Ashita no Joe, Idol Densetsu Eriko Recommendations
Eriko Tamura and Joe Kabuki come from opposite corners of the ring/stage if you consider their family background, personality, gender and social status at the beginning of the series, but the stories told in the TV series have some similarities I think.
First of all, both protagonists start not all that enthusiastic into their new career, and are rather being pushed than the driving force. Then, they find a liking to what they are doing, which is one motive of pursuing the career in their respective field.
A further source of motivation is the competition against their opponents. Both have one major rival (Rei Asagiri for Eriko
and Tooru Riikishi for Joe), whom they greatly admire. However, Tooru and Rei meet Joe and Eriko with contempt at first, and criticize them both in their craft and and as a person. Both the protagonists and their main opponents prefer an open confrontation, and do not approve of underhanded tactics. During their rivalry, the victory itself is not Eriko’s and Joe’s only goal, but also the opponent’s recognition and friendship. (Eriko is much more outspoken about that than Joe, who puts it very late into words what Tooru meant to him…) The words and acts of Rei and Tooru greatly influence the protagonists, and help them shape their character and profession.
Another aspect that these series have in common is the very diverse cast of characters, with side characters from various backgrounds and age classes. Several of these characters are explored in side stories, in which they interact with the protagonists. In these side stories, also the daily lives, lesser difficulties, relations and minor enemies (which are not always as fair as Tooru or Rei) of Joe and Eriko are explored. These side stories and side characters take quite some of the episode count in both series, but I think they are what make both scenarios feel so much alive.
If you like to watch protagonists day to day live and development in a competitive environment, including a major rival, both titles may be for you.
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