"Seven Children": A deep review and review of this masterpiece of folk songs

"Seven Children": NHK's classic songs revived in animation

Broadcast on NHK Educational TV (now NHK E-Tele) in August 1967, "Seven Children" is an animated version of the classic song "Seven Children," which continues to be loved by children. This short two-minute video conveys a simple yet profound message, leaving a strong impression on viewers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the background and production story of this work, as well as its appeal. We will also introduce related information and recommended content, so please enjoy until the end.

Summary of "Seven Children"

"Seven Children" was produced as part of the NHK "Minna no Uta" series. "Minna no Uta" is a long-running Japanese program that has been broadcast since 1961 and is loved by a wide range of generations, from children to adults. "Seven Children" is one of the most popular songs in the series, with lyrics by Ujo Noguchi and music by Chosei Motoori.

The animation was produced using a technique called silhouette animation, which depicts characters as black silhouettes and emphasizes the background and movement. This technique maximized the visual impact and conveyed the deep emotion of the story. The production was done by Kenji Shichijo, whose unique sensibility is reflected in the work.

Story and Message

The story of "Seven Children" is a moving one, with the theme of a mother's love. The story begins with a mother asking her seven children, "Where are you going?" Each child answers, "To the mountains," "To the sea," or "To the sky," and sets off toward their own dreams and goals. The last child remaining answers, "I'll stay with my mother," and the story depicts him growing up while feeling his mother's love.

This story symbolizes the courage of children to walk their own path and the unconditional love of a mother. Through the children's departure and the mother's warm gaze, viewers can reaffirm the importance of family ties and love. In addition, the story has been praised for depicting universal themes in life, despite its simple storyline.

Behind the Scenes and Background

"Seven Children" was produced as part of NHK's "Minna no Uta" series. "Minna no Uta" aims to develop rich sensibilities in children through music, and provides new songs and videos each time. "Seven Children" was produced as part of this series, aiming to move and sympathize with viewers.

The reason for adopting silhouette animation was to emphasize the visual impact and convey the emotion of the story more deeply. Kenji Shichijo thought that using this technique would make it easier for the viewer to become immersed in the story. Silhouette animation was also evaluated for its ability to provide high-quality images while keeping production costs down.

During the production process, we carefully adjusted the character movements and background to match the rhythm and lyrics of the song. In particular, we spent a lot of time and effort on the scene where the children set off on their journey, to express the children's dreams and hopes against the backdrop of natural scenery. We also paid particular attention to the mother's facial expressions and movements, making sure that the audience could feel her love.

Viewers' reactions and ratings

"Seven Children" was loved by many viewers when it was first broadcast. In particular, children could imagine their own dreams and goals while singing this song. Many parents also shed tears as they sympathized with the image of a mother watching over her children's growth.

The reactions of viewers can be seen on social media and blogs. Many people comment that they were moved by the work and were reminded of the importance of family ties and love. The beauty of the silhouette animation and the song's melody have also been highly praised.

"Seven Children" is one of the most popular works in NHK's "Minna no Uta" series, and its moving story and beautiful images are still loved by many people today.

Related information and recommended content

Here are some related information and recommended content to help you enjoy "Seven Children" even more. The following content is also part of the NHK "Minna no Uta" series, and is a work with the theme of family ties. Please check it out.

1. NHK "Minna no Uta" series

NHK's "Minna no Uta" series is a long-running Japanese program that has been broadcast since 1961. Each episode features new songs and images, and is loved by a wide range of generations, from children to adults. The following works, like "Seven Children," are also characterized by their moving stories and beautiful images.

• "Hands in the Sun": Broadcast in 1962. A masterpiece that depicts the dreams and hopes of children.
• "The Old Clock": Broadcast in 1964. A moving work that explores the themes of family ties and the passage of time.
• "Omocha no Cha-cha-cha": Broadcast in 1965. A fun song about children playing and growing up.

2. Animated works with the theme of family ties

We also recommend other animated works with themes of family ties and love, like "Seven Children." The following works will captivate viewers with their moving stories and beautiful images.

• "My Neighbor Totoro": A classic animation produced by Studio Ghibli. It depicts the ties of family and the beauty of nature.
• Grave of the Fireflies: A moving film that depicts the horrors of war and the love of family.
• "From Up on Poppy Hill": A beautiful animation that depicts family ties and the brilliance of youth.

3. The appeal of silhouette animation

Silhouette animation is a technique that emphasizes the visual impact and conveys the emotional depth of a story. The following works are also recommended for enjoying the beauty of silhouette animation.

• "Rotoscope": A work that can be said to be the forerunner of silhouette animation. Beautiful images and a fascinating story.
• "Prince of Egypt": A grand story using silhouette animation. A wonderful fusion of music and images.
• "Silhouette Stories": A work that explores the possibilities of silhouette animation. It has a strong visual impact.

summary

"Seven Children" is one of the most popular works in the NHK "Minna no Uta" series, and its moving story and beautiful images are still loved by many people today. The unique expression technique using silhouette animation and the story on the theme of family ties and love made a strong impression on viewers.

In this article, we have introduced the overview and behind-the-scenes story of "Seven Children," the audience's reactions and evaluations, as well as related information and recommended content. Please use this information to gain a deeper understanding and enjoyment of "Seven Children." Also, check out other works with themes of family ties and love. You are sure to be moved and discover something new.