The appeal and evaluation of "Run Down the Trees" (1961 version): Looking back on the masterpiece of everyone's songs

"Run Down the Trees": The appeal of NHK's historical short animation

"Run Down the Namiki," broadcast on NHK Educational TV (now NHK E-Tele) in 1961, is an artistic piece packed into a short two-minute time slot. This animation was produced as part of NHK's "Minna no Uta" series and has been loved by children ever since. Below, we will introduce detailed information and the appeal of this work, and also delve into its background and influences.

Overview

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

others

■ Broadcast period

October 1961

■Broadcasting station

・Broadcasting／NHK Educational TV (NHK E-Tele)

■Frequencies

2 minutes

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Production

・Silhouette/Mojisha

■Works

©NHK

Story and Themes

"Run Down the Trees" is a simple story with a profound message. The story depicts the protagonist, a young boy, running along a tree-lined avenue, coming into contact with nature and feeling the change of the seasons. This work not only teaches children about the beauty of nature and the change of the seasons, but also makes them think about the flow of life and the value of time.

At the beginning of the anime, a boy starts running down a tree-lined road in autumn. The leaves on the trees are beautifully depicted as they change color and sway in the wind. As he runs, the boy steps through the leaves, listens to the sound of the wind, and feels the joy of being a part of nature. This scene not only gives the viewer a taste of autumn, but also conveys the joy of being one with nature.

Next, we move to a winter scene. A boy is shown running along a snow-covered tree-lined road. In this silvery white world, the boy feels cold, but is captivated by the beauty of the snow. This scene teaches us the importance of finding beauty in nature even in the harsh winter.

In the spring scene, a boy runs through cherry blossom petals falling in the air. With the new green leaves sprouting, you can feel the breath of life. This scene evokes a sense of new beginnings with the arrival of spring, and inspires hope and expectations for the future.

Finally, in the summer scene, a boy runs along a lush, tree-lined road. With the sounds of cicadas and sunlight filtering through the trees, you can feel the richness of nature even in the heat of summer. This scene conveys the energy and vitality of summer and the strength of nature.

Production background and technology

"Run Down the Trees" was produced by a production company called Mokubaza. Mokubaza used silhouette animation techniques to create this work. Silhouette animation is a technique in which characters are drawn in black silhouette against a white or pale background. This technique creates simple, beautiful images with strong visual impact.

A lot of time and effort went into the creation of this work. Silhouette animation requires drawing each frame by hand, which is a very time-consuming process. However, the finished work has the warmth and artistry of something handmade.

"Run Down the Namiki" was also produced as part of NHK's "Minna no Uta" series, which, while being an educational program aimed at children, has provided content that is loved by a wide range of age groups. By combining music and animation, the series offers viewers the opportunity to learn while having fun. "Run Down the Namiki" is one such program, and plays an important role in teaching children about the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.

Music and lyrics

The music for "Run Along the Namiki" was created by composer Yoshinao Nakata. Yoshinao Nakata has written many children's songs and is known for his gentle melodies and heartwarming lyrics. "Run Along the Namiki" is also characterized by a gentle melody that makes children feel the beauty of nature and poetic lyrics that depict the changing of the seasons.

The lyrics describe the beauty of nature and the changing of the seasons that the boy feels as he runs along the tree-lined path. Seasonal symbols such as the fallen leaves of autumn, the snow of winter, the cherry blossoms of spring, and the greenery of summer are woven into the lyrics, allowing the viewer to feel the changing of the seasons through the lyrics. The word "run" also appears repeatedly in the lyrics, expressing the boy's joy at being one with nature.

Impact and Evaluation

"Run Down the Trees" has been loved by many viewers since it was first broadcast, and its appeal is still being passed down today. This work not only teaches children about the beauty of nature and the changing of the seasons, but also contains a profound message that makes us think about the flow of life and the value of time. For this reason, it is a work that is loved not only by children but also by adults.

"Run Down the Trees" is also recognized as a pioneering work that uses silhouette animation, a technique that can create simple, beautiful images while enhancing visual impact, and this work makes the most of its potential.

Furthermore, "Run Down the Namiki" was produced as part of NHK's "Minna no Uta" series, and is an example of the high quality of the entire series. Although "Minna no Uta" is an educational program aimed at children, it has provided content that is loved by a wide range of age groups. "Run Down the Namiki" is one such program, and it plays an important role in teaching children about the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.

Recommendations and how to watch

"Run Down the Trees" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, and is especially recommended for those who want to experience the beauty of nature and the changing of the seasons. It is also recommended for those who are interested in silhouette animation techniques and fans of the NHK "Minna no Uta" series.

This work can be viewed on the NHK official website and video streaming services. It is also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. When watching, please pay attention to the lyrics and try to feel the beauty of nature and the changing seasons as felt by the boy.

Conclusion

"Run Down the Trees" is a short anime that was broadcast by NHK in 1961, but it continues to be loved by many viewers for its artistry and profound message. Featuring beautiful images using a technique called silhouette animation and poetic lyrics that depict the beauty of nature and the changing of the seasons, this work can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Please watch it and experience its charm for yourself.