A screenshot from one of the first airings of Kodocha in Italy.
Kodocha Italian Dub[]
Kodocha's Italian Dub aired in Italy under the localized title "Rossana" on Italia 1 the 8th of July 2000. The series was aired in two blocks: the first 50 episodes, and the remaining 52. It quickly gained popularity among younger audiences. The dub underwent significant localization, both in terms of names and content.
Localization Changes[]
In the first half of the series, all of the names were changed (Sana's name is frequently used as a shortened form of Rossana). Here are the most important name changes:
Sana Kurata: Rossana Smith
Akito Hayama: Heric Akito
Rei Sagami: Robby
Misako Kurata: Catherine Smith
Tsuyoshi Ohki: Terence
Naozumi Kamura: Charles Lons
Fuka Matsui: Funny
Also the original Japanese OP/EDs were replaced by a new song used for both OP and ED and for all the episodes. The Italian Opening is named "Rossana" like the series' title, and was performed by Cristina D'Avena and Giorgio Vanni.
Censorship & Edits[]
The Italian version of the Anime was heavily edited to meet the standards of children's programming at the time. The censorship was reduced in the second half on the series.
Most important changes:[]
Localization: all references to Japan was removed in the first half of the series; it was later reintroduced in the second half, so:
- Most of the Kanji appearing on screen were translated (Babbit's text inserts) or cut if it was possible
Toned down mature themes: here's a list of all the important changes:
- Rei and Sana's relationship at the start of the series was changed into a simple friendship. The two are best friends. They did also the same thing with the Takeshi Gojo arc;
- Akito's sister calling him demon and demon child was changed into other moderate insults, and the scene where Akito punches and break the lamp (?) outside of his house, and the next scenes where his hand bleeds we're cut;
- Sana's mom's backstory is completely different from the original Japanese version: Keiko, renamed Peggy, now gave birth to Sana when she was 18, but sadly had a car accident and lost her memory, and also her daughter.
- Rei's parents dying was changed to them escaping abroad (we don't know where)
People's reaction[]
Despite being heavily censored, the anime here is much loved and is still remembered by the audience. The Fandom wants a new dubbing without all the censorship.