Clap Your Hands in the Field: A Thorough Analysis of the Appeal of Everyone's Song

"Clap Your Hands in the Fields" - A Historical Masterpiece of Everyone's Songs

"Clap Your Hands in the Field" is an episode of Minna no Uta that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV (now NHK E-Tele) in October 1964. This work is known as a masterpiece that successfully conveys the joy of interacting with nature to children in just two minutes. Below, we will delve deeper into the details of this work and why it continues to be loved today.

Overview

As you can tell from the fact that the original media for "Nohara de Te o tate" is listed as "other," it is not based on a specific manga or novel, but is an original work produced independently by NHK. It was broadcast in October 1964 on NHK Educational TV, now NHK E-Tele. The animation was done by Nakahara Shuichi, and the copyright belongs to NHK.

Story and Themes

The story of this work is very simple. It depicts children playing in a field, clapping their hands. The lyrics, "Clap your hands in the field, clap, clap, clap," are repeated, expressing the innocent smiles of children and the joy of playing in nature. This simplicity is one of the reasons why the song has been successful in conveying the joy of interacting with nature to children.

The theme of the work is the importance of interacting with nature and the innocent playfulness of children. In the 1960s, Japan was in a period of rapid economic growth and urbanization was progressing. In the midst of this, opportunities for children to play in nature were decreasing, and this work appeals to the importance of interacting with nature.

Background and Intention of Production

1964, the year "Nohara de Te o tate" was produced, was also the year the Tokyo Olympics were held. During this time, NHK aimed to convey various messages to children through educational programs. In particular, Minna no Uta was aimed at conveying educational content to children through songs, and "Nohara de Te o tate" was produced as part of that effort.

The intention behind the production was to convey to children the joy of interacting with nature and the fun of playing in it. Shuichi Nakahara, who was in charge of animation, succeeded in conveying that fun to viewers by realistically depicting the innocent expressions and movements of the children.

Animation and Music

The animation was done by Shuichi Nakahara. The expressions and movements of the children he draws are incredibly realistic, and he succeeds in conveying the joy of the show to the audience. In particular, the scene where the children clap their hands is charming in that it evokes a sense of rhythm and unity, making the audience want to clap along as well.

The lyrics of the music are very simple: "Clap your hands in the field, clap, clap, clap," but the rhythm and repetition made a strong impression on the children. The composer is not specified, but it is thought to have been produced by NHK's music staff. This simple melody helps to convey to children the joy of interacting with nature.

Social impact and evaluation

"Clap Your Hands in the Fields" was extremely popular with children when it was first broadcast. In particular, the scenes of children playing in nature made a strong impression on viewers, and many children began to hum the song while playing in the fields. This work succeeded in conveying to children the joy of interacting with nature, and it can be said to have had a great educational effect.

While this work plays a role as an educational program for NHK, it also occupies an important place in the history of Minna no Uta. Even now, more than half a century after it was first broadcast in 1964, this work continues to be loved by many people. The reason for this can be attributed to its simple story, which depicts the innocent playfulness of children and the joy of interacting with nature, and its rhythmic music.

Detailed information about the work

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

others

■ Broadcast period

October 1964

■Broadcasting station

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

■Frequencies

2 minutes

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Production

・Animation/Shuichi Nakahara

■Works

©NHK

Related works and recommendations

Along with "Clap Your Hands in the Fields," the following works are considered historical masterpieces of folk songs:

• "The Old Clock" - This work was broadcast in 1962, and is memorable for the sound of the clock and the lyrics. It teaches children the importance of time.
• "Toy Cha-cha-cha" - This work was broadcast in 1961 and depicts the fun of children playing with toys. It is characterized by its rhythmic music.
• "Elephant" - This show was broadcast in 1959 and depicts the joy of interacting with animals. It teaches children to love nature and animals.

Like "Clap Your Hands in the Fields," these works are known to have been successful in conveying educational messages to children. They have in common the fact that they convey something to children through nature and play. By watching these works, you will be able to feel the charm of Minna no Uta even more deeply.

summary

"Clap Your Hands in the Fields" is a historic masterpiece of folk songs that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV in 1964. In just two minutes, this work succeeded in conveying to children the joy of interacting with nature, and is still loved by many people today. Its simple story and rhythmic music portrayed the innocent playfulness of children, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

While this work plays an important role as an educational program on NHK, it also occupies an important place in the history of Minna no Uta. Even now, more than half a century after it was first broadcast in 1964, it continues to be loved by many people. The reason for this can be attributed to its simple story, which depicts the innocent playfulness of children and the joy of interacting with nature, and its rhythmic music.

By watching "Clap Your Hands in the Fields," you can reaffirm the importance of conveying the joy of interacting with nature to children. Also, by watching related works, you will be able to feel the charm of Minna no Uta even more deeply. Please watch this work and feel its charm.