The appeal and reviews of "Yen": a must-see anime

"En": A work that marked the dawn of Japanese animation

One of the essential works in the history of Japanese animation is "En," released in 1932. This work not only had a major impact on the subsequent development of Japanese animation, but is also a valuable record that reflects the social situation and culture of the time. In this article, we will introduce detailed information about "En," its appeal, and recommended points.

Overview

"Yen" is an animated film released on January 1, 1932, written by Kitano Tojiro and directed by Kondo Iyokichi. It was produced by the Osaka Mainichi Shimbun Company, with line drawings and photography by Kitayama Seitaro. The film is an original anime and only has one episode.

story

The story of "En" reflects the social situation of the time, and depicts the protagonist facing various difficulties. The specific details of the story are difficult to fully understand due to the limited materials available from the time, but many of the themes and messages of the work are said to be relatable even today.

Background

When "The Circle" was produced in the early 1930s, Japan was in the grip of the Showa Depression, and society as a whole was in a state of instability. In this historical context, there was a demand for works that would instill hope and courage through the new medium of animation. "The Circle" was produced in response to this social need.

Director and staff

Director Kondo Iyokichi was a leading figure in the Japanese animation industry at the time, and his unique directing and editing techniques had a major impact on the film. Kitayama Seitaro, who was in charge of line drawings and cinematography, was also highly praised for his skills, and his line drawings are an important element in enhancing the beauty of the film.

Production company

The Osaka Mainichi Shimbun had a great influence in the media industry at the time, and was actively involved in animation production. The production of "Yen" was a new challenge for the company, and it can be said that it contributed to the subsequent development of Japanese animation.

Appeal of the work

The greatest appeal of "En" is its historical value. This work, produced in the 1930s when Japanese animation was still in its infancy, had a major influence on later animation works. Furthermore, the story reflects the social conditions and culture of the time, and is sure to provide fresh impressions to modern audiences.

Furthermore, Iyokichi Kondo's unique direction and Seitaro Kitayama's beautiful line drawings enhance the artistic quality of the work. These elements will not only add to the visual beauty of the work, but will also help you to gain a deeper understanding of the theme and message of the work.

Recommended points

The reasons why we recommend “Yen” are as follows:

• Historical value : This is a representative work from the dawn of Japanese animation, and its historical value is immeasurable. It is an essential work for understanding the development of animation.
• Reflection of the social situation : The story reflects the social situation of the 1930s, so it will resonate with modern audiences. Through the work, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese society at that time.
• Artistic value : Iyokichi Kondo's direction and Seitaro Kitayama's line drawings enhance the artistic value of the work. These elements not only add to the visual beauty, but also help you to understand the theme and message of the work more deeply.
• Educational value : "En" is a valuable educational tool for learning about the history and production techniques of animation. It is a must-see for students and animation enthusiasts.

Related Titles

Other animated works produced around the same time as "En" include the following:

• "Momotaro's Sea Eagle" : Japan's first feature-length animated film, released in 1943. The story, which has a war theme, reflects the social situation at the time.
• "Lassie" : An American animated film released in 1943. The story, which featured animals as the main characters, was loved by many viewers.

How to watch

Currently, there are limited media that allow the general viewing of "Yen." However, it is sometimes screened at some movie theaters and animation events, so we recommend that those who are interested take advantage of these opportunities to watch it. It is also possible to view it as a resource in specialized libraries and archives.

summary

"En" is a representative work of the dawn of Japanese animation, and its historical value and artistic merit are immeasurable. The story, which reflects the social situation of the 1930s, will surely resonate with modern audiences. Furthermore, Kondo Iyokichi's direction and Kitayama Seitaro's line drawings are important elements that enhance the beauty of the work. "En" will be an extremely useful teaching material for learning about the history and production techniques of animation. We hope you will watch this precious work and experience its charm.