The Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc panel and exclusive premiere brought an incredible crowd at this year’s Anime Expo. Anime Expo (AX) is the largest anime convention in North America. It happens annually in Downtown Los Angeles around the Fourth of July weekend. It is a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture. The convention serves as a platform for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of anime, manga, video games, music, and fashion. During the panel on July 6th, attendees watched episodes 0 and 1 of the new series. Furthermore, there was a behind-the-scenes talk with Director Akira Sato, Animation Producer Rui Kuroki, and Kinnikuman voice actor Mamoru Miyano.
About the Series
Kinnikuman is a popular anime series in Japan that originally began in 1983. Now, after 30 years, the series is back. Prince Kinnikuman, who came to Earth from Kinnikusei, was always ridiculed by humans as a useless Chojin. However, he was given the right to participate in the Chojin World Cup. This is a tournament to determine the world’s best Chojin. 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 with the power of friendship with his friends, including Terryman and Robin Mask. These enemies include Akuma Chojin who plans to rule the world and Perfect Chojin who aims to wipe out the weak Chojin on Earth.
Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc panel
The audience in attendance reacted in uproarious positivity to the screening. There was an excited energy in the crowd as everyone laughed and gasped together. Director Sato and Producer Kuroki are both thrilled with the reaction. Kinnikuman is a social phenomenon in Japan, and Mamoru Miyano hopes everyone will enjoy this new version.
One of the questions asked of the panelists was what they imagined U.S. audiences will relate to when they watch the series. Producer Kuroki let out a laugh and says that muscles cross borders. Miyano asked the crowd if they like special attacks. With a resounding yes and whooping cheers, Miyano goes on to say there are a whole lot of them. Director Sato says that the story is very relatable. It focuses on the power of friendship. The combining of powers and coming together is what Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc is really about.
The most difficult part, according to Director Sato, is creating scenes that no one has ever seen before. He wants to make sure it’s exciting, imposing, and impactful. Also, Producer Kuroki discusses how putting the special attacks together takes a lot of imagination. The voice actors have to put a lot of force into their voices. It was difficult to make the movements match those voices. Furthermore, Miyano says that for him, the switch between seriousness and funny is a challenge. He then demonstrates the drastic difference for the audience!
All three panelists agree that the most appealing part of Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc is the muscles. Through the translator, Miyano tells the crowd, “The appeal of Kinnikuman? The muscles. They’re flexing left and right in this anime!” Producer Kuroki, through the translator, says, “Number 1 is muscles. Number 2 is flexing left and right,” and the third is the enjoyment of the different laughs and special attacks of the characters. Director Sato says that this series is perfect to, “Empty your head and enjoy.”
A Full Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc Exhibit at Anime Expo
The Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc booth was featured in the Exhibition Hall #2130. They held an autograph session for fans of the iconic series with the Director and Producer. There were plenty of photo opportunities as well. Fans had the chance to pose with wrestlers and flex their muscles in the ring!
Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc is now streaming on Netflix!
