A thorough analysis of the emotion and appeal of "Travel"! Anime review

"Travel" - Kihachiro Kawamoto's world of Zen and fantasy

■ Public Media

Independent Production

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

October 15, 1973 - January 1, 0000

■Frequencies

12 mins

■Original Story

Original author: Kihachiro Kawamoto

■ Director

・Direction: Kihachiro Kawamoto

■ Production

Produced by Kihachiro Kawamoto

■ Story

■Explanation

■ Main staff

■ Review

Kihachiro Kawamoto's "Journey" is an independent animated film released in 1973, known for its unique style and profound theme. Based on Zen philosophy and influenced by Viennese fantasy painting, the film fuses visual beauty with spiritual exploration.

"Journey" tells the story of a woman's journey from the city to a fantastical world. She encounters various symbols and symbolic beings, crossing the boundary between reality and dreams. Su Dongpo's poem, which appears at the beginning and end of the work, symbolizes the theme of travel and leaves a deep impression on the viewer. The poem shows the importance of seeing beautiful scenery and the inner transformation it brings. However, even after returning from the journey, the world around us remains unchanged. This reflects the concepts of "suffering" and "attachment" that Kawamoto expressed through Zen thought.

Kawamoto is deeply devoted to Zen philosophy, having been drawn to it since reading Suzuki Daisetsu's "Zen Studies." In "Journey," she portrays the Buddhist idea that "suffering" arises from "attachment" through the medium of a woman's journey. She pursues a man who appears and disappears like an illusion, suffering along the way. The man is a symbol of her inner quest, eventually appearing as a yellow-robed monk, suggesting the path to the enlightenment she seeks.

The visual influence of the work is strong, being influenced by Vienna Fantasy Painting, a style that uses vivid colors and minute detail to depict fantastical worlds born from war and childhood memories. Kawamoto recreates this style through a unique technique of paper-cutting animation, maximizing the visual impact. In particular, the scenes that use Escher-esque optical illusions skillfully combine visual illusion with spiritual exploration.

"Journey," like other works by Kihachiro Kawamoto, demonstrates his talent as a puppet animator. However, this work employs paper-cutting animation, which stands out for its delicacy and beauty. In addition to Kawamoto himself, other talented staff members such as Yutaka Miyone and Yasukazu Araki participated in the animation production, and their skills and artistry support the work. In addition, experts in various fields such as art, photography, and sound effects worked together to complete the work.

■Recommendation

"Journey" is a work of visual beauty and profound themes, and is highly recommended for anyone interested in animation and art. Anyone interested in Zen philosophy and Buddhist themes will also find this work thought-provoking. Fans of Viennese fantasy painting and surrealism will find Kawamoto's unique style of expression to offer a new perspective.

When viewing this work, please pay attention to the following:

• How does Su Dongpo's poetry connect with the overall theme of the work?
• How the woman's journey symbolizes suffering and attachment
• How the influence of Viennese fantasy painting is reflected in the visuals
• The delicacy and beauty of paper cutting animation
• How Escher-like optical illusions work

"Journey" is a masterpiece that brings together Kihachiro Kawamoto's artistry and philosophical qualities, and is a work that will deeply move and inspire viewers. Please give it a watch.