Series Recommendation: Ryosangata Riko: Puramo Joshi no Jinsei Kumitate Ki
Thanks to Pla Models, I have gained so many things…
While the Live-Action Gundam is in development limbo, and the mainstream war-torn Gundam series most likely won’t have anything new soon, it’s a good time to change to a different series. A Live-Action about Model-kit buildings, but this time not just Gunpla or for Gunpla fighting, but about daily life conviction and and some important lessons in society. All the while having a super cute girl being the main builder and character. Welcome to Ryosangata Riko – aka Mass-Produce Riko!
Ryosangata Riko follows Riko Komukai – an employee of an event planning company. Her department is a combination of very, very different personalities, but the common thing is they aren’t too concerned about the fact that their team is doing badly in terms of performance. Riko was even called a “mass-produce” type of person who has no intention of improving – a “ryosangata onna”. Each episode is a challenge presented to Riko and her colleagues, whereas they get frustrated and find comfort in Model Building. Riko – being a complete newbie who hasn’t built any model kit before – found this new hobby exhilarating, but after completing a model kit, she always found new meaning in life – and in the people around her. The series has 10 episodes and was released in 2022 – with a sequel broadcast in 2023.
+ Plot: The show is pretty much about human drama – where the clincher also revolves around model kit building. Each model kit from each episode carries with it a specific lesson that we as mecha fans don’t really notice before. And the model kits aren’t all mecha or Gundams either – we got Gunpla, Evangelion, a 4WD, Yamato etc… There are many lessons drawn from the show that carries significant impact in human’s daily life. While some of them deriving from the model kit is a bit cheesy and a bit of a stretch, it is still an understandable development. Each side characters also help build Riko’s development through each episode, further bringing her into the hobby and learning many more things.
+ Plot: The show is pretty much about human drama – where the clincher also revolves around model kit building. Each model kit from each episode carries with it a specific lesson that we as mecha fans don’t really notice before. And the model kits aren’t all mecha or Gundams either – we got Gunpla, Evangelion, a 4WD, Yamato etc… There are many lessons drawn from the show that carries significant impact in human’s daily life. While some of them deriving from the model kit is a bit cheesy and a bit of a stretch, it is still an understandable development. Each side characters also help build Riko’s development through each episode, further bringing her into the hobby and learning many more things.
There are no crazy action in the show, but rather the “implied” impact of the model kit. Just like when she build a Zaku we got some dramatic effects and the Gundam BGM. The model kit store’s owner’s super serious attitude when it comes to model kit represent us as both builders and mecha content consumers. We channel them into life as if they are real and become very fired up when discussing about it. The show also did a very nice job “convincing” the new people to try out the hobby, not by saying “oh, it’s very simple, you just do this” but rather appeal to their passion and guide them through the process with a very, very firm hand. After all, building model kit should be enjoyable, but for the characters in the show, there’s more than that on the line. The sense of urgency and importance add some very good fuel to the drama, and the payoff is extremely satisfactory.
Riko – the main character – is a very cute young woman in her early twenties. She follows a very ordinary routine of going to work everyday, then go home and relax to prepare for the next day’s work. In a sense, you can say she’s stuck in one place, with a fear of regressing but also no determination to take a step forward. It is also a problem with many youths these days and before they know it, time has passed them by. Riko is a great juxtaposition between a new builder and a person with daily worries. She’s curious about the hobby and was able to use it to gain new views of life. Yoda Yuuki did an amazing job portraying the character.
Riko – the main character – is a very cute young woman in her early twenties. She follows a very ordinary routine of going to work everyday, then go home and relax to prepare for the next day’s work. In a sense, you can say she’s stuck in one place, with a fear of regressing but also no determination to take a step forward. It is also a problem with many youths these days and before they know it, time has passed them by. Riko is a great juxtaposition between a new builder and a person with daily worries. She’s curious about the hobby and was able to use it to gain new views of life. Yoda Yuuki did an amazing job portraying the character.
Furthermore, it’s not just simply building a model kit, but the show shows you decaling and painting as well. There are some advanced level techniques being shown such as airbrushing and seams-removal. However, due to time constraint or logistics, they skipped out on the nub mark processing. There are virtually no nubs cleaned in the show and it might trigger some people. However, please understand that it is just for the sake of drama and normally anyone would clean it somewhat. At least they showed you the double cut technique where you cut away from the part, then cut another time closer to the nubs.
Music: The openings and endings from the show is very uplifting and energetic. Interesting to note that no matter what model kit they are building, the build BGM will always be that Gundam 0079 tune lol. I guess it’s the cheapest to license and the most iconic. There’s also some great emotional tracks during critical moments. So overall it’s very decent.
+ Conclusion: Ryosangata Riko is far from a mecha series – but rather focus on model kit building as a way to draw inspirations for real life situation. It’s not done as a competitive hobby but as a way to change someone’s perspective in life through the process of building a model kit. While we mecha fans love to dwell into the fictional world with actual giant robots, it’s also interesting to take a step back and look at the building hobby as more than just a money sink-hole. I’m sure after watching the series, you can also get inspired by what you have in your collection and it may even help you get better in life as well as model kit building. And if you like the series, you can check out the sequel: Mou Hitori no Puramo Joshi no Jinsei Kumitate ki!
Music: The openings and endings from the show is very uplifting and energetic. Interesting to note that no matter what model kit they are building, the build BGM will always be that Gundam 0079 tune lol. I guess it’s the cheapest to license and the most iconic. There’s also some great emotional tracks during critical moments. So overall it’s very decent.
+ Conclusion: Ryosangata Riko is far from a mecha series – but rather focus on model kit building as a way to draw inspirations for real life situation. It’s not done as a competitive hobby but as a way to change someone’s perspective in life through the process of building a model kit. While we mecha fans love to dwell into the fictional world with actual giant robots, it’s also interesting to take a step back and look at the building hobby as more than just a money sink-hole. I’m sure after watching the series, you can also get inspired by what you have in your collection and it may even help you get better in life as well as model kit building. And if you like the series, you can check out the sequel: Mou Hitori no Puramo Joshi no Jinsei Kumitate ki!
Check out more recommendations:
A combination between Japanese myths and mecha. An intricate relationship between 2 girls and one guy, with intense Super Robot combat in-between.
A chance to see the A.D Police from Bubblegum Crisis in honorable action. Two detectives take on cases of rampage Boomers, unraveling a sinister plot that can change the world.
An apocalyptic tale of burning sand and monsters. A young man set out for vengeance, acquiring the usual hot chick and robot buddy on the way.
A refreshing tale about how the best of friends became sworn rivals. A vibrant, well animated movie where characters shine through their own merits, and bring a new wind to the franchise.
The fruit of collaboration with Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the air combat scenes of this anime is what set it apart
Despite often being overlooked by newer fans, After War Gundam X is a must watch for any Gundam lovers.
Passion makes satisfaction. A group of student show what they can accomplish with a mecha short film that leaves you desperately wanting more!
A seemingly impossible task of building Mazinger Z hangar in real life. A ragtag team of a planning company assembled the Fantasy Division to turn fiction into reality.
A light-hearted series that turned into intense space opera. The Girl Who Leapt Through Space leaps through many genre to deliver a unique experience and turn everyone’s expectation upside down.
A desolate planet now submerged in liquid. A totally unique and fresh mecha series where all the robots are underwater. Oh and there’s also a talking whale.
A love story that spans through 12000 years. The war between Angels and humans fueled by passionate emotions. Shoji Kawamori shows us why he’s the master of the sky.
What happens if we mix Mahou Shoujo, Mecha and Battle Royale into one? We get Granbelm – an emotional story about the lives of young girls entangled in an ancient war.
In the city of smoke and steam, a young kid works as a detective alongside his nurse and butler to protect the peace. An old classic for fans of the steampunk style.
The 2nd season of the lovely Mass-Produced Riko series. Join Riko and co as they embark on an all new venture, while drawing interesting lesson from building plastic models.
The long-awaited continuation of the mecha isekai of pain. Season 2 of Muv-Luv Alternative is definitely trying to woo you by slamming intense scenes at you – but is it worth it?
One of the most difficult to adapt Mecha series, Muv-Luv Alternative anime started off with a questionable season, but you should still check it out.
A remake of another Tatsunoko hero. The Space Knight returns with a completely new story, design and brings us on an emotional journey of a tragic hero.
The continuation of the hot-blooded saga, this time filled with emotional drama and even more badass action. A great video game adaptation but not without flaws.
The long awaited legend’s return that satisfy all mecha fan’s longing for a good game. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is an experience you have to play to believe.
Universes collide as the cast of Gridman and Dynazenon is caught in a dimensional anomaly. But what’s more troubled is Yuuta – who has to become Gridman again with a troubled heart.
When you talk about the most badass mecha, you have to mention SRW OG and Masami Obari. And when these two combine, you get the best SRW anime of all time.
A unique series where the true pacifism versus justice. A bold premise and interesting gimmick make Planet With a very selective series in terms of audience – but it definitely deserves a chance.
From the studio that created Buddy Complex and Valvrave, Cross Ange is another Sunrise’s original that challenges the limit of its audience once more .
What will you do if you’re teleported to a time with giant grotesque monsters? For teenage student Daisuke Doujima, it’s a perfect chance for him to become a hero, and a saviour. But can he?
After 2 lukewarm series, Gundam Build rose to form again with Re:Rise. A story with deep characterization for a diverse and likeable cast and awesome Obari action.
Time to go digital! Build series is going full SAO and virtual with Build Divers – a light-hearted series and fun to enjoy without the need to complicate things.
Following GBF, Sunrise wanted to capture the magic with TRY. However, they fell just short of greatness but still create a series with amazing Gunpla battles.
A hobby turned combat sport. Sunrise’s effort to attract new fans turned into a compelling series with gorgeous battles featuring iconic MS from the franchise.
The first animated Build series, Beginning G opened up new venues and excitement for the hobby, with light-hearted yet intense traditional MS battle.
Do you want a Gundam series with a brighter tone but still has banger battles? Then Metal Armor Dragonar is a perfect series for you!
A series about building regular model kit, and using them to find inspiration in life. A very uplifting and chill series for mecha fans to change their perspective on their hobby.
The sequel to SEED – a series that brought Gundam on top of the radar. Destiny is a sequel that earned both the intense love and hate within the fandoms.
An anime adaptation of a sci-fi novel with the same name, Yakitori really stir up the scene with its unusual storytelling and animation style. However, the characters really hold the series up.
A Fafner novel written by Tow Ubutaka – the person who understand Fafner the most. Explore Kazuki’s POV and his relationship in a way you’ve never seen before.
A new Gundam for a new era. Gundam Seed is one of the most popular modern Gundam series that has fans all around the world. And it also received much love from Sunrise as well.
A love letter to commemorate the pioneer of the Mecha genre, Mazinger Z Infinity remind us of the conviction and justice that the Iron Castle had, is, and will stand for.
A badass and action-packed super robot series with an age-gap marriage between the two main characters. A hearth-throbbing and passionate tale about love and perseverance.
A new story of the boy who awoken a machine. Casshern Sins follow a conflicting young man in a world where life seems meaningless, yet everyone yearn for it anyway.
Just when things have calmed down, the Gear Users once again face an apocalyptic threat from a mysterious high order. This put Hibiki and her friends at risk once more.
New threats emerged to threaten the world. But new allies also appear to bring the Gear’s songs to a new level. A new battle await the girls!
Mahou Shoujo x Tokusatsu combined with plenty of mecha references, Symphogear bring us an audio and visual experience that is just the beginning. of a great franchise.
A new nation, a new story, a new battlefield. The reborn Eighty Six must choose between a life of peace or death. Will the Reaper be able to move on?
The depressing, gripping yet hopeful world of Eighty Six brought to life with A-1’s adaptation. The vision of Asato receives a depiction so emotional like no others.
A fun dogfight experience with some mecha combat thrown into the mix, Strike Suit Zero scratches some of that Macross action game that PC gamer has been wanting.
With his life completely smashed apart and turned upside down, teenage boy Ayato had to navigate a new world while being the key to control the winged giant RahXephon.
Not just your usual 70s Super Robot, Zambot 3 is more than just a battle between good and evil, but also about endurance, perseverance and the unyielding heart to do what’s right.
Expanding upon the original work of Yokoyama-sensei, GR: The Day The Earth Stood Still introduces a world where the supernatural and super-technology co-exist. And in the midst of that is a Giant Robo.
If you fancy beautiful girls cladded in sleek power armor fighting cyborg crimes, then Bubblegum Crisis is the choice for you, with amazing 90s cyberpunk dystopia atmosphere!
The Cyber Beast Force may have disbanded, but their burning hearts are still raging. Dancouga combines once again to fight an unexpected enemy. Is it human, or something else much more sinister?
Suit up! It’s time for some Oni hunting! An anime tribute to the Tokusatsu genre, Shikizakura show us the power of hope, willpower and compassion to overcome any darkness.
