The appeal and evaluation of Jungle Emperor: A review of the first episode of the TV series

Jungle Emperor: The Ambition of Osamu Tezuka and its Influence

Introduction

"Jungle Emperor Leo," which aired from October 6, 1965 to September 28, 1966, is known as Japan's first color TV animation series based on the original work by Tezuka Osamu. This work left a significant mark on the history of animation due to its innovative production techniques, profound themes, and international success. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the content, production background, influence, and subsequent evaluation of "Jungle Emperor Leo."

Overview

"Jungle Emperor" is the story of the white lion Panja, king of the jungle, and his family. Panja struggles to protect the peace of the jungle, but loses his life trying to rescue his wife Eliza, who has been captured by the hunter Hamegg. Eliza gives birth to Leo on a cargo ship and sinks into the sea, telling the young Leo to return to the jungle. Leo washes up in Lisbon, Portugal, where he is picked up by Higeoyaji and others and learns about human civilization. After returning to Africa, Leo aims to create a peaceful jungle like human society, but faces many difficulties.

Background

"Jungle Emperor" was produced by Tezuka Osamu together with the staff who supported "Astro Boy". Taking on the new challenge of color animation, trial and error was repeated over every single coloring method. Tomita Isao and Tashiro Atsumi participated in the music and sound direction, respectively, and a grand symphony with a weighty feel that could be used for a theatrical film was prepared. There is an episode where Tezuka Osamu went to America to sell this work, and the person in charge was surprised, saying, "Is this the music for a TV anime?" It was produced with the assumption that it would be exported overseas, so each episode could be played back and forth or skipped. In America, it was broadcast under the title "Kimba the White Lion" and became very popular.

Main Staff

・Original story: Osamu Tezuka ・Director: Eiichi Yamamoto ・Provided by: Sanyo Electric (now Sanyo)

Theme songs and music

[Theme song]
"The Theme of the Jungle Emperor"
Lyrics: Takeshi Ishigooka Music: Isao Tomita Singer: Tadahiko Hirano

Story Details

The story of "Jungle Emperor" revolves around the family of the white lion Panja. As the king of the jungle, Panja does his best to protect peace, but loses his life trying to rescue his wife Eliza, who has been captured by the hunter Hamegg. Eliza gives birth to Leo on a cargo ship and sinks into the sea, telling the young Leo to return to the jungle. Leo washes up in Lisbon, Portugal, where he is picked up by Higeoyaji and others and learns about human civilization. After returning to Africa, Leo aims to create a peaceful jungle like human society, but faces many difficulties.

Commentary

"Jungle Emperor" was Japan's first color animation series for television, and many of the staff who worked on "Astro Boy" participated in the series. Every single coloring method required repeated trial and error, with Tomita Isao involved in the music and Tashiro Atsumi as sound director. There is an anecdote about Tezuka Osamu going to America to promote this work, where the person in charge was surprised, saying, "Is this the music for a television anime?" The series was produced with the assumption that it would be exported overseas, and each episode was made so that it could be played back and forth or skipped. In America, it was broadcast under the title "Kimba the White Lion," and became very popular.

Evaluation and impact

"The Jungle Emperor" was highly praised from the time it was broadcast. It was the first program in Japan to be recommended by the National PTA Council, and it won numerous awards, including the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's Best Television Movie Award, the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare's Child Welfare Culture Award, and the San Marco Lion Award at the Venice International Film Festival. It was also highly praised overseas, and was broadcast in the United States as "Kimba the White Lion," where it became popular. This work expanded the possibilities of animation and had a major influence on later animation works.

Reasons for recommendation

"Jungle Emperor" is a work filled with Tezuka Osamu's ambition and innovation, and is a work that has left a huge mark on the history of animation. The story is profound and depicts many themes, such as the relationship between human society and nature, the value of peace, and family ties. The beauty of the music, sound, and colors is also not to be missed. This is a work that can be recommended not only to animation fans but also to general viewers.

Related Titles

"Jungle Emperor Leo" is also related to other works by Tezuka Osamu. In particular, it shares the same staff and themes as "Astro Boy." Later works such as "New Jungle Emperor Leo" and "Jungle Emperor Leo" were also influenced by this work. By watching these works together, you will be able to better understand the depth and breadth of "Jungle Emperor Leo."

summary

"The Jungle Emperor" is a work filled with Tezuka Osamu's ambition and innovation, and is a work that has left a huge mark on the history of animation. The story is profound and depicts many themes, such as the relationship between human society and nature, the value of peace, and family ties. The beauty of the music, sound, and colors are also not to be missed. This is a work that can be recommended not only to animation fans, but also to general audiences. By watching related works as well, you will be able to better understand the depth and breadth of "The Jungle Emperor".