"Bird Insurance Salesman" review: A unique setting and a moving story

"Bird Insurance Salesman": A Masterpiece of Prewar Japanese Animation

"Bird Insurance Salesman" (Torino Hoken Kanyuuin) is a Japanese animated film released in 1940. This work occupies an important place in the history of prewar Japanese animation, and is highly praised for its unique story and artistry. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as recommended points.

Overview

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

1940

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Production

Kenzo Masaoka

story

"The Bird Insurance Salesman" is a story about a bird that sells insurance. The protagonist, a bird, has a unique setting in which he solicits insurance while blending into human society. The story unfolds as the bird meets various people and preaches about the importance of insurance, while also questioning the meaning of its own existence. This work reflects the customs and values ​​of prewar Japanese society, and offers a glimpse into the lives and thinking of people at that time.

Background

The film was produced by Kenzo Masaoka, a director active in the pre-war Japanese animation world, whose work is known for its artistry and technical prowess. "Bird Insurance Salesman" is one of his signature works, highly praised for its unique storytelling and visual expression. In addition, because this work was produced as an original anime, it was possible to create freely without relying on the original work, which is one of the reasons for the work's uniqueness.

Artistry and craftsmanship

There are many noteworthy aspects to the visual expression of "Bird Insurance Salesman." The film is characterized by colorful backgrounds and character movements that were rare for prewar Japanese animation. The music and sound effects are also important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the film, and the overall film has a consistent artistic quality. In particular, the scenes in which the bird characters blend into human society make use of skillful animation techniques, creating a strong visual impact.

Social Background and Themes

The story is set in Japanese society in 1940. At that time, the effects of World War II were gradually beginning to spread, and society as a whole was in a state of uncertainty. "The Bird Insurance Salesman" depicts people's lives and values ​​through the theme of insurance in such an unstable society. Furthermore, the story's development, in which the protagonist, a bird, questions the meaning of his own existence, can be said to symbolize the anxieties and conflicts people felt at the time.

Evaluation

"Bird Insurance Salesman" is regarded as a masterpiece of pre-war Japanese animation due to its unique storyline and artistry. In particular, the unique premise of a bird selling insurance provides viewers with a fresh surprise. Furthermore, the artistry and technical skill felt throughout the film surpasses the standards of Japanese animation at the time, making it a work that can be enjoyed even today. Furthermore, the story, which reflects the social background and themes, deeply moves and evokes empathy in viewers.

Recommended points

Here are some reasons why we recommend "Bird Insurance Agent":

• Unique story : The premise of a bird selling insurance is unique and not seen in other animated works. This premise gives viewers a fresh surprise and interest.
• Artistry and technique : The film features colorful backgrounds and skillful animation techniques, which were rare for pre-war Japanese animation, making it visually impactful and beautiful.
• Social Background and Themes : The story is set in 1940s Japanese society and reflects the lifestyles and values ​​of people at that time. The story also has the main character, a bird, questioning the meaning of his existence, eliciting deep emotion and empathy from the audience.
• Historical value : "Bird Insurance Salesman" occupies an important place in the history of prewar Japanese animation, so you can watch it with a sense of historical value.

Related works and recommendations

If you enjoyed "The Bird Insurance Salesman," we also recommend the following related works:

• "Momotaro's Sea Eagles" : A Japanese animated film released in 1943, it is one of the masterpieces of pre-war Japanese animation. It is characterized by its war-themed story and skillful animation techniques.
• "The Cloud and the Tulip" : This Japanese animated film was released in 1943, and it gives a sense of the artistry of pre-war Japanese animation. It features a nature-themed story and beautiful visual expression.
• "Portrait of Mama" : This is a Japanese animated film released in 1935 and is one of the first pre-war Japanese animations. It tells a story about family love and gives a sense of the technological capabilities of the time.

summary

"Bird Insurance Salesman" is a masterpiece of pre-war Japanese animation, highly praised for its unique story and artistry. It features a unique setting of a bird selling insurance, colorful backgrounds, and skillful animation techniques. The story, set in Japanese society in 1940, reflects the lives and values ​​of people at the time, eliciting deep emotion and empathy from viewers. If you enjoyed this work, we also recommend related works such as "Momotaro's Sea Eagle," "The Cloud and the Tulip," and "Portrait of Mama." Please watch these works to experience the charm of pre-war Japanese animation.