After the death of Saizou, Kabamaru's horribly strict grandfather and Iga ninja teacher (sensei), an old lady, Ran Ookubo, claims that she received a letter from him asking her to take care of his grandson. So Kabamaru runs off with Lady Ookubo to the big city Tokyo to gorge on yakisoba, ramen, chow mein, and attend a regular school—which turns out to have weird quirks of its own.
(Source: ANN)
Igniting the Passionate Fires of Youth in Igano Kabamaru
As the isolated ninja village of Igano is brought to its knees, its lone heir, Kabamaru, is thrust into the throes of the fast-paced city life. Raised by his stern but wise grandfather, Kabamaru is versed in the ancient ninja arts, producing a boy both blessed with unique skills and cursed with an insatiable appetite. Our hero is catapulted from the serene mountainside directly into the lap of affluence, living with the family of the beautiful Mai Ookubo.
His arrival isn’t just a shock to his system but it also disrupts the controlled dynamics of the school, where a powerful student council under the leadership of the wily Saizou blames him for their diminishing influence. What follows is a heart-warming coming-of-age saga about a child of nature thrust into the artificial world of humans, interspersed with beautifully staged ninja battles that makes Igano Kabamaru what it is – a classic.
Story and Characters
The strength of Igano Kabamaru lies in its unique blend of humor, drama, and action. The narrative never loses pace and the humor keeps the atmosphere light even in the midst of tense scenarios. The character development is smooth and provides depth, particularly Kabamaru’s evolution from a naïve child into a mature individual.
The core of the anime revolves around Kabamaru’s transformation and his relations with Mai. Their interaction forms the crux of the anime, with Mai teaching him how to navigate the complex society while Kabamaru surprises her with his straightforward approach towards life. The anime is reminiscent of the power dynamics found in our society, raising serious questions while treating the subject matter with humor.
Animation and Sound
The magic of the 80s shines through, with the quality of the animation highlighting the essence of the era. The characters are wonderfully designed and the fight sequences, just spectacular. The soundtrack elevates the plot further with a mix of energetic and emotional tunes that perfectly embody the mood of a scene.
Overall Impression
Igano Kabamaru offers a delightful trip down memory lane if you are old enough, or a fantastic introduction to the pinnacle of classic anime, with its well-knit plot and remarkable characters. There is an innocence and charm to the series that is often missing in contemporary works.
For folks wondering whether to rent, buy, or stream this anime, my suggestion would be to stream it first. The series indeed has rewatchable value, but it’s best to ensure it aligns with the viewer’s taste before going for a purchase or rental. It definitely earns high marks in my book for its blend of humor, heart, and ninja action!
Final Verdict
Igano Kabamaru holds a special place in the library of anime classics. With its poignant and funny storyline that tugs at your heartstrings, astounding animation that brims with energy, and a compelling character evolution, this anime is indeed one for your playlist. Wrapped up in betrayal, love, and friendship, it’s the perfect tribute to the whole gamut of human emotions. It’s a 8.5 out of 10 for me.
Stay tuned for more anime reviews and until next time, happy watching!
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