Ikkyū-san

Ikkyū-san (一休さん) is an anime based on the historical Zen Buddhist monk Ikkyū that follows his mischievous adventures as a child during his stay at Ankoku Temple. In each episode, Ikkyū relies on his intelligence and wit to solve all types of problems, from distraught farmers to greedy merchants.

The anime was well received by all ages in Japan and throughout Asia, as it does not rely on violence. Even when violence appears, it is usually presented in a mild or necessary way (for example, there are occasional references to the Ōnin War). A running gag of Ikkyū-san is that whenever Ikkyū is trying to think of a plan, he sits in a lotus position, wets his two index fingers, and rotates them above his head.

In 1976, there was also a theatrical film released as part of the Toei Manga Matsui film festival in the summer of that year.

Reception

In 2005, Japanese television network TV Asahi conducted an online web poll for the top one hundred anime, and Ikkyū-san placed 85th tied with Hana no Ko Lunlun.^[1]

Trivia

• This series is referenced in 2008 by Tokine Yukimura in a flashback in episode 50 of Kekkaishi, 5 minutes 50 seconds in.

References

External links

• Ikkyū-san (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
• Ikkyū-san to Yancha Hime (film) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia