Benkei vs. Ushiwaka: The appeal and evaluation of the anime depicting the legendary showdown

"Benkei vs. Ushiwaka": A masterpiece that marks the dawn of Japanese animation

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

July 1939

■Distribution company

Japanese Short Film Company

■Frequencies

14 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Director

Kenzo Masaoka

■ Production

Japan Animation Research Institute, Kenzo Masaoka

■ Story

While Ushiwakamaru is practicing martial arts on Mount Kurama, a Tengu appears and reproaches him for damaging a tree in the forest. Ushiwakamaru explains the purpose of his martial arts training. The Tengu trains Ushiwakamaru hard. As a reward for his training, the Tengu bestows upon Ushiwakamaru a scroll of secret techniques. Ushiwakamaru, who has traveled to Kyoto, meets Benkei, who has collected a thousand swords, on Gojo Bridge one night. Benkei is badly beaten by Ushiwakamaru and surrenders, becoming his disciple. Ushiwaka gives Benkei a small knife as a sign of master and servant, and Benkei's wish comes true.
Source: History of Japanese Animation Films, p. 222

■Explanation

Kenzo Masaoka set up a small studio in Sanjo, Kyoto with the cooperation of Shochiku, and produced this as his first production. Some of the music was pre-scored. The voice of Ushiwaka was provided by Mrs. Masaoka, and the voice of Benkei was recorded by Kenzo Masaoka himself.
Source: History of Japanese Animation Films, p. 222

■ Main staff

・Animation/director: Kenzo Masaoka ・Animation: Masao Kumakawa, Ryotaro Kuwata ・Finishing touches: Kakuyama Kimura ・Sound: Japan Film Science Institute

■Detailed review

Benkei vs. Ushiwaka is a 1939 Japanese animated film highly regarded for its historical and artistic value. It was the directorial debut of Kenzo Masaoka and is a symbol of the early days of Japanese animation. Below, we take a closer look at the background, production process, story, technical features, and influences of this work.

Background and production process

Kenzo Masaoka played an important role in the Japanese animation world in the 1930s. With the cooperation of Shochiku, he set up a small studio in Sanjo, Kyoto, where he produced "Benkei vs. Ushiwaka." This studio contributed greatly to the development of Japanese animation at the time. Kenzo Masaoka was able to inject deep emotion into his work by having his wife and himself act as voice actors. He also used pre-scoring for some of the music, which was a technical innovation at the time.

Story and Characters

The story of Benkei vs. Ushiwaka depicts the encounter between Ushiwakamaru (later known as Minamoto no Yoshitsune) and Benkei. After learning martial arts from a Tengu on Mount Kurama, Ushiwakamaru travels to Kyoto and confronts Benkei at Gojo Bridge. After being defeated by Ushiwakamaru, Benkei decides to become his disciple. The story is based on a historical legend and emphasizes themes of courage and friendship by depicting the relationship between Ushiwakamaru and Benkei. Ushiwakamaru's growth and Benkei's loyalty leave a deep impression on the viewer.

Technical features

This work shows many technical innovations in its short 14-minute run. Masaoka Kenzo's attention to detail is especially apparent in the flow of the animation and the finishing touches. The technical skills of Kumakawa Masao and Kuwata Ryotaro, who were in charge of the key animation and animation, were also highly praised, and Kimura Kakuyama's finishing touches enhance the beauty of the work. Furthermore, the recording technology of the Japan Film Science Institute exceeded the standards of the time. The use of pre-scoring for some of the music was an important element in evoking the emotions of the viewer.

Impact and Evaluation

"Benkei vs. Ushiwaka" occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation. This work is a testament to the talent and passion of Kenzo Masaoka, and had a major impact on the subsequent development of Japanese animation. In particular, its storytelling and technical innovations had a profound impact on later animation works. The work also has social significance by conveying to viewers the values ​​of courage and friendship. Even today, the work is regarded as an essential piece for learning about the history of animation.

■Recommendation details

"Benkei vs. Ushiwaka" is a work that combines historical value and artistic merit, and is especially recommended for those who are interested in the history and technology of animation. It is also suitable for those who want to learn the value of courage and friendship through the story of Ushiwakamaru and Benkei. This work is perfect for busy modern people because it can deeply move us in a short time. Furthermore, it can be understood more deeply by comparing it with other works by Kenzo Masaoka and Japanese animation works of the same era.

■ Related works

We will introduce other works by Kenzo Masaoka as well as Japanese animation works from the same era.

• "Momotaro's Sea Eagle": A Japanese animated film released in 1943. It is a war propaganda piece directed by Kenzo Masaoka.
• "The Cloud and the Tulip": A Japanese animated film released in 1943. It is a children's film directed by Kenzo Masaoka.
• "Complete Collection of Animation Masterpieces": A series of Japanese animation works from the 1930s and 1940s, including "Benkei vs. Ushiwaka."

■How to watch

"Benkei vs. Ushiwaka" is now available on DVD and online streaming services. It is often used as a teaching material for learning about the history of Japanese animation. It is also sometimes shown in movie theaters and at animation events, so we recommend taking advantage of these opportunities.

■ Summary

"Benkei vs. Ushiwaka" is a masterpiece that marks the dawn of Japanese animation and is highly regarded for its historical value and artistic merit. Filled with the talent and passion of Kenzo Masaoka, this work conveys the values ​​of courage and friendship to viewers while also bringing about technological innovation. This is a work recommended for those who are interested in the history and technology of animation, and those who wish to be moved by the story of Ushiwakamaru and Benkei. Please watch this work and feel its charm.