"My Cat, My Cat" review: What is the appeal of Minna no Uta?

"My Cat, My Cat" - Looking back at the masterpieces of Everyone's Songs

"My Cat, My Cat" is a short 2-minute animated film 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" and became a classic beloved by children. Here, we will explore in detail the appeal of this work, the background to its production, and its subsequent influence.

Overview

As you can see from the original media listed as "other," "My Cat, My Cat" is an original work with no specific original work. It was broadcast in August 1969, with only one episode. It was produced by Keiko Osonoe, who is known for her puppet animation, and the copyright is owned by NHK.

Story and Themes

The story of this song is very simple, depicting the daily life of the protagonist, a young boy, who lives with his pet cat. The lyrics are written as if the boy is talking to the cat, and express the bond and affection he has with the cat. The theme of the song emphasizes the relationship with pets as members of the family, and the importance of children interacting with animals.

Here are some of the lyrics:

My cat, you are my friend. We play together, we sleep together, and you are always by my side.

In this way, you can see the joy of everyday life with a cat and the sense of security that comes from having a cat by your side.

Background

"My Cat, My Cat" was produced as part of the "Minna no Uta" series, a music program that began broadcasting on NHK in 1961 and aims to convey educational messages through songs for children. This work was produced as part of that series, to teach children about the bond between pets and the importance of animal welfare.

Keiko Ozono, who was in charge of production, is known as a leading figure in puppet animation. Her works are characterized by the warmth of handmade craftsmanship with attention to detail, and she has produced many works that are beloved by children. "My Cat, My Cat" is one of them, and it fully demonstrates her puppet animation skills and sensibility.

Animation Features

The greatest feature of this work is its expression through puppet animation. The puppets, created by Keiko Ozono, are extremely realistic and adorable, with the cats' movements and expressions carefully drawn down to the smallest detail. In particular, in scenes where the cats are playing and sleeping, their movements are as natural as those of real cats, drawing the viewer in.

The backgrounds and sets are also very handcrafted, and realistically recreate the atmosphere of a Japanese home during the Showa period. Scenes such as the room where the boy and cat spend time together, and the scene where they play in the garden all evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

Music and lyrics

The music for "My Cat, My Cat" was written by composer Yoshinao Nakata. Yoshinao Nakata is a composer who has created many famous songs in the "Minna no Uta" series, and his works have become popular with children. The melody of this work is also simple and gentle, making it easy for children to hum along.

The lyrics were written by lyricist Michio Yamagami. Michio Yamagami has also written many songs for the "Minna no Uta" series, and many of his lyrics resonate with children. The lyrics of "My Cat, My Cat" are easy for children to relate to, and directly express the bond and affection with cats.

Broadcast and reception

"My Cat, My Cat" was broadcast on NHK Educational TV in August 1969. The audience at the time was mostly kindergarten and elementary school children, and the show was fresh and appealing to them. After the broadcast, many children began humming the song, which is said to have been a catalyst for them to feel a bond with cats.

This work was also one of the most popular in the "Minna no Uta" series and was rebroadcast many times. It is said that many children watched this work, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, and learned about the bond between cats and the importance of animal welfare.

Impact and Evaluation

"My Cat, My Cat" was highly praised as a work that teaches children about the bond between pets and the importance of animal welfare. It is said that through this work, many children have come to value contact with cats and other animals, and have become more aware of animal welfare.

This work became one of the most beloved in the "Minna no Uta" series, and was so influential that it was rebroadcast many times. In particular, the realistic backgrounds and sets that recreated the atmosphere of a Japanese home in the Showa era, and the adorable puppet animation by Keiko Osonoe, touched many viewers.

Related works and recommendations

Like "My Cat, My Cat," there are many other masterpieces produced in the "Minna no Uta" series. For example,

• "Elephant" - Broadcast in 1962, this touching song depicts the bond between a mother and her baby elephant.
• "Toy Cha-Cha-Cha" - This was broadcast in 1965 and is a fun song about toys dancing.
• "Goat Postman" - This humorous song was broadcast in 1970 and is about a goat delivering mail.

These works were also loved by children and touched many viewers. By watching them together with "My Cat, My Cat," you will be able to feel the charm of the "Minna no Uta" series even more deeply.

summary

"My Cat, My Cat" is a masterpiece from the "Minna no Uta" series that was broadcast in 1969. Although it is only two minutes long, it was loved by many viewers because it teaches children about the bond between pets and the importance of animal welfare. The charm of this work is diverse, including the adorable puppet animation by Keiko Ozono, the gentle melody by Yoshinao Nakata, and the touching lyrics by Michio Yamagami.

It is said that through this show, many children have come to value contact with cats and other animals, raising awareness of animal welfare. It also became one of the most beloved works in the "Minna no Uta" series, and has been rebroadcast many times, making it a hugely influential work.

"My Cat, My Cat" features a realistically recreated background and set of a Japanese home from the Showa period, as well as adorable puppet animation by Keiko Ozono. By watching this film, children will learn about the bond between pets and the importance of animal welfare, and spend a heartwarming time together.

You can also get a deeper feel for the appeal of the "Minna no Uta" series by watching other masterpieces produced in the "Minna no Uta" series, just like "My Cat, My Cat". It is a work that can be enjoyed not only by children but also by adults, and it will continue to be loved by many viewers in the future.