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

The total number of fall 2021 anime is more than 50. In this issue, we will introduce some of the most talked-about works. The following works will be introduced: "Mieruko-chan" serialized in "WebComic Apanda," "Furumi-san is a commie" serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday," "King Ranking" serialized in "Manga Hack," and "Gunma Prefecture's official mascot character adapted into anime. and "King Ranking" serialized in "Manga Hack," "Gunma-chan," an animated version of Gunma Prefecture's official mascot character, and the ASMR-themed short animation "Can I Make Your Ear Happy in 180 Seconds?

Mimieruko-chan

This work begins with an OP animation reminiscent of Kon Ichikawa's "Kosuke Kindaichi Series" in which the main character, Miko Yotsuya, folds up a close-up of her face as she looks back anxiously. It is a clever parody that juxtaposes a famous detective who notices something that ordinary people do not understand with a high school girl who can see something. However, while the detective can solve the case by showing his awareness, Miko must continue to thoroughly go through the existence that she is not supposed to be able to see, and her days of hell never end.
The situation in which the performer is forced to make no reaction is a familiar one in Variety, and the immorality of enjoying the bewilderment in a setting where one is forbidden to raise one's voice or where time stands still is pleasant. The sight of Miko feigning unresponsiveness but bursting into tears from fear is a chilling experience.

Furumi is a communicator.

This is a school comedy in which a high school girl, Furumi Nitsuko, who is not good at communicating with others, aims to make 100 friends with the help of her classmate, Tadano Hitonin, who is normal in every respect. Furumi, who cannot speak well with others, has almost no dialogue-like lines in the entire film, and monologues are not used, so her voice can be heard only rarely. Therefore, her state of mind is expressed in a variety of ways, including speech balloons, subtitles, onomatopoeia, and narration.
The aspect ratio also changes in all directions, from standard to CinemaScope, to the point where it appears as if the entire screen is supporting the bewildered Ms. Furumi. The vivid use of props, such as the last scene of the first episode in which she uses a blackboard to talk in writing and lets the chalk dust that falls out speak for her emotions, is also a sight to behold.

Ranking the Kings

Bodge is the first prince of a great king but is impotent and deaf from birth. In this adventure fantasy, he meets his first friend, Kage, and begins to shape his destiny. The film is packed with the fun of animation, maintaining the charm of the original work's simple illustrations. In particular, the sword-and-sniper battle depicted in episode 3 is as tense as a period drama, as the two sides begin slashing at each other without saying a word. The battle scenes, as well as the sign language exchanged between Bodge and his friends, are beautiful and leave a lasting impression throughout.
It has been almost three years since "BANANA FISH" aired in 2018, the first time that Noitamina has aired two consecutive two-cour productions. The story is still in its early stages and it looks like we will be able to enjoy more careful animations in the future.

Gunma-chan.

A heartwarming anime about daily life in Gunma, a mysterious world different from the Gunma we know. The name of the current governor is credited as the sole producer of the project, and the notation "produced by Gunma Prefecture," which in a sense is the ultimate production committee system, has a big impact. The main story is as chaotic as the main character Gunma-chan and his uncle go to a bicycle race track to learn the difference between a triplet and a triplet, and the narrator becomes a character and tours famous places with Gunma-chan.
The lineup includes many local specialties, such as Gunma Prefecture's soul food, yakimanju (baked manju). The magic mirror is asked the question "What is the best strawberry in the world?" and is taken to a lecture room for giving an honest answer. The "Gunma-chan Ekaki Uta" and the illustrations submitted by viewers are nostalgic and ideal for adults to watch on their Sundays off.

Can You Make Your Ears Happy in 180 Seconds?

This is the first TV animation series based on the theme of "ASMR (autonomous sensory climax response)," a feeling of comfort obtained through auditory and visual stimulation. Before the main story, a message "This program is recommended to be viewed with headphones," invites viewers into a world of pleasure, where they can enjoy comfortable sounds such as ear piercing, soda water, and even baby talk.
The visuals are also maniacal, with close-ups of the lips and mouth. A dummy head microphone used for binaural recording appears in the film as it is, and the surrealistic appearance of this ultra-luxury item, which costs no less than 1 million yen, left on the porch of a Japanese house, is also somewhat addictive. The official website introduces the voice cast, but the only male voice cast, Hayami Tsho, is the one to attract our attention. Expectations for how his low-pitched voice will be expressed in ASMR are growing.

(Text by Katsunori Takahashi)

(C) Asaki Izumi, KADOKAWA / Mieru-ko-chan Production Committee
(c) Tomohito Oda, Shogakukan / Private Itan High School
(C) TSUGASASUKE, KADOKAWA/ Animation "Ousama Ranking" Production Committee
(C) Gunma Prefecture All Rights Reserved.
(C) Kimimimi Production Committee