The appeal and evaluation of the manga "Kamishibai: The Tale of the Mischievous Tanuki"

"Kamishibai: The Tale of the Mischievous Tanuki": The appeal and historical significance of Japanese animation in the early Showa period

■Overview of the work

Manga Kamishibai Itazuratanuki no Maki (Picture Story: The Mischievous Tanuki Scroll) is a Japanese animated film released on January 1, 1933. The film is based on an original story by Chuzo Aochi, directed by Yasuji Murata, and produced by Yokohama Cinema Shokai. It is a one-episode short animated film, and its release media is listed as "other." The original media is listed as "original anime," and it is known as a work that colors the history of Japanese animation in the early Showa period.

■ Story

The story of "Kamishibai: Mischievous Tanuki no Maki" is simple, about a kamishibai tanuki causing all sorts of mischief. The story centers around a scene in which the tanuki causes mischief at a temple, and is characterized by a humorous development that makes the most of the kamishibai format. At the end of the story, the tanuki is shown belly-drumming, creating a visual impact.

■Explanation

"Kamishibai: The Mischievous Tanuki" is based on the first half of Murata Yasuji's 1928 work "Bunpuku Chagama." It was produced as a revised version incorporating the format of a kamishibai (picture story show), focusing in particular on the scene in which a tanuki plays pranks at a temple. This work occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation films, and can be said to be a work that symbolizes the development of Japanese animation in the early Showa period. As stated on page 208 of "History of Japanese Animation Films," this work is essential to understanding the historical significance of animation.

■ Main staff

The main staff of "Kamishibai: Mischievous Tanuki no Maki" are as follows:

• Original story and adaptation: Chuzo Aochi
• Director: Yasuji Murata
• Photo by Kokiyo Ueno
• Produced by Yokohama Cinema Company

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Kamishibai: Mischievous Tanuki no Maki" is a work that fully brings out the charm of Japanese animation from the early Showa period. In particular, the humorous storytelling that utilizes the kamishibai format made a big impact on viewers at the time. The scene in which the tanuki causes mischief at the temple skillfully combines visual interest with the development of the story, and has the power to draw the viewer in. In addition to its visual impact, the final belly-drumming scene effectively concludes the story.

This work is a revised version of Yasuji Murata's "Bunpuku Chagama" and is regarded as a work that symbolizes the development of Japanese animation in the early Showa period. In particular, the incorporation of the picture-story show format made it a work that was accessible to viewers. Furthermore, this work was completed by a powerful team of staff, including Chuzo Aoji's original story and screenplay, Yasuji Murata's direction, Koki Ueno's photography, and Yokohama Cinema Shokai's production.

■ Historical Significance

"Kamishibai: Mischievous Tanuki no Maki" is an important work for understanding the historical significance of Japanese animation in the early Showa period. By adopting the format of kamishibai, this work provided viewers with an approachable animation. In addition, as a revised version based on Yasuji Murata's "Bunpuku Chagama," it symbolizes the development of Japanese animation in the early Showa period. As stated on page 208 of "History of Japanese Animation Films," this work is essential for understanding the historical significance of animation.

■Reasons for recommendation

"Kamishibai: Mischievous Tanuki no Maki" is an essential work for understanding the appeal and historical significance of Japanese animation in the early Showa period. In particular, the humorous storytelling that incorporates the format of a kamishibai (picture story show) leaves a strong impact on the viewer. In addition, the scene in which the tanuki plays pranks at the temple and the final belly-drumming scene skillfully combine visual interest with the development of the story, drawing the viewer in. This work is highly recommended for viewers as a work that symbolizes the development of Japanese animation in the early Showa period.

■ Related works

A work related to Kamishibai: The Mischievous Tanuki no Maki is Yasuji Murata's Bunpuku Chagama, which was released in 1928 and centers around a tanuki causing mischief at a temple. Other works based on original stories and adaptations by Chuzo Aoji are also useful in understanding the appeal of Japanese animation in the early Showa period.

■How to watch

"Kamishibai: Itazura Tanuki no Maki" is an important work for understanding the historical significance of Japanese animation in the early Showa period, but it may be difficult to view it today. However, it may be possible to view the film and materials at libraries and specialized archives. You may also be able to find related information and footage on the Internet. If you would like to view it, please try these methods.

■ Summary

"Kamishibai: Itazura Tanuki no Maki" is an essential work for understanding the charm and historical significance of Japanese animation in the early Showa period. This work, which skillfully combines visual interest and story development, such as humorous storytelling using the format of kamishibai, the scene where the tanuki plays pranks at the temple, and the belly drumming scene at the end, is highly recommended for viewers. In addition, Yasuji Murata's "Bunpuku Chagama" and other works by Chuzo Aoji will also be useful in understanding the charm of Japanese animation in the early Showa period. If you would like to watch it, please try to gather information from libraries, specialized museums, or the Internet.