Ninjutsu Hi no Tama Kozou - Edo Volume: Exploring the fusion of tradition and innovation

"Ninjutsu Kanotama Kozo: Edo Chapter": A work that marks the dawn of Japanese animation

■Overview of the work

Ninjutsu Hinotama Kozo Edo no Maki (Ninjutsu Fireball Boy: Edo Chapter) is a Japanese animated film released in 1935. It was released theatrically and is based on an original anime story. It was distributed by Nikkatsu and released in 1935. It is a short but impactful work, with a length of one minute and one episode. It was directed by Tanaka Yoshi and produced by the Manga Department at Nikkatsu's Kyoto Studio.

■ Story

While the foolish lord is patrolling Nihonbashi, he notices a beautiful girl with a ball. The foolish lord makes a move on her, but she runs away. To save her, the fireball boy appears and goes on a rampage against the police. This work is described on page 216 of "History of Japanese Animation Films" (co-authored by Yamaguchi Katsunori and Watanabe Yasushi, edited by Planet).

■Explanation

Shichima Sakai, who was in charge of the illustrations, published the manga "Shin Takarajima" in collaboration with Osamu Tezuka in 1947, and is also the foster father of the Tezuka Osamu we know today. This work was made by Shichima Sakai, who was active as an animator at the time, and it is a work that highlights his technique and talent. This information is also written on page 216 of "History of Japanese Animation Films" (co-authored by Yamaguchi Katsunori and Watanabe Yasushi, edited by Planet).

■ Main staff

Produced by Nikkatsu Kyoto Studio Manga Department. Directed by Tanaka Yoshi. Illustrations by Funaki Shunichi, Nagai Hiroo, Sakai Shichima. Music by Shiraki Yoshinobu. Distribution by Nikkatsu.

■ Background and historical significance of the work

"Ninjutsu Hinotama Kozo: Edo" is a work produced at the dawn of Japanese animation, and has great historical significance. In Japan in the 1930s, animation was still a new medium and was still developing both technically and artistically. This work can be said to be a valuable document that shows what kind of expression was possible at that early stage.

Furthermore, Sakai Shichima, who was in charge of the drawings, was the teacher of the future Tezuka Osamu, and his influence is immeasurable. The fact that Sakai Shichima's technique and talent was poured into this work is also a testament to the standard of Japanese animation at the time.

■ Evaluation and influence of the work

"Ninjutsu Hi no Tama Kozou - Edo no Maki" was a challenging attempt to tell the whole story in the short time of one minute. While this brevity reflects the technical limitations of the time, it also shows the ingenuity to maximize the visual impact. In particular, the movements of Hi no Tama Kozou and the battle scenes with the capturers should be highly praised considering the technical level of the time.

This work also had a great influence on later Japanese animation. In particular, what Tezuka Osamu learned under Sakai Shichima had a great influence on his work, and led to the creation of the foundations of modern animation culture. In that sense, "Ninjutsu Hinotama Kozo: Edo no Maki" is an essential work when talking about the history of Japanese animation.

■ Appeal and recommendation points of the work

The appeal of "Ninjutsu Hi no Tama Kozou Edo no Maki" lies in the story and visual impact packed into its brevity. The contrast between the foolish lord, the beautiful girl, and the character Hi no Tama Kozou is extremely effective both visually and narratively. In addition, Hi no Tama Kozou's movements and battle scenes are astounding given the technical level of the time, providing a visual treat.

The reasons why I recommend this work are that it is an important piece in understanding the history of Japanese animation. Also, the challenging attempt to complete a story in a short period of time will be a reference for modern animators. Another big attraction is that you can enjoy the technique and talent of Shichima Sakai.

■ Related works and recommendation list

After watching "Ninjutsu Hinotama Kozo: Edo no Maki", we also recommend the following related works. These works include those produced in the early days of Japanese animation and those influenced by Shichima Sakai.

• "New Treasure Island" (1947) - A manga work created jointly by Shichima Sakai and Osamu Tezuka. It is a work that built the foundation of Japanese animation culture.
• Momotaro: Divine Soldiers of the Sea (1945) - An early Japanese animated film, produced as war propaganda.
• "Astro Boy" (1963) - A masterpiece by Osamu Tezuka, influenced by Shichima Sakai.
• Jungle Emperor (1965) - Another masterpiece by Tezuka Osamu, this one reflects the skill and talent of Sakai Shichima.

■ Summary

"Ninjutsu Hi no Tama Kozou: Edo no Maki" is an important work produced in the early days of Japanese animation. The story and visual impact packed into its brevity are astounding given the technical level of the time, and provide a visual treat. It is also a work that highlights Sakai Shichima's technique and talent, and its historical significance is great. By watching this work, you will gain a deeper understanding of the history of Japanese animation.