"Fighting Song" review: What is the appeal of Everyone's Song?

"Fighting Song" - Looking back on the masterpieces of "Minna no Uta"

"Kenka no Uta" is a short two-minute animated work that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV (now NHK E-Tele) in August 1969. This work was produced as part of NHK's long-running program "Minna no Uta," with illustrations by Yanase Takashi and animation by FEC. Here, we take a closer look at this masterpiece, examining its appeal, background, and modern-day evaluation.

Overview

"Fighting Song" is a song that depicts children fighting. Through the image of children fighting, the song conveys the meaninglessness of fighting and the importance of making up. The lyrics are simple, but contain a message that resonates in children's hearts.

Background

"Kenka no Uta" was illustrated by Takashi Yanase and animated by FEC. Takashi Yanase is a famous picture book author who is also known as the creator of "Anpanman", and his unique touch is reflected in this work. FEC is a production company that has been involved in many popular animations since its inception, and their technical skills and expressiveness are condensed into this short animation.

Broadcast and response

"Kenka no Uta" was broadcast on NHK Educational TV in August 1969. At the time, color televisions were just beginning to become popular, so it must have been a fresh visual experience for children. This work has been loved by many children since it was broadcast, and it also played an educational role in teaching the meaninglessness of fighting and the importance of making up.

Appeal of the work

The appeal of "Kenka no Uta" lies in its simplicity and profound message. Although it is a short animation of only two minutes, it depicts the children's fight realistically, and the scene of their reconciliation afterwards is heartwarming and moving. Takashi Yanase's illustrations also capture the children's expressions and movements so realistically that they evoke empathy in the viewer.

Music and lyrics

The music for "Fighting Song" begins with a rhythmic melody that symbolizes children's fights. The lyrics are simple, but contain a message that conveys the meaninglessness of fighting and the importance of making up. This combination of lyrics and melody is one of the reasons why the song resonates deeply with children.

Modern Recognition

Even now, more than half a century after it was first broadcast, "Kenka no Uta" is highly regarded for its message and artistic merit. In particular, its educational value as a work depicting children fighting is being reevaluated. Furthermore, Takashi Yanase's drawings and FEC's animation techniques are highly regarded by modern anime fans.

Related works and influences

Although "Kenka no Uta" was produced as part of the Minna no Uta series, its influence extends to other works, particularly the Anpanman series by Yanase Takashi and other animated works produced by FEC. It is also compared to other works with educational value as a work depicting children fighting.

How to watch and recommendations

"Kenka no Uta" can still be viewed on the NHK official website and video streaming services. We especially recommend that parents and educators watch this work at least once. This work has educational value in teaching the meaninglessness of fighting and the importance of reconciliation, and will resonate deeply with children. It is also a work not to be missed by anime fans and fans of Takashi Yanase.

summary

"Kenka no Uta" is a short two-minute animated film that was broadcast in 1969, but its simplicity and profound message continue to be loved by many people. Created with Yanase Takashi's illustrations and FEC's animation technology, this work depicts a realistic fight between children, and the subsequent reconciliation scene is heartwarming and moving. Even today, it is highly regarded for its educational value and artistic merit, and is recommended by many people. Please watch it at least once and experience its charm.