#yusa kōji

[lalunameli]

Hero's Day for PSP: Yuri's April Fools Day Message and Small Interview with Yusa Kōji (his Jp VA)

@tempkiriri unlocked Yuri's special April Fool's Days message in Hero's Day for PSP:

I'm pretty certain he says the following:

ほぉ？まさかこの私にうそ打つくを積もりですか。

Ohhh... Don't tell me you're going to lie to me?

Something something "Liars get fires!" 😂😂🤣

A small Yusa Kōji interview regarding Hero's Day for PSP from an unknown issue of B's Log.

Cast members were asked the three following questions:

ユーリ・ペトロフ役 遊佐浩二さん

Role: Yuri Petrov - Mr. Kōji Yusa

1. 「TIGER & BUNNY」という作品の魅力、そしてゲームならではの魅力についてお聞かせください。

1. Please tell us what's charming about "TIGER & BUNNY" and how the game is uniquely charming.

1. もちろんヒーローたちの活躍や会話のテンポも魅力的ですが、みんな非常に人間的で親しみが持てるキャラクターだというところが大きいと思います。ゲームは、ひとつの視点ではなく、それぞれの立場で物事を見られるので、そこがアニメと違う部分かもしれません。
ユーリも仕事をしています（笑）。あまりお目にかける事は多くないので、お忘れなきようお願いします。司法局の人間です。

1. Of course, the activities of the heroes and the tempo of conversation is charming, but I think the big points are that every character is very human and friendly. The game is not played from only one point of view, and you can see things from the other (characters') perspectives, which may be different from the anime. Yuri is also working (laughs). You don't see him very often, so please don't forget he's a person from the Judicial Bureau.

2. 自分だったら、どのキャラからプレイしますか？

2. If you were me, which character would you play?

2. やはりユーリから、と言いたいのですが、ここはタイガーかバーナビーからいくと言うのが正統派かと思います（笑）。

2. I'd like to say Yuri, but I think it would be more orthodox to start with Tiger or Barnaby (laughs).

3. 読者へのメッセージをお願いします

3. What message would you like to leave for the readers?

3. アニメでは観客としてご覧い頂いてい���「TIGER & BUNNY」をご自身が中心となって楽しむことができると思います。ぜひ楽しんでください！

3. I think that the anime "TIGER & BUNNY" is fun to watch with an audience. Please enjoy!

[lalunameli]

Luna/Yuri-centric Excerpts from The Sound of Tiger & Bunny

Yusa Kōji's message translated:

TVシリーズや劇場版が終わって時間が経つのにたくさんの方々に応援していただけることを嬉しく思っています。

僕自身も大好きな作品ですし、今でも音楽を少し聞いただけで「あ。タイバニだ」とアフレコ時やイベントの思い出が蘇ります。皆さん、たっぷりとタイバニの世界に浸ってください！！

"I'm glad that many people have continued to support me after the completion of the TV series and movies.

I love this work (TaiBani), and even now, if I hear a little of the music I think "Ah. It's Taibani"; and I remember working on the voiceover and events.

Everyone, please fully immerse yourself in the world of Taibani!!"

The rest of the text in this article is descriptions of the pieces they played (in this case "Hero's Mission" and "Tiger & Bunny") along with staff comments about them.

5 The Red Moon

3'29" (3:29) TV

STAFF COMMENT

バイオリンが32分音符と16分音符を2パートで延々と弾いており、これもの受難曲。この音が不安を煽り、サスペンス感を十分に醸し出しています。

The violin plays 32nd and 16th notes endlessly in two parts, and this is also a passionate song. The sound incites anxiety and fully exudes a sense of suspense.

[制作秘話] 楓が誘拐されて、ヒーローが閉じ込められてどうなっちゃうの！？という場面で使用しています。不安だったり、先行きが不透明だったりする時に流れます。シリーズで使用回数が最も多い楽曲です。

Production Secrets: What will happen if Kaede is kidnapped and the heroes are trapped!? It's used in this (these types of) situation. It's heard when things are uneasy, such as when you are anxious or the future is uncertain. It is the song that is the most used in the series.

(TN: It's used a lot during Lunatic's appearances, and there's even a remix of it in "The Rising" - "The Judge From the Red Moon").

25 The Voice of Thanatos

2'07" (2:07) TV

STAFF COMMENT

弦楽器の低音、そして金管楽器が同じ低いメロディーとリズムを奏でます。そして楽器が小節毎に増え、オクターブで綴ります。不穏、動揺、剣吞といった、正義とは反対の不安要素を煽る曲です。また、不安を増幅するホルンには「bressy」の指示。咆哮しつつもワザと金属的に音を出させ、熱のない感じを出します。非人間的なヒーローと対極をなす意味合いの音作りです。

The bass stringed instruments and the brass instruments play the same low melody and rhythm. And the musical instruments increase with each ornamentation, and octaves. It is a song that incites anxiety elements opposed to justice, such as disturbance, agitation, and insecurity. The horn that amplifies anxiety has the instruction of "bressy" (TN: probably "brassy"). While roaring, it makes a metallic sound and gives a feeling unlike a fever. It's an opposing sound to an inhuman hero.

[制作秘話] お待たせいたしました！

池さんの大好きなルナ様曲（笑）。ルナティックのタナトスの声を聞くための1曲です。この正義を買いて、ヒーローと対立してしまうルナティックの天誅を下すシーンで使っています。

Production Secrets: Thank you for waiting!

Ike-san's favourite Luna song (laughs). Lunatic's 1 song to hear the Voice of Thanatos. It's used in the scenes where Lunatic's justice and divine punishment conflict with the heroes.

Comments from Koji Yusa from The Sound of Tiger & Bunny pamphlet.

If this is translated somewhere please let me know and I’ll link to it.

[nesonkin]

Why SEGA should let Shadow sing:

A.k.a. Shadow voice actors having a great singing voice masterpost.

Kōji Yusa (JP, 2001-present)

Mizukaze (fave)

Break Your Destiny

Mugen no Ori Kara

ADVENT

Shampoo Dream

Addictive World

Hyouri

DARKNESS NIGHT

Fuyu no Hanabi

BRAND NEW EDEN

Code name is

Sekai wa Sude ni Azamuki ni Ue ni

Bonus: Meow

There's more out there, most likely. This is just some I was able to find on YouTube.

David Humphrey (EN, 2001-2004)

Where is the girl?

Unnamed

Ian Hanlin (EN, Sonic Prime)

The Dark-Eyed Sailor

The End of the Rainbow

This list may grow with time. Hopefully.

In conclusion: let Shadow sing.

[shinigami-striker]

Kōji Yusa as Shadow | Saturday, 08.12.2023

Happy 55th birthday to Japanese voice actor, Kōji Yusa, who's known as the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog since the 2001 release of Sonic Adventure 2 for the Sega Dreamcast console!

[a-blog-for-venting-i-guess]

Me watching The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: hm… this guy yelling about a sick, dying, girl named Maria sure does sound familiar.

*looks up voice actor

Ah it’s Kōji Yusa,

Japanese Shadow the hedgehog

[thatshadowcomic]

Sonic and shadow Japanese voice actors have sonic and shadow energy. You can just tell who voices who.

Kanemaru's fit is crazy🤘

I can't stop thinking about them.

Jun'ichi Kanemaru (right), Kōji Yusa (left)

✨ Bonus 👇

Jason Griffith (2000s sonic/shadow eng VA, left) and David Humphrey (shadow sonic adventure 2 VA, right).

I don't know what I was expecting but I'm happy👀👀

[speedofsoundsketches]

I'm curious, do you have specific favorite voice actors for the Sonic characters? (Like just the main few, Sonic, Shadow, Tails, etc.) if so, may we know your favorites?

Brace yourselves, this is gonna be a long one so under the cut.

Jun'ichi Kanemaru is THE standard for Sonic. The guy is passionate about the role and captures him perfectly. Plus, he's a great singer! The English VA that came closest to matching him is Jason Griffith. (honorable mention to Devon Mack. Low as my opinion is of Prime, Devon's voice is actually pretty suitable for Sonic. Would like to hear him in a better product!)

The late Chikao Ōtsuka for Eggman was wonderful, but I have zero complaints with Mike Pollack. Really, no matter what style or tone he's portrayed Eggman in, he's always done it superbly. I'd say of all English VA's that worked in this series, Mr. Pollack's probably been the one who's NEVER had a miss. Guy's got incredible range even in his work outside of Sonic (using this as a chance to shill the Pluto Anime since he starred in it. GO WATCH IT PLEASE.)

Tails is really really REALLY hard to mess up. His voice actresses have typically been great at capturing him (save for OVA Tails who talks like he has a cold). Coleen's a fine Tails and suitable replacement for Amy Palant but I may still prefer Palant just because she's the nostalgic one for me being in all the 2000's games plus Sonic X.

Knuckles voice preference is a tough call. His VA needs to be able to play up both his aggressive and gentler sides. It's a toss up between Dan Green and his current VA Dave B Mitchell. Mitchell has been doing good work in the animated shorts so I like him and he's the best we've had since Dan moved on. His Japanese VA, Nobutoshi Kanna, is great as well for the same reasons. :)

Amy's best actress is still her JPN VA, Taeko Kawata (who is also a lovely singer!) Lisa Ortiz to this day is STILL her best ENG VA. She captured Amy's youthful, cutesy appeal but can IMMEDIATELY switch to her assertive side naturally. Fantastic range and it's too bad that Amy's assertiveness has been subdued so much lately that this can't be fully appreciated anymore.

Cream's had far fewer options to choose from. I like both her actresses in JPN (Sayaka Aoki) and ENG (Rebecca Honig) honestly. I do like the almost whispery gentleness to her ENG voice particularly. Just helps her feel very soft and sweet.

Shadow's JPN VA, Kōji Yusa, is so good. You really can't go wrong here. For the ENG VA, this might be a bit controversial because while I appreciate David Humphrey as Shadow's debut in SA2, I'm still partial to Jason Griffith purely because once he got accustomed to Shadow as a character, he really elevated the role. I think his performance in 06 was one of the best moments for the character overall.

Rouge might one of the few times where I actually prefer her current ENG voice actress, Karen Strassman, to her older one. Her JPN VA, Rumi Ochiai, is THE standard tho so Karen just suits her best as a close match! Youthful yet still mature and her flirty quality doesn't sound too forced.

Omega's JPN VA (Taiten Kusunoki) IS SO AMAZING. It's hilariously deeper than I expected but still robotic so something about it just WORKS. His ENG VA is alright too. But I just love the JPN Voice, I don't know why.

May do a part two if I have time for the others!

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Drama CD - Shimabara Disturbance Track 6 Translation

Well, this is the last track of the second drama I really wanted to have translated... which I honestly did first and finished back in May 2020. Lol. I did this one first since the tl I had was missing the cast comments but then someone uploaded it so i was able to finish this completely... 

Anyway, here’s the conclusion!

Hakuoki Drama CD - Shimabara Disturbance Track 6 - Chizuru’s Misunderstanding

translation by KumoriYami

Saito: Yukimura? Were you looking for me? What for? Did something happen?

Saito: Thanks for what happened a few days ago? What do you mean by that?

Saito: Ah! What happened a few days ago was indeed something I proposed....  W-Why do you know about this?

Saito: You saw Osen...?

Saito: Ah... you don't need to say thanks... I didn't do anything of importance.  

Saito: Ha? Wait, Yukimura. What are you saying?

Saito: The next time there's an operation for sneaking into Shimabara...

Saito: Ah! No, there's no need! The other day wasn't a rehearsal/precursor for you to sneak into Shimabara again! That... then because you'll get to wear a beautiful kimono, you'll be happy to do it...

(Chizuru runs away.... [err.... takes off])

Saito: Ah, wait! Yukimura!

(Chizuru exits)

Saito: Ah... why is there such a misunderstanding...? Although I didn't tell her the real reason for this...

(Footsteps)

Toudou: ah! Hajime-kun, back from patrol?

Saito:....Yeah....

Toudou: What's wrong? Your expression looks very complicated...

Saito: Mm....it's nothing....

Toudou: When I chatted with Chizuru just now, she seemed very happy... Did something happen with Hajime-kun?

Saito: I haven't done anything... Yukimura, she was happy?

Toudou: Yeah! She sad "I'm happy that there's something I can do".

Saito: Is that...so?

Toudou: What is it? Is there something you're not telling me?

Saito: (The purpose of this was to make her feel happy, but even if the results weren't as intended, wasn't the original objective achieved?)

Toudou: Hajime-kun?

Saito: (But, even if she's happy to have something to do, I don't want her carrying out an infiltration mission again. But, if she's full of enthusiasm to do so, would it be better to let her sneak in again?)

Saito: ：(No, wouldn't that be decided by the vice-commander?)

Toudou: Oi~! Hajime-kun?

Saito: (Compared to that though, wouldn't she be happier if she could wear a nice kimono? As expected, I should directly ask her.)

Toudou: Off in his own world... Hajime-kun must really be tired...

..............

Hijikata Toshizou, Miki Shin'ichirō This time was also very delightful, thank you for listening to this.

Okita Souji: Morikubo Shōtaro What happened after the Shimabara Incident, please look forward to it.  

Saito Hajime, Toriumi Kōsuke This time I had many lines, it would be great if everyone enjoyed this.

Toudou Heisuke, Yoshino Hiroyuki This time is funnier than usual, please enjoy this.

Harada Sanosuke Yusa Kōji Everyone worked hard, and there were a lot of important parts in this. I also had a great time.

Nagakura Shinpachi, Tsuboi Tomohiro Everyone worked hard, this was a heated and enjoyable job.

Kazama Chikage, Tsuda Kenjirō This is the sequel to the game's Shimabara Incident, what do you of it? Thank you very much.

Princess Sen, Ishikawa Ayano I'm very happy to appear on this drama cd, please call me next time. Thank you very much.

Officer/ Storekeeper, Fuse Masahide I had a great time, thank you very much.

--end---

this drama is about 50 min long... geez this is officially the second longest thing ive translated now. 

also, like Shinsengumi Oni-tan, the video for this drama will be uploaded to my other blog since uploading it to youtube will likely give me problems (when I get to subtitling this). 

[sashamosu46]

I love to inform Transformers fans that the Japanese VAs of TFA Prowl (Kōji Yusa), TFA Bumblebee (Daisuke Kishio), TFA Optimus (Hiroki Takahashi), TFA Wasp (Kenji Nojima), TFP Optimus (Toshiyuki Morikawa), TFP Cliffjumper (Noriaki Sugiyama), Cyberverse Hot Rod (Takuya Satō) and ROTB Battletrap (Kenta Miyake) have been in a lot of yaoi projects and audio CDs

As a fan of both Japanese VAs (seiyuus) and Transformers I'm surprised and delighted to find out that some seiyuus that I know starred in Transformers shows before lol

[ojamajomary]

After Oppenheimer release in Japan at last, audiences give it a nice evaluate basically. However the greatest critic is: Bitters End didn't give them a Japanese DUB because of dozen of professional terms that let them hard to understand! Netizens in Twitter are making tones of Oppenheimer dub wishing list. Even only Oppie, there are basically have three choice right here... Do they consider Oppenheimer is a Byronic Hero?

PS: Kenjiro was dubbed Cillian's role once in Anna (2019 spy movie)

[lalunameli]

『タナトスの声を聞け」

Hear the Voice of Thanatos!

Translation of this snippet on Lunatic/Yuri's character song 「タナトスの声を聞け」 (Hear the Voice of Thanatos) from the Best of Hero album.

I adore this song so much and listen to it a lot!

Scans provided by @tnbscans and the rest of the article reviews the other songs in the album.

BONUS ルナティック

『タナトスの声を聞け」

ルナティック／ユーリ・ペトロフ（声／遊佐浩三）

Bonus - Lunatic

"Hear the Voice of Thanatos"

Lunatic/Yuri Petrov (CV: Yusa Kōji)

断罪者であるダークヒーロー・ルナティックも、ボーナストラックで参戦！普段のクールなイメージとは違う、意外な一面が見えるかも・・・・・·？

The Dark Hero Lunatic, who is a sinner, performs the bonus track! It's different from his usual "cool" image. You may see an unexpected side...?

1コマレビュー

作：武若丸

1 Koma Review

By: Takewakamaru

Kotetsu and Barnaby's comments while listening to track:

生あったかいですね…

It's warm...

業なの

The performance...

これは...この歌はぁ...‼︎

This...this song is...!!

やんちゃだった頃の

When I was naughty

過ちっつーか

And made mistakes

黒歴史っつーか

My dark past

抉り出される感じがオジサンもう・・・ッ‼︎

It feels like it's being gouged out. Old Man, you too....!!

Lyrics Update 12/21/2023:

Replaced the transcription of the lyrics originally posted, with the official lyrics from the Best of Hero booklet courtesy of @tnbscans (Previously added scan of lyrics to this post).

Added Romaji

Tweaked some of the translation choices to match the official lyrics as written in the booklet.

Removed link to UTA.net as there are incorrect kanji

LEGEND:

Bold - Original Japanese Lyrics

Blue - Romaji

Green - English Translation

『タナトスの声を聞け」

"Tanatosu no Koe o Kike"

"Hear the Voice of Thanatos"

ルナティック／ユーリ・ペトロフ（声／遊佐浩三）

Lunatic/Yuri Petrov (CV: Yusa Kōji)

蔓延(はびこ)る邪心を　青き炎で鎮め

Habikoru jashin o Aoki honode shizume

Calm the spreading evil heart with blue flames

醜き悪には　月からの報いを

Minikuki aku ni wa Tsuki kara no mukui wo

Reward from the moon for the ugliness of evil

裁きの標(しるべ)に　罪人(つみびと)は導かれ

Sabaki no shirube ni Tsumibito wa michibikare

Sinners are guided by the mark of judgement.

テミスの秤は　平衡を取り戻す

Temisu no hakari wa Heikou o torimodosu

Themis' scale restores its balance.

ひび割れた暗闇で掴んだ正義に

Hibiwareta kurayamide tsukanda seigi ni

To the justice I grasped in the cracks of darkness

迷いなど何ひとつない それなのに何故

Mayoi nado nanihitotsu nai sorenanoni naze

There's nothing to lose, but why?

消えない痕(しるし)が疼く

Kienai shirushi ga uzuku

The indelible mark hurts.

己の罪の深さを嘲笑うように

Onore no tsumi no fuka sa o azawarau you ni

Like laughing at the depth of your sins

誰が一番呪わしいのか

Dare ga ichiban norowashii no ka

Who is most cursed?

囁きはまだ届かない

Sasayakiwa mada todokanai

The whispers have not reached me yet.

棺はいらない　全て灰に変えよう

Hitsugi wa iranai Subete hai ni kaeyou

I don't need a coffin. Let's turn everything into ashes.

この手で与える　相応しき最期(おわり)に

Kono tede ataeru Fusawashiki owari ni

I'll give those deserving their ending, with this hand.

購(あがな)いは　唯一の残された道

Aganai wa Yuiitsu no nokosareta michi

Purchase is the only road left behind.

誰ひとり逃れることは　許されない　さあ

Dare hitori nogareru koto wa Yurusarenai saa

No one is allowed to escape.

癒えない痕(しるし)を抱いて

Ienai shirushi o daite

Hold the unhealable scar

非業の罰を我が身に科そう　怯まずに

Higou no batsu o wagami ni kasou Hirumazu ni

I won't falter to inflict the punishment of untimely death

やはり悪は滅びる宿命(さだめ)・・・

Yahari aku wa horobiru sadame...

After all, evil's destiny is to perish...

刮目し今、省みろ

Katsumokushi ima, kaerimiro

Look at it now, reflect on it.

業火でさえ 燃やしきれず

Gouka de sae Moyashikirezu

Even the fire can't be burned.

記憶の底 こびりついた

Kioku no soko Kobititsuita

The core of my memory is stuck.

憎しみごと焼き尽くしてしまえば・・・

Nikushimi goto yaki tsukushiteshimae ba...

If you burn up all the hatred...

消えない痕(しるし)が疼く

Kienai shirushi ga uzuku

The indelible mark hurts.

己の罪の深さを嘲笑うように

Onore no tsumi no fuka sa wo azawarau you ni

Like laughing at the depth of your sins

誰が一番呪わしいのか

Dare ga ichiban nowashii no ka

Who is most cursed?

囁きはまだ遠い

Sasayakiwa mada tooi

The whispers have not reached me yet.

癒えない痕(しるし)を抱いて

Ienai shirushi o daite

Hold the unhealable scar

非業の罰を我が身に科そう　怯まずに

Higou no batsu o wagami ni kasou Hirumazu ni

I won't falter to inflict the punishment of untimely death

これが私の正義の形

Kore ga watashi no seigi no katachi

This is my form of justice.

さあ、タナトスの声を聞け

Saa, Tanatosu no koe o kike

Now, hear the voice of Thanatos!

Scan of lyrics from "Best of Hero" booklet courtesy of @tnbscans

Listen on YT here

[lalunameli]

Partial Translation:

CASE7: ユーリの1日

Case 7: Yuri Day 1

TN: Many articles during Season 1 have Sternbild spelled as "Sternbilt". I have placed the newer spelling "Sternbild" in brackets as necessary.

ユーリ (Yuri)

CV：遊佐浩二

CV: Yusa Kōji

シュテルンビルト可

法局の裁判官であるユーリは、誠実な裁定に定評があるが、いつもどこかミステリアス。作中では、そんな彼のストーリーも条件を満たすことで発生する。

Sternbilt (Sternbild) is acceptable.

Yuri, a judge of the Law Bureau, has a reputation for honest rulings, but he is somewhat mysterious. In the game, his route occurs by meeting certain conditions.

ストーリ: ユーリは次々にかかってくる電話で、ヒーローの活動状況の報告を受けていた。そんななか、ある事実に気が付き・・。

Story: Yuri received reports on the status of the heroes activities via phone, one after another. He realizes certain facts after analyzing the situation...

Beneath the picture of Yuri on the phone:

↑HERO TV以外の場面で事件を解決したとブルーローズから電話を受けたユーリ。特別ポイントは出ない旨を伝え、労いの言葉をかけるが…・・

↑HERO TV Yuri receives a call from Blue Rose informing him that she has solved other cases. He thanks her for her work, but tells her there will be no special points given, and hangs up...

Tiger & Bunny Hero’s Day for PSP article from an unknown issue of Pash.

[hasarjunadoneanythingwrong]

TIL that Dragalia Lost had its own version of Douman...and he was voiced by Shadow the Hedgehog.

You’ll never fuckin guess who shadow’s Japanese va (kōji yusa) also voices

[shinigami-striker]

Kōji Yusa | Monday, 08.12.24

Same seiyuu - featuring Koji Yusa! Happy birthday! 🎂

1995

Volun - The Slayers (anime; Japanese dub)

1996

Toshiya Tadokoro - Detective Conan (anime; Japanese dub)

2001

Shadow the Hedgehog - Sonic the Hedgehog series (video games & other media; Japanese dub) (2001-present)

2017

Squidward Tentacles - SpongeBob Squarepants (episode: "Little Yellow Book"; Season 9, Episode 4)

[historyhermann]

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Season 2 Review

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is an anime which combines the fantasy comedy, isekai, and iyashikei genres. It is based on an ongoing 19-volume Japanese light novel series written by Kumanano and illustrated by 029. This series is produced by Japanese animation studio EMT Squared. Hisashi Ishii and Yuu Nobuta are series directors. This review will have spoilers.

Reprinted from Pop Culture Maniacs and Wayback Machine. This was the thirty-sixth article I wrote for Pop Culture Maniacs. This post was originally published on June 23, 2023.

The show's first season introduces Yuna (voiced by Maki Kawase), a bored teenager reincarnated in a fantasy world. The higher power (voiced by Shizuka Itou) gifts her an all-powerful, but comical, bear suit. She tries to adapt to her new life and finds it more fulfilling than anything she had on Earth. In the process, she becomes close to Fina (voiced by Azumi Waki), a 10-year-old girl and Crimonia town resident. Fina soon becomes her work partner and her sister. She is drawn to another ten-year-old named Noire "Noa" Foschurose (voiced by Rina Hidaka), who founds a fan club for the bears that Yuna uses to defeat monsters (Kumakyū and Kumayuru). The younger sister of Fina, Shuri (voiced by Miyu Tomita), and granddaughter of Gran Farrengram, Misana "Misa" Farrengram (voiced by Satomi Amano) also become her friends. Along the way, Yuna meets nobles, maids, fellow adventurers, and princesses.

Although the series is an isekai, it is more like I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, than any other series out there. Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is arguably an iyashikei, a Japanese slice-of-life work which portrays characters in calm environments. Such works have less focus on the plot or characters, but more on an immersive setting and worldbuilding. It is unlike other anime in the same genre, as few are fantasy comedies, and none, that I'm aware of, are isekai.

This makes Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear unique. There's no focus on romance, music, camping, or mystery, as other iyashikei have done. Instead, Yuna is only trying to enjoy her life, with the help of her friends, and her bears Kumakyū and Kumayuru. Thanks to her bear powers she can even create structures, like houses to live in. The series has strong yuri subtext primarily manifested in the close relationship between Yuna and Fina. Also, female characters far outnumber male ones.

The laid-back tone of the series offsets other more drama-filled anime, such as The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, Ippon Again!, Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, and The Dangers in My Heart. The same can be said of Western animation such as Villainous, RWBY, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, and Velma.

The second season of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, also known as Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch, is much more than that. It continues the plotlines from the first season. In the first episode of this season, there are flashbacks to remind the audience what happened. Yuna has become a bit of a celebrity and is called "Bear sis". While she isn't used to this, she doesn't shirk away from helping others. She even drives away orcs from a honey tree, so that she can have honey on her pancakes at a local cafe.

Yuna is often pulled into the world of nobles. Her fan club includes princesses Flora (voiced by Hina Kino), Noa, and Misa. Even the local feudal lord of Crimonia, Cliff Foschurose (voiced by Kōji Yusa), owes her favors. As such, she agrees to make picture books for those in the castle, but not anyone outside of it. This contrasts with the goal of Myne, in Ascendance of a Bookworm, who wants to provide books to the masses. At one point, Yuna caves to pressure and reluctantly agrees to a task given to her by noble Eleanora Foschurose (voiced by Yuiko Tatsumi): guarding students of the royal academy for firsthand training.

The latter duty, predictably, annoys Yuna, as she is comfortable with her simple life in Crimonia. The arc with the students, compromising the second and third episodes, lampoons incorrect judgment of others. Two students, Cattleya and Marix, voiced by Misuzu Yamada and Misato Matsuoka respectfully, think that Yuna is a spoiled and rich lady, and not even an adventurer. In contrast, Yuna finds it exhausting to be around people her age.

As often happens, Yuna easily defeats the beast, known as a black tiger, and takes the pelt for herself, thanks to her bear equipment. The lesson is that no one should judge someone else based on their looks. Such an empowering statement rings true when watched today or any time in the future.

While some children in Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear work, these children are enthusiastic about their work. In the fourth episode, Sherry (voiced by Kozue Yūki) makes a cushion for Yuna and aprons for those at the Bear-themed diner. She later becomes an apprentice at a tailor's shop. Since Sherry is enjoying her work as an apprentice, for which she is probably paid, I'm entirely convinced it is child labor. 

Child labor is often defined as any work which deprives children of their childhood, interferes with school attendance. It can also be any work which is harmful mentally, physically, morally, or socially. I'm not sure if Sherry's work is affecting her personal development or health. Her duties are akin to assisting a family business. Arguably, her work is contributing to her development as a child and providing experience and skills. It may even be preparing her to become a productive person later in her life, as an adult. Furthermore, she is not enslaved nor engaged in illicit activities.

Sometimes, the isekai nature of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is stronger than at other times. In the fifth episode of this season, Yuna learns that Fina can't cut through the skin of a black tiger with her current knife, and is determined to get a mithril knife. However, to do that, she has to fight golems in a cave, which are blocking access to the resource. While she collaborates with other adventurers, she ends up clearing the cave and getting what she is after by herself. She even receives a finds a substance named Bearmonite. She later believes that the God of the world set up the whole situation so she could get a reward. At another point, she even admits that the mithril knives remind of her previous life as a shut-in gamer.

As for Fina, her fear of nobles may be symbolic of her desire to be at Yuna's side no matter what. For example, she is terrified of people trying to make her wear expensive clothes. She is afraid if the clothes are ripped, she will be chastised. Adding to this, she worries about accidentally offending the King. As it turns out, the nobles don't mind her. They ease her nervousness. Even the King thinks that Yuna is annoyed with him! He believes that Fina is more well-mannered than Yuna. When she ends up spilling orange juice on her clothes, her worry fades away. It turns out that those at the castle are just as messy as her.

Otherwise, food and eating are another key part of the Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear story. This is exemplified by Yuna winning over the mother of Fina. The latter is annoyed that Yuna wants to give Fina an expensive mithril knife. Yuna makes her strawberry shortcake, which she calls "devil's dessert". In another episode, Yuna works with Nerin (voiced by Saki Ichimura) and others to bake the same dessert. She gives the same dessert to those within the castle. In the same episode, a maid named Lala helps her and Fina brew tea together, and the royal chef, Zeref (voiced by Taichi Takeda), thanks Yuna for previous recipes.

This plotline reminded me of the slice-of-life comedy drama, Antique Bakery, the only cooking anime I've watched, and the centrality of food in the Laid-Back Camp, an adventure iyashikei, and in series such as Is the Order a Rabbit?, Tokyo Mew Mew (and the sequel), and Sweetness & Lightning. I also immediately thought of the third ending sequence of Cardcaptor Sakura, set to the song Fruits Candy by Megumi Kojima. The sequence depicts protagonists Sakura Kinomoto, Tomoyo Daidouji, and Kero as baking (and decorating) a cake together. In fact, it is my favorite ending sequence of that magical girl anime.

Another important theme is the message that overwork is not a positive. In the ninth episode of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, characters discourage Sherry from tiring herself out. This is like I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, mentioned earlier in this article, which is strongly against overwork. In this series, Yuna likes her easy life, and doesn't do more work than she has to. She likely encourages others to do the same.

The last few episodes, comprising the final series arc, are more dramatic. Fina, Yuna, Cliff, and Noa all go to the castle where Misa and the rest of the Farrengram family are living. There is conflict with nobles, including the Salbard family, who control half of Sheelin. The Farrengram family control the other half. The Salbard family want to take over the entire city for themselves. Thanks to her friendship with the nobles in Crimonia, Yuna easily navigates through this class conflict. She even brings in the royal chef of Zelef to ensure that the birthday celebration of Misa goes as planned.

In this arc, one of the worst characters, Gajurud (voiced by Yasuhiro Mamiya), is introduced. He is arrogant, brash, and likes to get his way. He falls right into a trap, since Zelef promises to report the insults that Gajurud hurled at him, and the food, back to the King. Gajurud's lackeys even abandon him and claim their taste was off because of colds. His awful son, Juliane (voiced by Yōko Fujita), declares he will strike back. It appears, at first, that this attack will occur when Yuna is wearing a dress, for the first time. She is only wearing some of her bear gear, making her a bit more vulnerable.

The final episode of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear dashes the latter possibility. Yuna, wearing her bear suit, races to save Misa. The latter was kidnapped by the arrogant son of Gajurud, Juliane, with the help of the bodyguard, Brad. This all makes for an enjoyable action sequence. Yuna busts into the Salbard family mansion, beats up two nobles (Juliane and Gajurud), and clocks the bodyguard, after he underestimates her. As often happens in this series, characters underestimate how powerful Yuna is. They believe they can commit heinous acts because they see her as a kid in a bear suit.

This perception is incorrect. Yuna fights to protect her friends and those she cares about. She has a license to do this, to an extent, thanks to support from friendly nobles. In fact, Eleanora helps in this case, by arresting Gajurud and Juliane, with the help of royal guards. The mansion is then searched to retroactively uncover evidence to justify their arrest. This is an intense use of royal power, but is justified by the fact that they kidnapped Misa, and three other children from around the city.

Yuna cares about other people. In the final episode, she hugs and comforts Misa. Understandably, Misa is terrified after she was brazenly kidnapped. Yuna also reunites Misa with Fina and Noa, following her rescue. These actions make Cliff, and the Farrengram family, eternally grateful. Misa, Noa, and Fina even start to believe that Yuna is a goddess. She accepts this, to an extent, even when she is called the goddess of bears.

The final episode of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear ends nicely and ties up loose ends. However, retributive justice is shown uncritically. Gajurud and his son, Juliane, are imprisoned. They are given the death penalty after a "mountain of evidence" results in their convictions. Brad is imprisoned, exiled, and stripped of his title. Furthermore, the Salbard family property is confiscated, and the economy recovers. Adding to this, Misa's father becomes sole leader of Sheelin. All of this makes sense, considering the crimes of Gajurud, Juliane, and Brad.

In a large part, this reinforces retributive justice paradigms. The punishment of the nobles is imposed, without possibility of remorse. The state unilaterally declares what is, and isn't, a crime. In some ways, Yuna is in league with the criminal system of this medieval world. There is the presumed widespread belief that those accused of crimes cannot be rehabilitated.

The series doesn't turn these paradigms on their head like Villainous. The ending could have depicted restorative justice as being applied to the villains. Unfortunately, the writers didn't want to go that route. This isn't a shock, considering there are few examples of this in fiction, other than depictions in documentaries, podcasts, or films such as Red Dust. Furthermore, there is still continued debate over this approach to crime.

On the other hand, Yuna's violence is primarily defensive and meant to protect her friends. She doesn't go on rampages against any villains, but chooses when and where she acts violently. She lashes out at Gajurud, Juliane, Brad, and their guards. Understandably, she is furious they kidnapped one of her friends and hurt her friends in the process. No one can fault her for that.

Apart from what I've mentioned previously about this series, Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear shines through is in its voiced acting. Maki Kawase, Azumi Waki, and Rina Hidaka, who voice three of the protagonists, are known for their voice work in Tamayomi, Kandagawa Jet Girls, A Centaur's Life, Michiko & Hatchin, YuruYuri, and Ms. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighborhood.

More prominently, Kawase voiced Shima Iwashita in Bocchi the Rock!. Waki previously voiced Flatorte in I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, Tsukimi Teruya in The Aquatope on White Sand, and Takumi in Do It Yourself!! Hidaka lent her voice as Kobachi Osaragi in Kaguya-sama: Love Is War?, Ren Yamai in Komi Can't Communicate, and Himi Akane in Princess Connect! Re:Dive, to name a few.

Voice actors, such as Miyu Tomita, Satomi Amano, Hina Kino, Kōji Yusa, Yuiko Tatsumi, Misuzu Yamada, Misato Matsuoka, Kozue Yūki, Saki Ichimura, Taichi Takeda, Shizuka Itou, Yasuhiro Mamiya, and Yōko Fujita, make the series stronger. Some appeared in series like Otherside Picnic, Miss Kuroitsu from the Monster Development Department, or Too Cute Crisis, or lent their voices to characters in Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure, Princess Principal, Management of a Novice Alchemist, and Bodacious Space Pirates.

The studio EMT Squared, which produced the series, is known for four series directed by Hisashi Ishii, and another he did with Yuu Nobota: I'm Quitting Heroing. The show's composer, Shigeo Komori, is known as a writer, lyricist, video game director, and producer. Series writer Takashi Aoshima has worked on series such as Love Lab, Love Tyrant, Karin, and Petite Princess Yucie.

The present series ends with a scene in which Fina and Yuna declare "we're home" and smile. The pages of a book close, showing that this book/series has ended, that this chapter is over. If a third season of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear were produced, it would continue the story of Fina, Yuna, and their friends, reopening the book for all.

The first and second season of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear are currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

© 2023 Burkely Hermann. All rights reserved.

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