delicately expresses the changes in Mayama's heart before and after the accident. Mayama's inner conflict is particularly realistically conveyed in the scene where he utters words of resignation and is moved by the words of his wife Haruka. Uchida Maaya, who plays Mayama Haruka, also naturally portrays the strength and kindness of a woman who supports her husband, deeply moving the audience. Konishi Katsuyuki, who plays Dorati, also humorously plays a large, muscular character, making his presence known as a worthy rival to Mayama.

Theme song

The theme song "SPACESHIP" was written, composed, arranged and sung by WurtS. This song features a powerful melody and lyrics that support Mayama's new challenge, and it matches the theme of the story perfectly. In particular, this song, which plays during the scene where Mayama challenges snowboard cross, has the effect of inspiring the viewers.

Recommended

The 14th installment of the "Ani x Para - Who is Your Hero? -" series, "episode 14: Para Snowboarding", is a moving work that depicts a deep theme in a short time. This episode in particular teaches the importance of continuing to take on new challenges rather than giving up when faced with difficulties, and is sure to inspire many viewers. The quality of the entire work is also very high, including Kazuhiko Shimamoto's character design, Hidetoshi Omori's direction, the acting of the cast, and the theme song "SPACESHIP".

This work is recommended not only for those who are interested in snowboarding and parasports, but also for those who are struggling with a turning point or challenge in their lives. In just five minutes, "episode 14 Para Snowboarding" will give you deep emotion and courage, so be sure to watch it at least once.