The appeal and evaluation of "Shojoji no Tanukibayashi Hanawa Dan'emon": A masterpiece manga where history and humor intersect

"Shojoji's Tanuki-bayashi: Hanawa Dan'emon": A masterpiece of prewar Japanese animation

"Shojoji no Tanukibayashi: Hanawa Dan'emon" is a Japanese animation released in 1939 that is still highly regarded today for its historical and artistic value. This work symbolizes the dawn of prewar Japanese animation and is also a valuable document that reflects the technology and culture of the time. This article will provide a detailed explanation and evaluation of this work, as well as delve deeper into its background and influences.

Overview

"Shojoji no Tanukibayashi: Hanawa Dan'emon" was released on January 1, 1939. It was written and directed by Kataoka Yoshitaro, and produced by the Japan Manga Film Institute. This work was made as a talkie version of "Hanawa Dan'emon: Monster Extermination Scroll," which was released in 1935. A talkie version refers to a film with sound, and this work is known as the first talkie in the history of Japanese animation.

The main staff included Tetsuo Nishigaki for music and Nippon Radio-Talkie Manufacturing Co., Ltd. for sound recording. The introduction of music and sound provided a fresh experience for the audience at the time, further enhancing the appeal of the work.

story

The story of "Shojoji's Tanukibayashi Hanawa Dan'emon" is about the Edo period swordsman Hanawa Dan'emon fighting tanuki monsters. After hearing rumors that the tanuki living in a temple called Shojoji are tricking and causing trouble for people, Hanawa Dan'emon sets out on a journey to exterminate them. The story depicts the process by which Hanawa Dan'emon confronts the tanuki and exterminates them with his wisdom and courage.

The story was based on folklore and ghost stories from the Japanese society of the time, making it easy for viewers to relate to. The character of Hanawa Dan'emon was also portrayed as a symbol of justice and courage, making a strong impression on viewers.

Animation Technology

"Shojoji no Tanukibayashi Hanawa Dan'emon" is a work that brings together the best of pre-war Japanese animation technology. With the technology of the time, hand-drawn animation was filmed one frame at a time and then played back in succession to create movement. In this work, particular attention is paid to depicting the characters' movements and facial expressions, enhancing its visual appeal.

In addition, this work was produced as a talkie, and the introduction of sound made the character voices, sound effects, and music important elements that livened up the story. The music by Nishigaki Tetsuo not only enhanced the atmosphere of the story, but also had the effect of stirring the emotions of the viewer.

Cultural Background

The 1930s, when "Shojoji no Tanukibayashi Hanawa Dan'emon" was produced, was the prewar era in Japan, and society as a whole was under the influence of militarism. However, this work was produced as entertainment based on folklore and ghost stories, away from such political background. It can be said to be an example that shows the diversity of entertainment in Japanese society at that time.

Furthermore, this work was produced at a time when Japanese animation was still in its infancy, and it had a major impact on the subsequent development of Japanese animation. In particular, this work, which was produced as a talkie version, proved that the introduction of sound dramatically improved the expressive power of animation.

Evaluation and impact

"Shojoji no Tanukibayashi Hanawa Dan'emon" is highly regarded as a masterpiece of pre-war Japanese animation. In particular, this work, which was produced as a talkie version, is recognized for its historical value as the first work in the history of Japanese animation to include sound. It is also praised for the appeal of its story and characters, as well as the high level of animation technology, and is still loved by many fans today.

The influence of this work can be seen in the subsequent development of Japanese animation. In particular, this work, which demonstrated that the introduction of sound could improve the expressive power of animation, had a major influence on later animated works. In addition, the story based on folklore and ghost stories can be said to be an example of the diversity of genres in later Japanese animation.

Recommendations and related works

"Shojoji no Tanukibayashi Hanawa Dan'emon" is an essential work for understanding the history of pre-war Japanese animation, and is highly recommended for anyone interested in the development of animation, as well as fans of folklore and ghost stories.

Related works include "Hanawa Dan'emon: Monster Extermination," also directed by Kataoka Yoshitaro, and other pre-war Japanese animation works. Through these works, you can gain a deeper understanding of the appeal and history of pre-war Japanese animation.

summary

"Shojoji no Tanukibayashi: Hanawa Dan'emon" is a masterpiece of pre-war Japanese animation, and is still highly regarded today for its historical value and artistic merit. Produced as a talkie, this work dramatically improved the expressive power of animation through the introduction of sound, and had a major impact on the subsequent development of Japanese animation. In addition, the story, based on folklore and ghost stories, is easy for viewers to relate to, and is beloved by many fans. Through this work, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the charm and history of pre-war Japanese animation.