Ask John: What is Neoranga?

Question:
While perusing through Chinatown here in New York, I saw an anime called “Neoranger” (I believe). My question is, what is the series about; how many episodes are there; is there a sequel? One more question, is it being licensed by any company?

Answer:
Nankai Kio Neoranga (South Seas Mystery Neoranga) was a 48 episode television series broadcast as part of Anime Complex in 1998 and 1999, meaning that each episode was only 15 minutes long. The series is ostensibly a giant monster fantasy/adventure but is actually much more a political drama in the vein of Gasaraki than it may overtly appear. Three poor Japanese sisters find themselves the center of controversy and partially unwanted attention when they learn that they have inherited the title of “king” of a small South Seas island nation called Barrou. Their older brother married into the royal family, but apparently either died mysteriously or committed suicide. Along with their new reign, the Shimabara sisters inherit control of Neoranga, a Godzilla sized stone god and protector of Barrou. The problem occurs when the girls decide to remain living in the Japanese suburb they’re used to, and Neoranga decides to remain nearby his “king.” Naturally, problems ensue from a family keeping a pet the size of Godzilla. However, although this may sound like a comedy, Neoranga is mainly a serious drama with numerous sub-plots and a heavy focus on international politics.

Of the three sisters, Mima, the eldest, sees Neoranga as a keepsake of her departed brother and a way to earn money for the family. Yuuhi, the youngest, sees Neoranga as a symbol of power and divine right- validation of her own sense of superiority. Ushio is confused by Neoranga, unsure of her own right to control a literal god. On top of this, the local police see Neoranga as a threat, the Japanese government sees Neoranga as a potential weapon, the American government wants Neoranga for themselves, and a shadowy Japanese conspiracy trying to revive other similar ancient gods sees the rogue Neoranga as a threat to their attempts to control Japan and return the country to its shamanistic roots, controlled by supernatural gods similar to Neoranga. The Shimabara sisters use Neoranga to squash the yakuza control of their town and expose local political corruption, but also find themselves the target of governmental sanctioned assassination attempts, kidnappings and eventually international and political isolationism and discrimination.

The series has its fair share of humor and action, but for full appreciation requires careful attention to the massive cast of characters and subplots, and at least a limited knowledge of the Japanese political system and constitution and the cause and effect relationship of world politics. AD Vision has owned the American translation and distribution rights to Neoranga for some time now but has not yet announced any tentative release plans.

Update: April 22, 2003
Neoranga is now available in America from AD Vision under the name “Neoranga.”