Ryuuou no Oshigoto! [Review]
“A teenage boy named Yaichi Kuzuryū happens to be the strongest shogi player in history, holding the top title of “Ryuuou” (Dragon King). One fateful day, shogi-loving elementary student, Ai Hinatsuru, appears before him claiming that he promised to be her master.” Ryuuou no Oshigoto! (manga)
Story:
I’ve been a fan of shogi anime since watching 3-gatsu no Lion. But 3-gatsu no Lion focused more on the characters than the shogi. So I was glad that Ryuuou no Oshigoto took the other approach and focused more on the technical aspects of shogi. This show walks you through the shogi explaining different play styles, titles, steps to become a pro shogi player etc. The steps are then taken by our main cast and to see them progress and grow is what makes Ryuuou no Oshigoto so entertaining.
Artwork & Animation:
Of all the things that Ryuuou no Oshigoto had to offer, the cinematography was the one that stood out the most. The overviews of the shogi board, close cuts to the shogi pieces, the switch between a character’s facial expression then right into a movement of a piece were all great in building up tension for each match. And with character dialogue, shogi was much easier to grasp, even for a non-shogi player like myself. Along with that, the articulation in movement, during shogi matches were immaculate in showcasing the form of which shogi should be played. The background and character design were solid across the board.
Character(s):
It’s a given that Yaichi and Ai would be the main focus of the show, but Ryuuou no Oshigoto has much more to offer than those two. The other characters in the show are as interesting as our main protagonists, each with their own goals and ambitions. There’s a good amount of character development for everyone, which in turn enriches the experience of the story making for a better overall show.
Sound (OST & Voice Acting):
As Shogi is a Japanese game, it’s not surprising that the soundtrack would have a large number of traditional Japanese instrument, further emphasizing Japanese culture and nature. Some pieces even feature a fusion of western and eastern instruments, resulting in a quite interesting sound.
Enjoyment:
I thoroughly enjoyed Ryuuou no Oshigoto and learning about shogi in the process. While I would love for there to be another season, the ending was extremely satisfying and ends the show well.
Overall: Score 9
Shogi is much more than just a game, it’s a demonstration of one’s will to win and their grace in defeat. Ryuuou no Oshigoto explores the world of shogi as well as its technicalities. With an interesting cast and high focus on shogi, this show is intense and entertaining as it gets!
Best Girl: Sora Ginko
The strong-willed Sora Ginko was already a top contender for best girl in the beginning but after a little bit of character development and her habits of not being honest with her feelings easily push her to the top spot!
KiritoNarukami 