Zukkoke Sannin-gumi: Zukkoke Jikuu Bouken

"Zukkoke Sannin-gumi: Zukkoke Jikuu Bouken" is an installment in the long-running "Zukkoke Sannin-gumi" franchise, which includes manga, novels, multiple live-action movies and dramas, a TV anime series and a few OVAs. The franchise is similar to "Doraemon" in content and tone, but is hardly known outside of Japan. This particular OVA was not sold commercially; those who purchased a book in the series had to order the VHS using a postcard included with the book.

"Zukkoke Jikuu Bouken" follows the adventures of three 6th-grade boys who, when trying to see their new teacher, Ms. Wakabayashi, and interview her for a school newspaper project, get sucked into ... a time portal mirror and end up in the Edo period (late 1700s). While they are initially chased by some samurai who think they are outsiders and heretics, the boys meet and are helped by Hiraga Gennai, a real-life historical figure. Also, prior to his trip through time, one of the boys spies another teacher, Mr. Nagai, going on a date with a mysterious woman as well as receiving a present from Ms. Wakabayashi. He intends to write up a scoop for the newspaper project based on all of this. How will the boys get back home, and what is the true identity of their teacher, Ms. Wakabayashi? What is the relationship between Mr. Nagai and the two ladies, and will the one he's dating say yes to his marriage proposal? Watch the OVA to find out.

The plot is coherent and relatively easy to follow, although one may have difficulty understanding some of the Edo period stuff if they don't have much knowledge of that era of Japanese history. The ending feels somewhat sudden and forced, but it is conclusive.

The characters are easy to understand without having seen/read prior entries to the "Zukkoke Sannin-gumi" franchise. They're a bit one-dimensional, but that's understandable given the story content and target demographic. The three main characters are similar to the ones in "Detective Conan" or even "Doraemon": you've got the main character, Hachibei (Conan or Nobita); the nerdy/brainy character, Hakase (Mitsuhiko or Suneo); and the chubby character who likes food, Moo-chan (Genta or Gian). The side characters, although also one-dimensional, have clear and straightforward roles.

The animation and art are okay; nothing flashy, but along the same lines as "Doraemon" or "Sazae-san." There are a few instances where characters speak without their lips moving, however. As for music, there are some musical interludes during the OVA, in addition to the opening and ending theme. All of these fit the tone of the series well, but aren't really memorable. The voice acting is decent.

As for objectionable content, there isn't any visually. In the dialogue, there's a scene where the antagonists in the Edo period accuse the three boys of being Christians, to which they reply, "No, we're Japanese!" This requires context -- Christians were persecuted during this era of Japanese history -- but it still comes off as rather dark for something aimed at kids. Also, the boys want to save Hiraga Gennai from his fate of dying in prison, but they're told they can't change history. So there are some rather dark and depressing undertones to this generally comedic anime.

Overall, this is a pretty solid OVA that's easy to watch, although the ending is a little underwhelming, and reasons why some key events occur remain unanswered. Recommended if you like "Doraemon" or other similar shows.