The appeal and evaluation of "Mochitsumotaretsu": Exploring the depth of anime

"Mochitsumotaretsu": The Unknown Historical Significance of Animation

Introduction

Although not well known to the general public, "Mochitsumotaretsu," released in 1959, is a work that occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation. This work is a promotional video made at the request of the U.S. Embassy, ​​and has remained private to this day. However, its background, production process, and the content of the work itself are packed with valuable information for understanding the social situation at the time and the evolution of animation technology. In this article, we will provide detailed information about "Mochitsumotaretsu" and explore its historical significance. We will also evaluate and recommend the work, in order to convey its appeal to readers.

Overview

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

1959

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 2

■ Production

・Production: Toei Animation

Background

"Mochitsumotaretsu" was produced at the request of the US Embassy in 1959. In the midst of the Cold War, the US government, aiming to strengthen US-Japan relations, was carrying out various cultural exchange activities to increase its influence in Japan. As part of this effort, it decided to use the new medium of animation to produce a PR video. This work was supposedly screened at the US Embassy without being released to the public, but the details of the film remained a mystery for a long time.

The reason Toei Animation was chosen to take on this project was due to Toei's status and technical capabilities in the Japanese animation industry at the time. Although Toei Animation had only just been established in 1956, it had already earned high acclaim for works such as "The Legend of the White Snake" and "Momotaro: Sacred Soldiers of the Sea," and had earned the trust of the U.S. Embassy. In particular, director Maeda Hajime was known as a prewar Shinkankakuha playwright, and it is believed that his unique perspective and directing skills had a major influence on this work.

Contents

"Mochitsumotaretsu" is a two-part short animation. Details about the specific story and characters are not public, but based on materials from the time, it is believed to have had the theme of friendship between Japan and the United States. The first episode introduced traditional Japanese culture and scenery, while the second depicted American culture and life, with the aim of deepening mutual understanding between the two countries.

In terms of animation techniques, the film was characterized by colorful images that made full use of the latest technology of the time. In particular, the beauty of the background art and the smoothness of the character movements were praised as being extremely advanced for animation in the late 1950s. The music and sound effects were also carefully designed to fuse Japanese and American cultures, making the film appealing not only to the eyes but also to the ears.

Historical Significance

"Mochitsu Motaretsu" occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation. The reasons for this can be summarized as follows:

1. A pioneer in international exchange

This work is a promotional video made against the backdrop of US-Japan relations during the Cold War, and is one of the first examples of animation being used as a means of international exchange. It is of great historical significance in that it demonstrated the possibility of animation being used not just as entertainment but also as a tool for politics and diplomacy.

2. Proof of Toei Animation's technical capabilities

Toei Animation's successful execution of this project was an opportunity for the company to demonstrate its technical capabilities and creativity to the world. In particular, the rich colors and smooth movements exceeded the standards of the Japanese animation industry at the time, and it can be said that this work firmly established Toei Animation's position in the industry.

3. Maeda Hajime's directing skills

The unique perspective and directing ability of director Maeda Hajime had a major impact on this work. Making use of his experience as a prewar Shinkankakuha playwright, Maeda's direction, which skillfully expressed the theme of Japan-U.S. friendship, is thought to have had a major influence on later Japanese animation.

Ratings and Recommendations

Although "Mochitsumotaretsu" is not well known among the general public, its historical significance and technical perfection make it a very valuable work. It is a must-see, especially for those who are interested in the history of animation and international exchange. Below are some specific evaluations and recommended points.

Evaluation points

• Historical Significance : This promotional video was produced against the backdrop of U.S.-Japan relations during the Cold War, and is praised for being a pioneer of international exchange.
• Technical perfection : The colorful images and smooth movements made full use of the latest technology at the time, making this a very cutting-edge animation for the late 1950s.
• Directing : Maeda Hajime's unique perspective and directing skills had a major impact on the work, and he was praised for skillfully expressing the theme of Japanese-American friendship.

Recommended points

• For those interested in the history of animation : "Mochitsu Motaretsu" is a work that occupies an important position in the history of Japanese animation, and learning about its background and production process will give you a deeper understanding of the history of animation.
• People interested in international exchange : As a promotional video made against the backdrop of US-Japan relations during the Cold War, this work shows the potential of media as a means of international exchange. It is a very interesting work for people interested in international exchange.
• Toei Animation Fans : This film showcased Toei Animation's technical prowess and creativity to the world, making it a must-see for fans of the company, and a valuable resource for anyone with an interest in early Toei Animation work.

Related works and recommendations

In order to understand the historical significance and technical perfection of "Mochitsumotaretsu," we recommend the following related works. These works were produced around the same time as "Mochitsumotaretsu" or deal with the same themes, and by comparing them, a deeper understanding can be gained.

Related Titles

• "The Legend of the White Snake" : A Toei Animation film released in 1958. Like "Mochitsu Motaretsu", this is one of Toei Animation's early works and is seen as an example of their technical skill and creativity.
• "Momotaro: Divine Soldiers of the Sea" : a Japanese animated film released in 1945. It was produced as a wartime propaganda piece, but shares a common theme with "Mochitsu Motaretsu" in that it shows the potential of media as a means of international exchange.
• The Little Prince and the Giant Snake : A Toei Animation production released in 1963. It is a follow-up to Mochitsu Motaretsu and is seen as an example of the evolution of Toei Animation's technical capabilities.

Recommended Works

• "Spirited Away" : A Studio Ghibli film released in 2001. As a film that deals with the theme of international exchange, it shares a common theme with "Mochitsumo Treasure." In addition, the colorful images and smooth movements can be said to have inherited the technical perfection of "Mochitsumo Treasure."
• "The Wind Rises" : A Studio Ghibli film released in 2013. Set in pre-war Japan, it is a useful reference for understanding the background of international exchange. It is also praised for its unique perspective and directing skills, which are similar to those of Hajime Maeda.
• "Your Name" : A work by Makoto Shinkai released in 2016. As a work dealing with the theme of international exchange, it shares a common theme with "Mochitsumotaretsu". In addition, the colorful images and smooth movements can be said to have inherited the technical perfection of "Mochitsumotaretsu".

summary

Although "Mochitsumotaretsu" is not well known among the general public, it occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation. It can be said to be a very valuable work in terms of its historical significance and technical perfection. It is a must-see work, especially for those who are interested in the history of animation and international exchange. Furthermore, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the appeal of "Mochitsumotaretsu" through related and recommended works. I hope that you will experience this work and feel its historical significance and technical perfection.