Midterm Review of Spring 2021 Anime by Anime Writers [Anime Column].

A mid-term review of five notable new anime titles for spring 2021! Super Cub" based on a novel by "Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko", "Ijiranai, Nagatoro-san", a comic serialized in "Magazine Pocket", "Odd Taxi", an original work airing on TV Tokyo, and "Fairy Ranmaru: Your Heart Will Help", another unpredictable original, and "Dosukoi Sushizumo," based on a popular picture book.

Super Cub

This is a coming-of-age story about a high school girl, Oguma, who lives alone. When she buys a used Super Cub, her flat life gradually changes. In the first episode, which follows the transition from bicycle to moped, there is almost no dramatic accompaniment, and attention is naturally drawn to the sound effects. The quietness of Little Bear's room, where even the sound of her footsteps can be heard, emphasizes the fact that she is all alone, but the moment she straddles the Super Cub and starts the engine, the world instantly changes color with a loud sound. This scene reminds us that the difference between a bicycle and a moped is the presence or absence of an engine.
On the other hand, there is also a somewhat disturbing atmosphere, which is typical of works dealing with motorcycles. The Super Cub, which is said to have killed three people, the letter "sh" that does not exist on a real license plate, and the old man at the motorcycle shop, who wears gray work clothes and has almost the same complexion as the real thing, look like the Grim Reaper. Please drive safely.

Don't tease me, Mr. Nagatoro.

This romantic comedy depicts the school life of a sempai who is played by a sadistic high school girl, Nagatoro-san. The intensity of Nagatoro-san's teasing is unrivaled. She invites us to play a game of guessing our chikubi, tries to bite us on the neck, and washes us with soap on her hands, pushing us to the very edge of our seats.
Senpai is always covered in sweat as Nagatoro-san plays with him. Nagatoro-san's plaything always leaves the sempai drenched in sweat, and tears of frustration well up in their eyes as they are teased for being naive. The scene in which Nagatoro-san wipes away these tears with a handkerchief embroidered with fish has a somewhat immoral and bewitching quality. It will be interesting to see how much of Senpai's bodily fluids will be squeezed out of her.

ODD TAXI

The passengers that the quiet and eccentric cab driver Odogawa takes are all peculiar characters, such as a college student who wants to be an internet sensation, an unsuccessful comedy duo, and a wanted gangster. These seemingly unrelated characters become intricately intertwined in this original ensemble drama that eventually leads to the truth behind the disappearance of a high school girl.
The characters take the form of a wide variety of animals, including Odogawa, a walrus, a gorilla, an alpaca, a wild boar, and a horse. Despite the adorable visuals, the characters are strangely realistic in that they are burdened with such lowly concerns as unsuccessful marriage activity and pouring money into app games. The cast is made up of voice actors and comedians, and the light-hearted dialogue between the two through prescoring also creates a unique presence. The detailed foreshadowing is also a highlight, and casually drawn scenes and items can have important meanings. ...... This is a thrilling work that keeps you on your toes even for a moment.

Fairy Ranmaru - Your heart will be saved!

An original animation directed by Masakazu Hishida of the "Pretty Rhythm" series and Studio Comet of the "Onegai My Melody" series. Five young men called "Yosei" are sent to the human world to help those who are suffering, and the story is supposed to be about solving problems, but it takes a sudden turn in the second half. The characters transform and battle in a mysterious world called Heaven's Space.
The highlight of the film is the scene where the characters go into battle. The scene depicting the battle to the death, with a Showa-esque song insert playing, is unforgettable and reminiscent of ninkyo films such as "Hibotan Hakkou" and "Showa Zankyouden". The Heaven's Space also differs from episode to episode, with ukiyoe-style, black-and-white, and moe characters with a nostalgic touch running amok, making us look forward to what kind of images we will see next time.

Dosukoi Sushizumo

Sushi and sumo, two major Japanese cultures, have finally collaborated. The short animation features the fearless idea of having sushi wrestlers take on the role of yokozuna (sumo grand champion) Otoroyama, the blue-eyed foreign wrestler Salmon Zakura, and Ikarimaru, who sprays salmon roe from his head onto the audience.
The "Tamago no sato" vs. "Ikarimaru" egg showdown, "Takotsubo" vs. "Ika no shin" mollusk showdown, "Kappa no kyu" vs. "Matsubara crab Ryu" foodstuff disparity showdown, and many other good fights that make you want to watch them. The numerous clichés that make the most of the material, such as "Tamago no sato," a fight using the elasticity of a fluffy egg, are truly worthy of being called a department store of techniques. The commentary by the announcer and the stablemaster, both familiar to the audience from live sumo broadcasts, is also reproduced, and the loose atmosphere is captivating.

(Text by Katsunori Takahashi)

(C) Tone Koken,hiro/Bear Motors
(C) Nanashi, Kodansha/"Don't tease me, Shatoro-san" Production Committee
(C) P.I.C.S. / Odogawa Kotsu Partners
(c) Taga Umatani / F Ran Production Committee
(c) Anne Masako, Kodansha / Dossoi Sushizumo Production Committee