Reference Guide to Parodies in the Anime ‘My Dear Nokotan (Shikanoko nokonoko Koshitantan)’
“Shikanoko noko noko koshitantan (My Deer Friend Nokotan)” contains many homages, which might make it difficult for international viewers to understand.
However, it could be a good chance to know common parodies used in Anime.
- Add [famous] to well-known parodies
- Add [dubious] if it’s unclear whether it’s the original reference
- Note that there might be omissions or misunderstandings as this includes speculation
Opening: Shika-iro Days
Title: Shika-iro Days
It seems to be a palody of the opening song “Sorairo Days” from “Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann” (2007).
“Sorairo Days(空色デイズ)” means “Sky Blue Days” in English.”空” is sky, “色” is color, and “デイズ” is days.
Then, “Shika-iro Days(鹿色デイズ)” means “Deer-colored Days” in English.”鹿” is deer.
“Sorairo Days” is particularly famous among the opening songs of 2000s anime.
“Gurren Lagann” itself is a highly rated anime and famous.
Kirara Jump [famous]
The “Kirara” series is a magazine that serializes many daily-life manga with lots of girls.
In the opening of its anime adaptations, it’s common to see girls jumping for no reason.
The jump is known as “Kirara Jump” and is often parodied in various works.
Death Screen from FromSoftware Games
The death screen is based on games from FromSoftware, represented by “Demon’s Souls”.
Somewhat Scary Eyes [dubious]
The expression with distinctive eye shapes seems to have a reference.
“Nekojiru” or “Chiyo’s Dad” from “Azumanga Daioh” come to mind, but it might not be, as it doesn’t have that many wrinkles.
Expression like Hokuto no Ken [dubious][famous]
This masculine face is representative of “Hokuto no ken” but it’s unclear if it’s actually from that.
Knowing the catchphrases and famous lines from “Hokuto no ken” might be useful, as it’s often referenced.
Episode 1
Sudden Steep Slope [dubious]
It probably wasn’t intended, but it might be referencing the infamous steep slope from “Toradora” that became known for animation errors.
It’s more likely not a parody since a parody would be more exaggerated.
Snot [dubious]
The inspiration might be “Bo-chan” from the famous children’s anime “Crayon Shin-chan.” However, it could simply be just snot.
Shocker Troops [famous]
The reference is the Shocker Troops from “Kamen Rider.” When thinking of low-level minions in an evil organization, Shocker comes to mind and is often used in various manga.
Despite being from a work several decades old, similar minions continue to appear in subsequent special effects series, keeping its high recognition.
Seal Design
The round seal design that appears frequently in the anime series “Seitokai Yakuindomo” seems to be the reference.
Serious Atmosphere Dead Body
While I couldn’t find a perfect match, it seems to be an homage to “Higurashi When They Cry.”
It’s a mix of the dead body of Rika Furude and the character design of Rena Ryuuguu.
This work was very popular back in the day, bringing back nostalgic memories.
Hairstyle with Pointed Corners
The reference is Ran Mouri, the heroine of “Detective Conan.”
The manga started in 1994 and is still ongoing, while the anime began in 1996 and continues to air.
It is a famous detective anime and manga.
The source is her characteristic hair with pointed corners, a frequent topic of discussion regarding the structure and changes in her hairstyle over the serialization period.
Hairstyle with Hairpins
The inspiration is the heroine of “The Kindaichi Case Files”.
The manga started in 1992 and currently has a spin-off series set when the protagonist is 37 years old.
It is a famous detective anime series, next in popularity to “Detective Conan”.
The reference is the heroine Miyuki Nanase.
Episode 2
Expression like Fist of the North Star [dubious] [famous]
Same as above
“Come on Out!”
The inspiration is former pro wrestler Nobuhiko Takada, who was active mainly in the 1980s.
He continued his career as a commentator and entertainer.
His famous line “Men among men(Otoko no naka no otoko), come on out!(Detekoiya-)” shouted during the 2004 martial arts event “PRIDE” became well-known.
Other anime, like the ending of “Interspecies Reviewers,” also subtly referenced this.
“I Burned Out… Completely White…” [famous]
The most famous last scene of the legendary boxing manga “Ashita no Joe”.
This scene has been parodied in various works, including “Gurren Lagann,” “Assassination Classroom,” “Bocchi the Rock,” and more.
Flowing Green Text [famous]
The familiar scene of flowing green text is usually a reference to “The Matrix”.
However, there’s also talk that this scene was inspired by “Ghost in the Shell”.
“Ghost in the Shell” is an anime film released in 1995 that is still impressive to watch today.
SSN (Shika Shika Network)
This is a parody of the internet meme NNN (Neko Neko Network), a secret organization for cats that sends cats to humans who can make them happy.
If a kitten comes to your doorstep, it’s the work of NNN.
Supercomputer Shikagaku
The reference is the Japanese supercomputer Fugaku(富嶽).
It is currently the highest-performing supercomputer in Japan and became famous domestically for its world’s fastest calculation speed in 2020.
Saying “I’m tired” While Being Taken by Angels [famous]
The reference is “A Dog of Flanders (フランダースの犬)”.
Although a British children’s book, the anime adaptation became famous in Japan.
It depicts Belgium around 1870 and has a sad ending.
Despite being an anime from 1975, the last scene remains famous and is parodied in various works.
The famous line “Patrasche, you’re tired too, aren’t you? I’m also tired. I feel very sleepy.” is well-known, and if a character says something like “I’m tired” with a peaceful face, it’s likely a parody of “A Dog of Flanders”.
