The Appeal and Evaluation of the Animal Olympic Games: A Look into the Unique World of Sports Anime

The Appeal and Evaluation of the Animal Olympics

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

September 1928

■Distribution company

The 30th episode of the educational film series "Athena Library"

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Chuzo Aochi

■ Director

Yasushi Murata

■ Production

Yokohama Cinema Company

■ Story

An animal Olympics is held, with an elephant, hippopotamus, monkey, pig, rabbit, bulldog, and duck competing. The monkey wins the pole vault. In the discus throw, the elephant throws a discus that goes over the mountain and into the clouds like a UFO. The monkey and the bulldog are in a close race in the 800m final, but get into a fight mid-race. The winner is snatched away by the duck. The first place winner is given the championship cup, and everyone tosses him up in celebration, but he ends up being crushed by the elephant.
Source: History of Japanese Animation Films, p. 197

■Explanation

Murata's previous works had been faithful to existing fairy tales and contained few jokes, but this work is based on the theme of the Olympics, and features clever anthropomorphization of animals and some jokes.
Source: History of Japanese Animation Films, p. 197

■ Main staff

Original story/Tadamizu Aoji Illustration/Yasushi Murata Photography/Kouji Iida

Detailed evaluation and analysis

Historical background and significance

The year 1928 was the dawn of animation, and it was a time when animation production techniques and methods of expression were rapidly evolving, especially in Japan. "Animal Olympic Games" was produced as part of the educational film series "Athena Library." This series aims to provide educational content for children, and "Animal Olympic Games" is part of that series, allowing viewers to learn about the spirit of sports and the characteristics of animals while having fun.

Story and Characters

The story is very simple: animals take part in the Olympics and compete in various events. The characteristics of the animals are utilized in each event, and humor can be seen throughout the film, such as a monkey winning the pole vault. There are also some unpredictable developments, such as a fight between a monkey and a bulldog in the 800m final and a duck unexpectedly winning. In particular, the scene where an elephant throws a discus and flies away like a UFO has a strong visual impact and will stimulate children's imaginations.

The characters skillfully depict the characteristics of each animal, such as the strength of the elephant, the agility of the monkey, and the laid-back personality of the pig. These characters not only teach children about the ecology and characteristics of animals, but also teach the importance of sportsmanship and friendship.

Animation Techniques and Expressions

The animation technology was very advanced for 1928, and the depiction of the animals' movements and expressions is particularly realistic and lively. Yasuji Murata's drawings, with their skillful anthropomorphization of animals and the inclusion of comedy elements, succeed in entertaining children. Scenes such as the discus throwing scene make the most of visual effects to create a strong visual impact. It can be said that these technological advances had a major impact on later animation works.

Educational value

The "Animal Olympics" is a film that has been produced as part of an educational film series, and so it has a very high educational value. It not only teaches children about the characteristics and ecology of animals, but also teaches them many things, such as the spirit of sports, the importance of friendship, and the balance between competition and cooperation. It also has a positive effect on children's learning while having fun by incorporating humorous elements.

Cultural influences

"Animal Olympics" occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation films from 1928. This work had a great influence on later animation works, especially contributing to the development of anthropomorphized animal works and comedy anime. It was also produced as part of an educational film series, and is highly regarded for its contribution to children's education. Even today, this work is considered an important piece in the study of animation history.

Recommendations and how to watch

Recommended audience

"Animal Olympics" is a work that I would especially recommend to children. It teaches about the characteristics of animals and the spirit of sports, and also incorporates humorous elements, so children can learn while having fun. It is also recommended for adults who are interested in animation history and technology. This work is extremely valuable as an example of the progress of animation technology in 1928.

How to watch

"Animal Olympics" can now be viewed on DVD and online streaming services. In particular, it is also held by many universities and libraries as a resource for learning about the history of Japanese animation films. There are also websites on the Internet where you can watch it for free, but we recommend that you be aware of copyright laws when watching.

summary

"Animal Olympics" is a work that occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation films from 1928. The story, which incorporates anthropomorphized animals and comedy elements, provides children with an opportunity to learn while having fun, and has a very high educational value. It also had a major influence on later animation works as an example of the advancement of animation technology. This work is recommended not only for children, but also for adults who are interested in the history and technology of animation. Please watch it at least once and experience its charm.