The appeal and reviews of "Kuro Nyago": Unraveling the mysteries of darkness and cats

"Kuro Nyago": A masterpiece that marks the dawn of Japanese animation

Overview

"Kuro Nyago" is a Japanese animated film released in 1930, and is known as the first record-type talkie. It was produced by Chiyogami Eigasha and Ofuji Nobuo, and was also directed by Ofuji Nobuo. It was released in theaters and is based on an original anime. It was released in January 1930 and consists of one three-minute episode.

■ Story

The story of "Kuro Nyago" is based on the lyrics of a record. Here are some of the lyrics:

・♫Nyago yo nyago yo, dancing Nyago star Nyago is a black Nyago With a red collar Nyago yo nyago yo, dancing Nyago star "I'm Nyago, I'm a black Nyago" "Yes, yes, I'm black Nyago" "Please dance the Black Nyago dance---" "Come on, everyone, dance the Black Nyago dance" My ancestor was a spotted tiger The tiger jumped through the bamboo grove, the thicket that was a thousand miles long Pyoi pyoi pyoi pyoi Sutten sutten sutten "Why did the tiger become Nyago?" "Because everyone is afraid" My younger brother is a tiger cat, as you can see I am a tiger cat, my ancestor is a tiger If there is a mouse that dares to stand up to me I'll throw it Pyoi pyoi pyoi Sutten sutten sutten

As you can see from the lyrics, Kuronyago dances and is proud of his tiger ancestors. He is also depicted dancing happily with his tiger-cat brother.

■Explanation

"Kuro Nyago" has historical significance as the first record talkie. By playing a record in time with the video, the pictures and music are synchronized, and the format used is the Tojo Eastphone. In the case of 16mm, DeVry talkies can also be used. The record used is Victor's children's jazz song "Kuro Nyago," and when the record is rotated at 80 revolutions per minute and the film is projected at 60 shaku per minute (2 revolutions per second, 16 frames), the same effect as a talkie can be achieved. It was completed in 1929 and released in 1930.

This work features a black cat, a tiger cat, and four children dancing to jazz music for children. It is a pioneering work that achieved synchronization of music and images in the early days of animation films, and has been praised for its technical innovation.

■Production Background

The production of "Kuro Nyago" was greatly influenced by the innovative endeavors of Ofuji Noburo. Ofuji pursued new possibilities for animation films using record-type talkies, which were still a new technology at the time. His foresight and technical knowledge were the driving force behind the creation of this work. The cooperation of Chiyogami Eigasha was also important, and together they can be seen seeking new ways of expression.

At the time in Japan, animated films were still uncommon and technically challenging. "Kuro Nyago" was recognized as a work that was one step ahead of the rest, and had a major impact on the development of later animated films.

Technical Features

One of the technical features of "Kuro Nyago" is the use of record-type talkies. This was an innovative way to synchronize images and music, and was extremely advanced considering the technological standards of the time. The use of Tojo Eastphone and DeVry Talkies also played an important role in enhancing the quality of the film.

Furthermore, the use of Victor's children's jazz song "Kuro Nyago" provided children with familiar music, enhancing the appeal of the work. By adjusting the record speed and film projection speed, the same effect as a talkie could be achieved as a result of technical ingenuity.

■ Evaluation and impact

"Kuro Nyago" was highly praised as the first record talkie. In particular, the synchronization technology between music and images gave a fresh surprise to the audiences of the time and had a major influence on the development of later animated films. In addition, the use of jazz music aimed at children made the film a popular choice for children.

This work occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation films, and became the foundation that supported the technical advances of later animation films. In particular, the synchronization technique between music and images became a key element in later animation films, influencing many works.

■Reasons for recommendation

"Kuro Nyago" is a work that represents the dawn of animation, and its technical innovation and historical significance make it a must-see film. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in the history and technology of animation. It can also be enjoyed by the whole family, with child-friendly music and fun dance scenes.

This work represents a crystallization of the technical challenges and creativity of the time, and by learning about its background you can enjoy it even more. It is recommended not only for fans of animation films, but also for anyone interested in film and music.

Related information

Detailed information on "Kuro Nyago" can be found on page 200 of the History of Japanese Animation Films. In addition, Victor's children's jazz record "Kuro Nyago" is also an important resource for learning about the music culture of the time. If you are interested in other works by Ofuji Noburo and the history of Chiyogami Eigasha, please check it out.

This work is now preserved as a valuable resource and can be seen in museums and film archives, so it's a must-visit for learning about the history of animation films.

Conclusion

"Kuro Nyago" is a masterpiece that marked the dawn of Japanese animation and continues to be loved by many people for its technical innovation and historical significance. Combining a variety of elements, such as music and video synchronization techniques, jazz for children, and fun dance scenes, this work is not only enjoyable for the whole family, but is also highly recommended for anyone interested in the history and technology of animation films. Please watch it at least once and experience its charm.