The appeal and reviews of NINKU: A masterpiece anime that delves deeply into the world of ninjas

The appeal and reviews of "NINKU": A deep story and the appeal of its characters

NINKU is a TV anime series that aired from 1995 to 1996 and was written by Kouji Kiriyama. It was co-produced by Studio Pierrot, Fuji Television Network, and Yomiuri Advertising Agency, and was directed by Noriyuki Abe. The 55-episode series aired on Saturdays at 6:30pm and captivated many viewers.

Story and setting

"NINKU" is set in a fictional Sengoku period. The protagonist, Kazesuke, was once a member of a special ninja group called "Ninku". However, after the war ended, Ninku disbanded and Kazesuke wanted to live a peaceful life. However, when he finds out that his former comrades are trying to cause another war, he decides to stand up again.

The story depicts the journey of Kazesuke and his friends to restore peace. In each episode, various enemies and challenges appear, and the growth and bonds between Kazesuke and his friends are depicted. In particular, the battle scenes using Kazesuke's special ability, "aerodynamics," are spectacular and captivate viewers.

character

Kazesuke (voiced by Matsumoto Rika) is the main character and a former member of Ninku. He has excellent fighting skills and a strong sense of justice, but he also has a kind heart and cares for his friends. Aizuki (voiced by Madono Mitsuaki) is Kazesuke's best friend and travel companion. He has a calm and intelligent personality and supports Kazesuke. Touji (voiced by Kosugi Jurota) is another of Kazesuke's best friends, and is known for his powerful fighting style. Rihoko (voiced by Hayashibara Megumi) is Kazesuke's childhood friend and plays an important role as the story progresses.

Production and staff

Studio Pierrot produced NINKU. Director Abe Noriyuki carefully depicted the development of the story and the growth of the characters, deeply moving viewers. Series composition was handled by Hashimoto Yuji, who also worked on the script. Animation character design was handled by Nishio Tetsuya, and animation director Chishima Michinori provided beautiful visuals. Professionals from various fields, including art director Takada Shigeki, cinematographer Fukushima Toshiyuki, music composer Homma Yusuke, and music director Mizumoto Kan, came together to create a high-quality work.

Episodes and subtitles

"NINKU" is a long series consisting of 55 episodes. Each episode depicts the adventures and growth of Kazesuke and his friends, and has the following subtitles:

• Episode 1: Kazesuke the Young Ninja! (1995/01/16)
• Episode 2: Captain Nishinin appears (1995/01/21)
• Episode 3: Daichi no Touji! (1995/01/28)
• Episode 4: Subtitle TBA (1995/02/04)
• Episode 5: Smoke rises from the ceiling! (1995/02/11)
• Episode 6: The Fortress of Terror (1995/02/18)
• Episode 7: Iceman Huangjun (1995/02/25)
• Episode 8: Closed Heart (1995/03/04)
• Episode 9: Mother's Lullaby (tentative title) (1995/03/11)
• Episode 10: Sad Farewell (1995/03/18)
• Episode 11: The Trial of the Fury Gate (1995/03/25)
• Episode 12: How to Become Stronger (1995/04/01)
• Episode 13: A distant promise! (1995/04/09)
• Episode 14: Overcoming the Pain (1995/04/15)
• Episode 15: True Courage! (1995/04/22)
• Episode 16: Dragon God's Forest (tentative title) (1995/04/29)
• Episode 17: Subtitle TBA (1995/05/06)
• Episode 18: Desperate Situation!! (1995/05/13)
• Episode 19: At the End of a Fierce Battle (1995/05/20)
• Episode 20: The Dolphin and the Boy (1995/05/27)
• Episode 21: The Cave of Hell (1995/06/03)
• Episode 22: The Terror of the Thunder Fist (1995/06/10)
• Episode 23: Red Lightning of Flames (1995/06/17)
• Episode 24: The Wanted Town of Ninku (tentative title) (1995/06/24)
• Episode 25: Father and Son (tentative title) (1995/07/01)
• Episode 26: Farewell Hiroyuki (tentative title) (1995/07/08)
• Episode 27: Feng Shui Valley (1995/07/15)
• Episode 28: The Three Devilish Beasts! (1995/07/22)
• Episode 29: The Sky Dragon Appears! (1995/07/29)
• Episode 30: Subtitle TBA (1995/08/05)
• Episode 31: Breaking the Siege (1995/08/12)
• Episode 32: Awaken, Red Thunder!! (1995/08/19)
• Episode 33: Each Person's Thoughts (tentative) (1995/08/26)
• Episode 34: The Threatening Illusion Technique (tentative title) (1995/09/02)
• Episode 35: Hero of the Sky (tentative title) (1995/09/09)
• Episode 36: The Mysterious Boy!! (1995/09/16)
• Episode 37: Promise of Parting (1995/09/23)
• Episode 38: Feng Shui Cape! (1995/09/30)
• Episode 39: Subtitle TBA (1995/10/07)
• Episode 40: Clash of Techniques! Mist User vs. Wind User (1995/10/14)
• Episode 41: Rihoko's Tears: Memories of Her Father (1995/10/21)
• Episode 42: Fist of Rage! The Ninja Slasher!! (1995/10/28)
• Episode 43: The House of Terror! The Mysterious Haunted House (1995/11/04)
• Episode 44: Showdown! Shuriken User Friendship (1995/11/11)
• Episode 45: Miss Ninkuu! Checkpoint Breakthrough Operation!! (1995/12/02)
• Episode 46: Moonlit Assassin! The Forbidden Technique (1995/12/09)
• Episode 47: To the Capital! The Righteous Rebels (1995/12/16)
• Episode 48: Memories come back to life! The man who kidnapped my mother (1995/12/23)
• Episode 49: Surpass the Force! Maximum Aerodynamics!! (1996/01/20)
• Episode 50: Hired Bodyguard! Duel in the Sunset (1996/01/27)
• Episode 51: Kazesuke's Robbery Fight! The Mystery of the Masked Man (1996/02/03)
• Episode 52: The Stage of Friendship! Hiroyuki's Secret (1996/02/10)
• Episode 53: The Missing Bills! Who's the Villain?! (1996/02/17)
• Episode 54: Kazesuke becomes a movie star?! (1996/02/24)

Ratings and Recommendations

"NINKU" has been highly praised by many viewers for its deep storyline and fascinating characters. In particular, the episodes depicting Fusuke's growth and the bonds he forms with his friends are touching and memorable. Also, the powerful battle scenes and beautiful visuals are not to be missed.

This work is especially recommended for those who like action and drama set in the Sengoku period. In addition, it will be enjoyed by those who are interested in ninjas and special abilities. It is a long series with 55 episodes in total, but each episode is carefully crafted and worth watching.

"NINKU" is a wonderful work that will impress and excite the audience, and I highly recommend you to watch it at least once. The story of Fusuke's journey for peace and the friends he surrounds himself with will be loved by many people.