Gasaraki

Did You Know?

• In ancient Japan, the Gowa family created a demonic armor to defeat their enemies, which later influenced the development of Tactical Armor in the 2010s.
• A video game titled Tactical Armor Custom Gasaraki was released for the PlayStation on January 13, 2000.
• The series was released on VHS and DVD in North America and the UK by ADV Films, and re-licensed by Nozomi Entertainment for a 2012 re-release.

Characters

Yushiro Gowa is the main character, a quiet and withdrawn teenage boy viewed by his elder brothers in the Gowa family as a tool for their ambitions. He serves as a test pilot for a special JSDF unit, possessing an extraordinary ability to synchronize with the TA hardware, particularly the Mile One synthetic muscle tissue, through a process called a Mental Burst. At his family's request, he also performs a fictional mystical form of Noh theatre known as the dance of Gasara, which allows him to open dimensional gateways. Miharu is a quiet, introverted girl who pilots a TA called Fake for the organization Symbol. She initially accepts her role but begins to desire self-determination after meeting Yushiro. Kazukiyo Gowa, the eldest brother, is ambitious and cunning, plotting to replace his father as head of the family and seeking the power of the mysterious Gasaraki for ultimate supremacy. Kiyotsugu Gowa, the second son, is a scientist and researcher who developed the TAs and follows Kazukiyo's plans despite the risks. Kiyoharu Gowa, the third son, is a businessman and analyst who supports Kazukiyo despite reservations. Misuzu Gowa, the youngest sibling, has close ties only to her father and Yushiro and tries to uncover the truth about her family. Meth is a council member of Symbol who takes orders from the President and cares for Miharu's well-being. Phantom is Symbol's CEO.

Reception

Critical reception of Gasaraki has been generally positive. Issac Cynova of THEM Anime Reviews rated the series 3 out of 5 stars, praising the visuals, soundtrack, backgrounds, characters, storyline, and mecha battles, but criticizing the pacing, stating that the plot is stretched too thin over twenty-six episodes and that the series prefers action to take a back seat to plot. Cynova concluded that the series improves near the end and is beautiful and fairly well thought out, if not well executed. Theron Martin of Anime News Network gave the series a B rating, praising the story, animation, and soundtrack, but criticizing the main protagonist, the final episode, and an overemphasis on Japanese nationalism, noting a negative portrayal of Asian immigrants and the United States. Martin concluded that the series is worth checking out for those who prefer mecha content emphasizing realism and technical detail. Benjamin Wright of Animerica gave a positive review, describing the story as deep, involving, and well thought out, with distinct and complex characters appealing to mature viewers and younger audiences, and imaginative mecha. Wright noted that the series starts off slowly and its first episode is unlikely to grab many viewers.