Review of "Little Rabbit's Sky Journey": The rabbit's space adventure is an emotional journey

The Rabbit's Sky Journey (The Rabbit's Space Journey) - A fascinating space adventure and the history of animation

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

1936

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Production

・Produced by All Kinema ・Produced by Kiyoji Nishikura

■ Story

The little rabbit is seen off by the animals of the forest and departs for a celestial journey in a small airplane called a Poo, which was popular at the time. First, while enjoying the weightlessness on Mars, he is chased by a monster with a gorilla's body, a pig's nose and elephant ears. He then arrives on the moon, where he is welcomed by the rabbits and taken to the moon palace, where he watches the rabbits dance alongside the princess. This scene is just like Yasuji Murata's "The Princess of the Moon Palace." In his excitement, he loses his footing from the cloud and falls into the forest on Earth, returning home with the pigs.
Source: "History of Japanese Animation Films" by Yamaguchi Katsunori and Watanabe Yasushi, Planet, p. 219

■Explanation

The second installment of the Little Rabbit series.
Source: "History of Japanese Animation Films" by Yamaguchi Katsunori and Watanabe Yasushi, Planet, p. 219

■ Main staff

・Produced by All Kinema ・Produced by Kiyoji Nishikura

Detailed story and character analysis

Story Development

"Little Hare's Journey" is an animated film released in 1936, and tells the story of a little hare's adventure as he travels through space. The story begins with the little hare being seen off by the animals of the forest as he departs on a small plane called the Sky Poo. This plane reflected the latest technology at the time, and gave viewers a fresh surprise.

First, the rabbit arrives on Mars and enjoys the weightlessness. However, a thrilling turn of events awaits him as he is chased by a monster with a gorilla's body, a pig's nose, and elephant's ears. This monster would have seemed very unique and frightening to viewers at the time. After completing his adventure on Mars, the rabbit next heads to the Moon. On the Moon, he is greeted by the rabbits and taken to the Moon Palace. There, the rabbit watches the rabbits dance alongside the princess. This scene is very similar to Yasuji Murata's "The Princess of the Moon Palace," and may have evoked nostalgia for viewers at the time.

However, he is having so much fun that he loses his footing from the cloud and falls into the forest on Earth. In the end, he returns home with the pigs, and the story ends with a heartwarming ending. This story is a perfect mix of adventure and humor, providing viewers with fun and excitement.

Character Analysis

The main character, Koto Usagi, is a curious and adventurous character. His actions give the viewer hope and dreams, and make them want to go on an adventure of their own. Koto Usagi's friends, the animals in the forest, are shown warmly sending him off as he sets off, and rejoicing when he returns. These characters teach the viewer the importance of friendship and bonds.

The Martian monster plays an important role in providing fear and thrills to the audience. The monster's design had a huge impact on the audience at the time, and it adds tension to the story. The Moon Princess is an elegant and beautiful character, and her contrast with the rabbit adds depth to the story.

Animation technology and historical background

Animation Technology

"Little Hare's Skyward Journey" was produced using the animation technology of 1936. At the time, hand-drawn animation was the norm, and there were limitations to the expression of color and movement. However, this work shows ingenuity in maximizing visual impact, such as the backgrounds of Mars and the moon and the designs of the monsters. In addition, scenes that would have been difficult to depict with the technology of the time, such as the depiction of a state of zero gravity and the movement of an airplane, are skillfully drawn.

In particular, the dance scene in the Moon Palace, with its striking beauty of color and movement, left a strong impression on viewers. This scene has been pointed out to have similarities to Yasuji Murata's "The Princess of the Moon Palace," and all the more so for its visual beauty.

Historical background

The year 1936 was a time when Japanese animation was still in its infancy. Animations of this time were mainly produced as short films and were often screened in theaters. "Little Hare's Sky Travels" was one of them, and it played a role in providing new entertainment to audiences.

This work is the second in the Little Rabbit series, and continues the popularity of the previous work, "The Adventures of Little Rabbit." The Little Rabbit series was loved by a wide range of people, from children to adults, and had a major impact on the Japanese animation culture of the time.

Evaluation and impact

evaluation

"Little Rabbit's Sky Journey" was highly praised by viewers at the time. In particular, the thrilling adventure on Mars and the beautiful dance scene in the moon palace left a strong impression on viewers. In addition, the curiosity and adventurous spirit of the character of Little Rabbit gave viewers dreams and hope, and he was loved by many people.

This work was praised not only for its story development and the appeal of its characters, but also for its advances in animation technology. It showed ingenuity in maximizing visual impact, such as the depiction of a state of zero gravity and the movement of an airplane, which were difficult to achieve with the technology of the time. These technological advances had a major impact on later animation works.

Impact

"Little Hare's Sky Travels" occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation. As the second part of the Little Hare series, this work continued the popularity of its predecessor, "Little Hare's Adventure," and had a major impact on the Japanese animation culture of the time. This work also had a technical influence on later animation works, expanding the possibilities of visual expression.

Furthermore, this work has the power to give dreams and hope to its viewers, and was loved by a wide range of people, from children to adults. This influence has been passed down to subsequent animation works, and continues to provide viewers with excitement and joy.

Recommendations and related works

Recommendation

"Little Rabbit's Sky Journey" is a work that exquisitely blends adventure and humor, providing viewers with fun and excitement. In particular, the thrilling adventure on Mars and the beautiful dance scene in the moon palace will leave a strong impression on viewers. Furthermore, the curiosity and adventurous spirit of the character of Little Rabbit will give viewers dreams and hope. This work is sure to be loved by a wide range of people, from children to adults.

Related Titles

"Little Rabbit's Sky Travels" is the second part of the Little Rabbit series and is related to the previous work "Little Rabbit's Adventure". This work also contains scenes similar to Yasuji Murata's "Princess of the Moon Palace" and is visually beautiful. By viewing these works together, you can gain a deeper understanding of "Little Rabbit's Sky Travels".

Furthermore, this work was produced using the animation technology of 1936, and had a major influence on later animation works. In particular, the film shows ingenuity in maximizing visual impact, such as the depiction of a state of weightlessness and the movement of an airplane. These technological advances were carried over to later animation works, expanding the possibilities of visual expression.

"Little Rabbit's Sky Journey" is a work that exquisitely blends adventure and humor, providing viewers with fun and excitement. In particular, the thrilling adventure on Mars and the beautiful dance scene in the moon palace will leave a strong impression on viewers. Furthermore, the curiosity and adventurous spirit of the character of Little Rabbit will give viewers dreams and hope. This work is sure to be loved by a wide range of people, from children to adults.