The Adventures of Hutch the Orphan - A moving story and beautiful images combined

"The Adventures of Hutch the Orphan": A story of insects' epic adventures and the love between siblings

■Overview of the work

"The Adventures of Hutch the Minashigo" is a TV anime series produced by Tatsunoko Productions that aired on TV Asahi in 1974. It consisted of 26 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and aired every Friday from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. This work is a sequel to "The Adventures of Hutch the Minashigo" which aired in 1970, and features an original story for the anime. The original story was written by Tatsuo Yoshida and Tatsunoko Production Planning Office, and the director was Seitaro Hara.

■ Story

After a difficult journey, Prince Hatch the Bee is reunited with his mother and his sister Aaya and lives happily ever after. However, the bee castle is destroyed again by a hornet attack, and his mother is killed in the ensuing war. With his mother's dying words of aiming for "Beautiful Hill" in his heart, Hatch decides to set off on a new journey with Aaya. The story depicts the relationship between Hatch and Aaya as they encounter various insects in a harsh natural environment and deepen their love for each other as brothers and sisters.

■Explanation

"The Adventures of Hutch the New Orphan" was produced as a sequel to the previous film, "The Adventures of Hutch the New Orphan." The story begins with Hutch being reunited with his mother and living a happy life, only to be attacked by hornets again. Following his mother's last words, the film follows the journey of Hutch and Aaya, who aim for "Beautiful Hill," a paradise for insects. New characters appear, and the story is moving as the brother and sister continue their journey hand in hand in a harsh natural environment. Set against the backdrop of insect ecology and the natural environment, the film depicts themes of family love, friendship, and adventure.

■Cast

• Hatch: Kurihako
• Aya: Michiko Nomura
• Tenten: Ayako Hori
• Mom: Haruko Kitahama
• Abachi: Yuko Maruyama
• Narrator: Toshiko Maeda

■ Main staff

• Original author: Tatsuo Yoshida, Tatsunoko Productions
• Planning: Tsunezo Chokai, Akiyoshi Sakai
• Music: Seiji Yokoyama
• Art: Nakamura Mitsuki
• Character design: Yoshitaka Amano, Hideo Genda
• Recording Director: Kan Mizumoto
• Effects: Ishida Sound Pro
• Producers: Ippei Kuri, Masaru Shibata, Masashi Nagai
• Chief Director: Seitaro Hara
• Produced by: Tatsunoko Productions

■ Main Characters

• Hatch: Prince of the bees. Following his mother's will, he sets out on a journey with Aya in search of the "Beautiful Hill."
• Aya: Hatch's younger sister. Despite being saddened by the sudden death of her mother, she bravely continues her journey.
• Tenten: A ladybug child. She is searching for her father, who was separated from her.
• Apache: A young hornet who pursues Hatch out of resentment for killing his father.
• Mama: Hatch and Arya's mother and the queen of the bee kingdom. She was killed in a hornet attack.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: Stormy Honeybee Castle
• Episode 2: Don't die, Mom!
• Episode 3: My phantom mother is calling
• Episode 4: Take Off! To the Beautiful Hills
• Episode 5: Aya, the Mantis Dancer
• Episode 6: Don't cry, Tenten-boy
• Episode 7: Hatch in the Big City
• Episode 8: The Gross Beetle Lady
• Episode 9: Fly! The Three Orphans
• Episode 10: Firefly Festival Night
• Episode 11: Super! The Torture Demon
• Episode 12: Ah! Semikichi-kun's 168 hours
• Episode 13: Beat Abatchi Banchou!
• Episode 14: Poison Spider Trap
• Episode 15: The Devil's Forest Where the Bagworms Disappear
• Episode 16: Go for it! General Boo-Boo
• Episode 17: Love Love Tenten - Port Town
• Episode 18: Butterfly in the Ant Colony
• Episode 19: Attack of the Giant Water Bug Pirates
• Episode 20: Burn! Duel in the Desert
• Episode 21: Fly! Fly! Insect Sports Day
• Episode 22: Corocoro Linlin's Confidence
• Episode 23: The Bat Army is Coming!
• Episode 24: The Final Battle! Wasp Fortress
• Episode 25: Mountain of Fire! The Final Deadly Battle
• Episode 26: Ah! Hatch's Last Day

■ Related works

• Hutch the Orphan
• Insect Story: Hutch the Bee - Melody of Courage

■ Theme songs and music

• Opening Theme: Orphan Hatch
  • Lyricist: Toshio Oka
  • Composer: Nobuyoshi Koshibe
  • Vocals: Yuri Shimazaki
• Ending theme: In Search of Mom
  • Lyricist: Toshio Oka
  • Composer: Kanae Wada
  • Vocals: Yuri Shimazaki

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"The New Orphan Hutch" is a fascinating work that depicts the ecology of insects realistically while mixing in human drama in its story. The brother-sister love between Hutch and Aya strikes a particularly strong chord with viewers. Hutch's journey to "Beautiful Hill" with his mother's last words in mind is full of difficulties and adventure, but there are many moving scenes that depict the interactions and friendships he makes with the various insects he meets along the way. Furthermore, the story, which conveys the importance of family love and friendship against the backdrop of the harshness and beauty of the natural environment, has been well received by a wide range of people, from children to adults.

The character designs are also attractive, and the expressions and movements of Hatch and Aya in particular play a role in evoking the emotions of the viewer. New characters such as Tenten and Apache are also unique, adding depth to the story. The music is also impressive, and the opening and ending theme songs composed by Seiji Yokoyama are an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work.

This work is one of the symbols of the golden age of Japanese animation in the 1970s, and had a major influence on subsequent animation works. In particular, it can be said to be a pioneer of works that focus on the natural environment and ecosystems. It has received high praise from viewers, with many saying things like, "I was moved by the love between brother and sister Hacchi and Aya," "I enjoyed learning about the ecology of insects," and "The music is memorable."

■ Recommendation points

"The Adventures of Hutch the Orphan" is a fascinating work with a touching story about family love and friendship, and realistic depictions of insects. In particular, it contains educational elements that teach children about the importance of the natural environment and ecosystems, making it perfect for parents and children to watch together. It is also a valuable work for learning about the history of animation in the 1970s, and is a must-see for anime fans. In addition, the beauty of the music and character design is also a point not to be missed. Please experience this touching story.

■ Additional information

"The Adventures of Hutch the New Orphan" is one of Tatsunoko Productions' signature works, and has influenced subsequent works by the company. It is particularly acclaimed as a pioneer of works that focus on the natural environment and ecosystems. This work is also one of the works that symbolize the golden age of Japanese animation in the 1970s, and has had a major influence on subsequent animation works. The show has received high praise from viewers, with many saying things like "I was moved by the love between Hutch and Aya," "I enjoyed learning about the ecology of insects," and "The music is memorable."

This work is a valuable piece of information about the history of animation in the 1970s, and is a must-see for anime fans. In addition, the beauty of the music and character design is also a point not to be missed. Please experience this moving story.