Event Report for “Kinnikuman -Perfect Origin Arc-” at Anime Expo

©Yudetamago/Shueisha, Kinnikuman Production Committee

Anime Expo, alongside Pony Canyon, hosted the “Kinnikuman -Perfect Origin Arc- Premiere Screening and Behind Story Talk by the Director and the Producer” panel, featuring a behind-the-scenes discussion and Q&A with staff of the anime. Present at the panel were director Akira Sato, Production I.G producer Rui Kuroki, and special guest, Kinnikuman voice actor, Mamoru Miyano.

Kicking off the panel, attendees were treated to a digest of Episode 0 and all of Episode 1, igniting the passion of fans in the audience as the screening ended on the cliffhanger of Terryman getting ready to battle the mysterious threat known as the Real Perfect Chojin.

After the screening, attendees were given a brief introduction to the world of Kinnikuman before the behind-the-scenes discussion with the panelists. Fans got to vote between 5 questions, the top 4 being the ones to which the panelist shared their answers.

1. What do you enjoy most about coming to Los Angeles for Anime Expo?
2. What do you imagine US viewers will relate to?
3. Any particularly memorable or difficult scenes?
4. What is the appeal of Kinnikuman?

Director Akira Sato:

1. I think it must be the passion all of you have. I very much enjoy the passion you have. You can really tell how much you all love anime. In Japan, you can’t really see that so this has been enjoyable for me.
2. The others say action, so I’ll say the story, especially the power of friendship. It’s a story about people coming together and I believe that concept crosses all borders.
3. In terms of difficult scenes, the most difficult part is how to create a scene no one has ever seen before together. How do we make it exciting, imposing, and impactful? I think if we could make that satisfying for everybody then we’ll spare no effort to make that scene.
4. I think #1 would be muscles. #2 would be muscles, and #3 as Kuroki-san said, there are a lot of unique characters, and when they’re in the ring they fight like idiots. I think you would enjoy that. I would enjoy it if you empty your head while watching and enjoy what you see while laughing your head off.

Producer Rui Kuroki said:

1. This is the 3rd time I’ve been at Anime Expo but I feel like this has been the best moment yet!
2. That’s a very tough question. In Japan, I like to watch professional wrestling all the time. I feel like muscles really crosses all borders.
3. There are a lot of special attacks and putting those together takes a lot of imagination, so we worked very hard to put that together. Another part is that the voice actors put a lot of effort to add their voice to the special attacks, so it was difficult to make sure the voices matched those movements.
4. I think #1 would be muscles and #2 is flexing left and right. #3 there are many different types of Chojin with unique characteristics, laughs, and special attacks, and I think you all will be able to enjoy that very much!

Voice Actor Mamoru Miyano:

1. I love you, I love you, I love you so much! I’m just really happy and so glad I could see you all today! I’m so proud of the fact that Japanese animation is so loved oversees as well. I hope to see you all everyday.
2. Do you guys like special attacks because there’s a whole lot of them. In fact, the director himself has put in quite the action moves in there. I think you’ll love it all!
3. The switch off between the comedic and serious side of things. I do my best!
4. The muscles, they’re always flexing left and right in this anime. I think you guys will get excited!

The event concluded with a rock-paper-scissors competition where attendees competed against Mamoru Miyano until three winners were selected to receive a Kinnikuman promotional poster autographed by all three guests. After announcing that Kinnikuman is coming to Netflix on July 7, the panelist shared their final remarks with the audience before everyone at the panel came together to take a commemorative photo.

Director Sato: “Streaming for Kinnikuman will start soon. I hope you will wait with bated breath and will enjoy it!”

Producer Kuroki: “I am very happy I was able to share a lot of muscle talk with you here today! I hope you will spread the joy of Kinnikuman with your friends. Thank you very much!”

Voice Actor Mamoru Miyano: “You guys watched the end of the episode right? You heard the song at the end? That was me! I hope you guys will enjoy the music and songs as well. I have one more song that is an original song specifically for this series. Please look forward to it!”

The Kinnikuman booth was also very well received with a steady flow of guests consistently visiting throughout Anime Expo. Exhibit Hall attendees watched from the aisles as fans posed with professional wrestlers, some challenging them to thumb wars, and others confident enough to step into the ring against them.

©Yudetamago/Shueisha, Kinnikuman Production Committee

Story:

Prince Kinnikuman, who came to Earth from Kinnikusei, a planet at the end of the universe, was always ridiculed by humans as a useless Chojin. However, by chance, he was given the right to participate in the Chojin World Cup, a tournament to determine the world’s best Chojin, and by a miracle, he won the championship. The following year, he even won it again!

Since then, he has become a central figure among Seigi Chojin who protects the peace of the universe. He has managed to defeat the raging forces of the enemy, including Akuma Chojin who plans to rule the world, and Perfect Chojin who aims to wipe out the weak Chojin on Earth, with the power of friendship with his friends, including Terryman and Robin Mask.

In recognition of his achievements, Kinnikuman wins the “Survival Match for the Kinnikusei Throne,” the final test of his career, and is crowned the 58th Great King of Kinnikusei! He returned to his home planet from Earth, got married, and said goodbye to eight years of fighting.

About a year and a half later, the entire universe was supposed to be at peace…

About Kinnikuman:

Based on the popular manga series serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, the TV anime series Kinnikuman was first broadcast in 1983 and soon became a social phenomenon, widely recognized for its derived capsule toy “Kinkeshi.” This sequel, produced by Production I.G., marks the first in 32 years. Production I.G. is known for producing the Ghost in the Shell series and many other masterpieces, including Kuroko’s Basketball and Haikyuu!!. The main staff also includes talented individuals who have been leading the Japanese animation scene in recent years. Now, the new battle of Kinnikuman is about to begin!

Social and website info:

Official website: https://kinnikuman-poa-anime.com
Official X (Twitter): @kin29man_anime

Panel coverage provided by 33 USA Inc. For inquiries, please contact [email protected]