Fans of classic anime will be excited to hear about the upcoming release of the 'Hajime Ningen Gyatoruzu' Complete DVD Book, set to hit stores on April 1, 2025. This release commemorates significant milestones for the beloved series, including the 60th anniversary of the original comic and the 50th anniversary of the anime's airing.
'Hajime Ningen Gyatoruzu', originally created by Shunji Sonoyama, first appeared as a manga series in 1965, quickly gaining popularity. By 1974, the anime adaptation captivated households across Japan, offering humor and charm to audiences of all ages. Its catchy opening and ending themes have remained unforgettable, with many prominent musicians, including Kyoko Koizumi and Hikaru Nishida, covering the memorable tune, "They Have No Nothing." It's worth noting as well, the background music was composed by the future renowned composer Joe Hisaishi, who was then under the name Mamoru Fujisawa.
What makes this DVD release especially appealing is its inclusion of 16 carefully selected episodes from the original run, totaling approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes of content. The anthology showcases episodes directed by the famed anime director Yoshiyuki Momose, who is recognized for his exceptional work on this classic. The collection ensures fans relive some of the most celebrated moments from the series.
Alongside the DVD, a lavish booklet accompanies the release, providing insight and background on each episode, character introductions, and previously unreleased concept art. One of the highlights of the booklet is an interview with voice actress Yuko Maruyama, who played Gon, where she shares rare anecdotes from the show's production. This extra layer of content guarantees not just nostalgia, but also behind-the-scenes details for the dedicated fans.
Reflecting on the show's cultural impact, 'Hajime Ningen Gyatoruzu' is particularly famous for its portrayal of meat dishes, enticing viewers with delicious-looking imagery of meat. This led to real-life collaborations producing official Gyatoruzu-themed meat products, which have captured attention from fans young and old. Without question, the meat factor is one of the series' trademarks, making it unique and memorable.
This year is truly special, as the anime community celebrates three significant anniversaries: the 60th year of the manga series, 50 years since the anime's debut, and the 90th birthday of the late creator Shunji Sonoyama. This alignment of anniversaries presents not only a moment of reflection but also one of celebration for fans who cherish this landmark series.
Set to retail for 2,420 yen (about $22), the 'Hajime Ningen Gyatoruzu' Complete DVD Book is readily available through bookstores and various online platforms, including Amazon and Rakuten. Pre-orders are already encouraged due to the popularity of the series.
All this excitement surrounding the release aims to reintroduce this nostalgic classic to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The event invites audiences to explore and appreciate the treasured moments captured throughout its rich history, ensuring its legacy is not just preserved but celebrated.