Non-Fiction Hour: The Birth of Japan - Appreciated for its fusion of realistic historical depiction and entertainment

"Nonfiction Hour: The Birth of Japan": The appeal of anime depicting the history and culture of ancient Japan

Overview

"Nonfiction Hour: The Birth of Japan" is an anime series that aired on Nippon Television in 1970. Although it is short, consisting of five episodes, each of which is 17 minutes long, it depicts the history and culture of ancient Japan. This anime is an original work that tells the story of the development of Japanese civilization in a documentary style, with an anthropomorphized kappa as the main character.

■ Story

Ryufa, a male kappa living in southern China, meets Kozara, a female kappa who washed ashore from Japan. This encounter leads Ryufa to introduce cultures such as rice cultivation and iron tools to Kyushu. This has a major impact on Japanese civilization, which develops rapidly. Ryufa, a kappa who will live for 1000 years, continues to observe the history of Japan from the Kofun period to the Taika Reforms.

■Explanation

This anime has a strong documentary feel, depicting the development of ancient Japan with an anthropomorphized kappa as the main character. Under the guidance of Dr. Masao Nagaoka, director of the Institute for Languages ​​of Asia and Africa, the show combines fiction and live-action footage to explore mysterious themes such as the origins of the lifestyle and culture of ancient Japanese history and the establishment of the ancient nation. The combination of animation and live-action footage provides viewers with a realistic historical experience.

■Cast

The narrator is Mizuho Suzuki, and the voice actors include Koji Nanbara, Sakiko Ozawa (Sumie Ozawa), Reiko Niimura, Hiroyuki Sugi, Naoko Yusa, Sohei Kurata, Minoru Hirano, and others. These voice actors bring the kappa characters to life.

■ Main staff

The characters are by Baba Noboru, and the director is Yamamoto Eiichi. Storyboards and key animation are by Hata Masami and Seyama Yoshifumi, music by Tomita Isao, art by Tomita Miho, photography by Haraya Tateo, Nomiyama Tsutomu, Honda Takeshi, sound by Aketagawa Susumu, editing by Ito Akira, production assistant by Nozaki Yoshihiro, production manager by Shimozaki Hiroshi, sound effects by Ishida Sound, and producers by Ushiyama Junichi and Ikeuchi Tatsuo. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is also in charge of production.

■ Main Characters

Ryufa is a young male kappa from southern China who spread rice cultivation and iron tools to Kyushu. Kappas live for 1000 years, so they witness everything from the Kofun period to the Taika Reforms. Meanwhile, Kozara is a female Japanese kappa who washed up on land in China and was rescued by Ryufa. Through her relationship with Kozara, Ryufa decided to introduce Chinese civilization to Japan.

■Subtitle

The subtitles of each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: The Kappa who brought rice
• Episode 2: The Kappa who lived in Yamataikoku
• Episode 3: Yamato's betrayal
• Episode 4: Kappa in the Land of the Rising Sun
• Episode 5: The Kappa Who Became a Hero

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Nonfiction Hour: The Birth of Japan" is a unique anime that depicts the history and culture of ancient Japan. By featuring an anthropomorphized kappa as the main character, the show allows viewers to learn about history in a familiar and interesting way. It also offers a realistic historical experience through its documentary-style structure and use of live-action footage.

In particular, the story that begins with Ryufa and Kozara's encounter leaves a deep impression on viewers. Ryufa's gaze as a 1000-year-old kappa on the history of Japan is deeply moving and leaves a deep impression on viewers. The subtitles of each episode are also interesting and have the power to draw viewers in.

The cast and staff are also luxurious, and in particular, Isao Tomita's music enhances the atmosphere of the work. Baba Noboru's character is also attractive, creating a character that is loved by viewers. In addition, the cooperation of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has improved the quality of the work.

■Recommendation

This anime is recommended for history buffs and general viewers alike. Through the personified kappa, you can learn about Japanese history and culture. The documentary-style structure and use of live-action footage also provide a realistic historical experience. In particular, the story that begins with the meeting between Ryufa and Kozara is deeply moving and leaves a deep impression on the viewer.

In addition, the cast and staff are also luxurious. In particular, Isao Tomita's music and Noboru Baba's character enhance the appeal of the work. The quality of the work is also improved with the cooperation of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Please watch this anime and enjoy the history and culture of ancient Japan.

■ Additional information

This anime was broadcast in 1970, so it may be difficult to watch it now. However, if you can find it on DVD or online, please give it a try. Also, since the original work of this anime is an original anime, it is not related to other works, but if you watch other works that depict the history and culture of ancient Japan, you will be able to understand it more deeply.

In addition, by featuring an anthropomorphized kappa as the main character, this anime allows viewers to learn history in an easy-to-understand and interesting way. In particular, the story that begins with Ryufa and Kozara's encounter is deeply moving and leaves a deep impression on viewers. Please watch this anime and enjoy the history and culture of ancient Japan.