The appeal and evaluation of "Matsuinu": A moving story and the depth of its characters

"Matsuinu" - A new short anime that inherits Fujio Akatsuka's worldview

"Matsuinu", which aired on TV Tokyo's "Iniminimanimo" from October 7 to December 23, 2023, is a new short anime based on Fujio Akatsuka's masterpiece "Osomatsu-kun". With 12 episodes, each episode lasting just five minutes, it brings out the humor and charm of Fujio Akatsuka's characters to the fullest. In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal of "Matsuinu", the production background, character introductions, and reactions from viewers.

Summary of "Matsuinu"

"Matsuinu" is a short anime based on Fujio Akatsuka's "Osomatsu-kun" and broadcast on the TV Tokyo network. It will be broadcast from October 7 to December 23, 2023, and will consist of 12 episodes. Each episode is only five minutes long, but it captures Fujio Akatsuka's unique humor and the charm of his characters. It was broadcast on TV Tokyo and AT-X every Saturday morning from 7:00 a.m.

The original work for "Matsuinu" is "Osomatsu-kun", but the story is original to the anime, and while it inherits Fujio Akatsuka's worldview, it is a work drawn from a new perspective. It is directed by Endo Tetsuya, animated by Point Pictures, and produced by the Matsuinu Production Committee. Copyright belongs to Fujio Akatsuka and the Matsuinu Production Committee.

Production background and concept

Behind the creation of "Matsuinu" was a strong desire to revive Fujio Akatsuka's work in the modern era. "Osomatsu-kun" was serialized from 1962 to 1967, and has been adapted into anime and remade many times since then. However, the 2023 "Matsuinu" aims to go beyond the traditional framework of "Osomatsu-kun" and depict Fujio Akatsuka's worldview from a new perspective.

In an interview, director Tetsuya Endo said, "I chose the short animation format to convey the humor and charm of Akatsuka Fujio's characters to modern audiences. I thought that if I could pack laughter and emotion into the short time of five minutes, I could provide the audience with new discoveries." Point Pictures, which produced the animation, was also made up of staff who love Akatsuka Fujio's works, and they worked carefully on the production.

Character Introduction

The characters in "Matsuinu" are based on those in the original "Osomatsu-kun", but new settings and storylines have been added. The main characters are introduced below.

Osomatsu

Osomatsu is the eldest of the sextuplets and is a leader. In "Matsuinu," his slightly clumsy side is emphasized, and there are many humorous scenes. Osomatsu's actions often have a big influence on the development of the story, so he is an important character for viewers.

Larch

Karamatsu is the second son of the sextuplets and has a slightly narcissistic personality. In "Matsuinu", Karamatsu's narcissistic side is portrayed in a comical way, and there are many scenes that make the audience laugh. Karamatsu's actions also sometimes affect his other siblings, and he plays an important role in the progression of the story.

Choromatsu

Choromatsu is the third son of the sextuplets and has a slightly nervous personality. In "Matsuinu", Choromatsu's nervous side is emphasized, and there are many scenes in which the contrast with his other brothers is interesting. Choromatsu's actions also affect the development of the story, making him an important character for viewers.

Ichimatsu

Ichimatsu is the fourth son of the sextuplets and has a somewhat laid-back personality. In "Matsuinu," Ichimatsu's laid-back side is portrayed in a comical way, and there are many scenes that make viewers laugh. Ichimatsu's actions also sometimes affect the other siblings, and he plays an important role in the progression of the story.

Fourteen pine trees

Jyushimatsu is the fifth son of the sextuplets and has a slightly playful personality. In "Matsuinu," Jyushimatsu's playful side is emphasized, and many humorous scenes are depicted. In addition, Jyushimatsu's actions often greatly affect the development of the story, making him an important character for viewers.

Todomatsu

Todomatsu is the sixth son of the sextuplets and has a slightly spoiled personality. In "Matsuinu", Todomatsu's spoiled side is portrayed in a comical way, and there are many scenes that make the audience laugh. Todomatsu's actions also sometimes affect the other brothers, and he plays an important role in the progression of the story.

Stories and episodes

"Matsuinu" consists of 12 episodes, each of which is only 5 minutes long, and captures Akatsuka Fujio's humor and the charm of his characters. Below is an outline of each episode.

Episode 1: Osomatsu's Adventure

The episode begins with Osomatsu playing in the park. He picks up a mysterious stone he finds in the park and takes it home. However, the stone holds a secret, and Osomatsu sets out on an adventure to uncover it. This episode is full of humorous scenes that will make viewers laugh.

Episode 2 "Karamatsu's Love"

This is the episode where Karamatsu falls in love. Karamatsu falls in love at first sight with a beautiful woman he meets in town and chases after her. However, she has a secret, and Karamatsu struggles to find out. Karamatsu's narcissistic side is portrayed in a comical way, making this episode sure to make viewers laugh.

Episode 3 "Choromatsu's Troubles"

This is an episode where Choromatsu is troubled. Choromatsu had a fight with a friend at school and is troubled by it. Choromatsu consults his brothers to solve his troubles, but their opinions are all different, and Choromatsu becomes even more troubled. This episode highlights Choromatsu's nervous side and will make viewers laugh.

Episode 4 "Ichimatsu's Dream"

This is an episode where Ichimatsu has a dream. Ichimatsu goes on an adventure in his dream, but the dream is linked to reality, and Ichimatsu is troubled by the boundary between dream and reality. This episode will make viewers laugh as it depicts Ichimatsu's laid-back side in a comical way.

Episode 5: Jyushimatsu's Challenge

This is the episode where Jyushimatsu takes on a challenge. Jyushimatsu is chosen to be a relay runner at the school sports day, but is worried because he is not doing well in practice. With the help of his brothers, Jyushimatsu practices repeatedly and finally becomes a relay runner. This episode highlights Jyushimatsu's playful side and will make viewers laugh.

Episode 6 "Todomatsu's Secret"

This is an episode where Todomatsu has a secret. Todomatsu makes a secret friend at school, but that friend has a secret, and Todomatsu struggles to find out the secret. This episode will make viewers laugh as it depicts Todomatsu's spoiled side in a comical way.

Episode 7 "Osomatsu's Determination"

This is the episode where Osomatsu makes a decision. Osomatsu fails his school exam and has to retake it. He starts studying to pass the retake exam, but he gets help from his brothers to help him with his studies. This is the episode where Osomatsu's actions will greatly affect the development of the story.

Episode 8 "Karamatsu's Challenge"

This is the episode where Karamatsu takes on a challenge. Karamatsu is chosen to play the lead role in the play at the school's cultural festival, but is worried because he is not doing well in practice. With the help of his siblings, Karamatsu practices repeatedly and finally takes on the role of the lead. Karamatsu's narcissistic side is portrayed in a comical way, making this episode sure to make viewers laugh.

Episode 9: Choromatsu's Adventure

This is an episode where Choromatsu goes on an adventure. Choromatsu climbs a mountain on a school field trip, but gets lost. With the help of his brothers, Choromatsu descends the mountain and returns safely. This episode highlights Choromatsu's nervous side and will make viewers laugh.

Episode 10 "Ichimatsu's Challenge"

This is the episode where Ichimatsu takes on a challenge. Ichimatsu aims to win the school marathon, but is worried because his practice is not going well. With the help of his siblings, Ichimatsu practices hard and finally wins the marathon. This episode will make viewers laugh as it depicts Ichimatsu's laid-back side in a comical way.

Episode 11 "Jushimatsu's Determination"

This is the episode where Jyushimatsu makes a decision. Jyushimatsu fails his school exam and has to retake it. Jyushimatsu starts studying to pass the retake exam, but he gets help from his brothers to help him along the way. This episode highlights Jyushimatsu's playful side and will make viewers laugh.

Episode 12 "Todomatsu's Adventure"

This is an episode where Todomatsu goes on an adventure. Todomatsu goes on a school trip to the beach, but gets lost. With the help of his brothers, Todomatsu searches for the beach and returns safely. This episode is sure to make viewers laugh as it shows Todomatsu's spoiled side in a comical way.

Response from viewers

"Matsuinu" continues to receive high praise from many viewers even after it has finished airing. In particular, the format of the short animation, which brings out Fujio Akatsuka's humor and the charm of the characters, has been well received, with viewers saying things like "It's packed with laughter and emotion in just five minutes," and "While inheriting Fujio Akatsuka's worldview, it's depicted from a new perspective." The individuality of the characters and the development of the story have also been praised, with viewers saying things like "Osomatsu's actions have a big impact on how the story unfolds," and "Karamatsu's narcissistic side is portrayed in a comical way."

summary

"Matsuinu" is a new short anime based on Fujio Akatsuka's masterpiece "Osomatsu-kun." With 12 episodes, each just five minutes long, it brings out the humor and charm of Fujio Akatsuka's characters to the fullest. It has received a positive response from viewers, and has continued to receive high praise from many viewers even after it has finished airing. "Matsuinu" inherits Fujio Akatsuka's worldview, but is drawn from a new perspective, providing viewers with new discoveries.

Recommendation

After watching "Matsuinu", we also recommend the following works:

"Mr. Osomatsu"

"Mr. Osomatsu" is an anime based on Fujio Akatsuka's "Kun Osomatsu" that aired from 2015 to 2016. It depicts the lives of the sextuplets as adults, and contains many humorous scenes. Like "Matsuinu", it is a work that brings out the humor and charm of Fujio Akatsuka's characters.

"The Genius Bakabon"

"Tensai Bakabon" is an anime based on the manga of the same name by Fujio Akatsuka, which was broadcast from 1975 to 1977. It depicts the humorous life of the Bakabon family, and you can enjoy Fujio Akatsuka's unique humor. Like "Matsuinu", it is a work that inherits Fujio Akatsuka's worldview.

"The Secret of Akko-chan"

"Himitsu no Akko-chan" is an anime based on the manga of the same name by Fujio Akatsuka, which was broadcast from 1969 to 1970. The story follows Akko on various adventures using a magic mirror, and you can enjoy Fujio Akatsuka's humor and the charm of his characters. Like "Matsuinu", this work inherits Fujio Akatsuka's worldview.

Above, we have explained in detail the appeal of "Matsuinu", the background of its production, an introduction to its characters, and the reactions from viewers. "Matsuinu" inherits Fujio Akatsuka's worldview, but is a work drawn from a new perspective, providing viewers with new discoveries. Please give it a watch.