The appeal and reviews of Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi [First Series]: Bringing good old Japanese stories to the modern era

The appeal and evaluation of "Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi [First Series]"

"Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi [First Season]" is a 12-episode anime TV series that aired on MBS (Mainichi Broadcasting System) every Tuesday from January 7 to March 25, 1975. The series is based on biographies and autobiographies, and is an animated version of traditional Japanese folk tales and old stories, beloved by a wide range of generations from children to adults. Each episode is 30 minutes long, directed by Takao Kodama and Norio Hikone, and produced by MBS, Ai Kikaku, and Group TAC.

Background and production of the work

"Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi" was created with the concept of adapting traditional Japanese folk tales and old stories into animation. The first season, which aired in 1975, was the first series, and it continued for a long time after that. The production team was made up of experienced staff such as Kodama Takao and Hikone Norio, and was realized as a joint production by MBS, Ai Kikaku, and Group TAC. These production companies made use of their respective areas of expertise to create high-quality animation.

Stories and episodes

"Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi [First Series]" is a series of 12 stories, each of which depicts a different Japanese folk tale. Below are some of the stories.

• Episode 1 "Urashima Taro" - The story of Urashima Taro saving a turtle and being invited to Ryugu-jo Castle. In the anime, the beautiful depiction of the sea and the splendor of Ryugu-jo Castle are impressive.
• Episode 2 "Momotaro" - A story about Momotaro's adventures as he goes to Oni Island to defeat the demons. The anime emphasizes Momotaro's bravery and friendship with the animals.
• Episode 3 "Princess Kaguya" - The story of Princess Kaguya, who was born from a bamboo. The anime carefully depicts Princess Kaguya's beauty and the human relationships surrounding her.
• Episode 4 "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" - A story about a sparrow whose tongue was cut off and who returns the favor. The anime contrasts the cuteness of the sparrow with the good and evil of humans.
• Episode 5 "The Flowering Old Man" - A story about a poor old man who gets a money tree. The anime portrays the old man's purity and the reactions of the people around him realistically.
• Episode 6 "Issun-boshi" - A story about Issun-boshi saving the princess. In the anime, Issun-boshi's smallness and big heart are depicted in contrast to each other.
• Episode 7 "Kintaro" - A story about the strength of Kintaro, who grew up in the mountains. The anime emphasizes Kintaro's strength and his sense of oneness with nature.
• Episode 8 "Kasa Jizo" - A story about a Jizo wearing a hat who helps a traveler. The anime depicts the kindness of the Jizo and the emotional impact of the traveler.
• Episode 9 "Temariuta" - A story about a girl who sings temariuta. In the anime, the purity of the girl and the beauty of the temariuta are impressive.
• Episode 10 "Ushiwakamaru" - The story of how Ushiwakamaru meets Benkei. In the anime, Ushiwakamaru's courage and Benkei's strength are depicted in contrast to each other.
• Episode 11 "Urashima Taro's Return Home" - The story of Urashima Taro returning home from Ryugu-jo Castle. The anime depicts Urashima Taro's sorrows and lessons.
• Episode 12 "Princess Kaguya's Homecoming" - The story of Princess Kaguya returning to the moon. The anime depicts the beauty of Princess Kaguya and the sadness of the people.

Animation and Art

The animation for "Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi [Season 1]" was produced using the technology available at the time. In particular, the background art and character designs are meticulously crafted to express traditional Japanese beauty. For example, the depictions of nature such as the sea, mountains, and forests are colorful and realistic, creating a sense of visual beauty. The character designs also combine familiarity and freshness by modernizing the characters from fairy tales while retaining traditional elements.

Music and Sound

Music and sound are also important elements that enhance the appeal of "Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi [Season 1]". The opening and ending themes were chosen to reflect the trends of the time and match the atmosphere of the folk tales. The background music for each episode also changes according to the development of the story, helping to bring out the emotions of the viewer. The sound effects also enhance the viewer's sense of immersion by reproducing realistic sounds such as the sounds of nature and the voices of the characters.

Evaluation and impact

"Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi [Season 1]" was highly praised when it was first broadcast. It was especially recognized for its educational value as a way to teach children traditional Japanese folk tales and old stories. The beautiful animation, music, and sound were also highly praised, and it gained a lot of support from viewers. This work had a major impact on the anime industry thereafter, and became the catalyst for the production of many similar works.

Response from viewers

The response from viewers was also very positive. In particular, children were able to learn about Japanese folk tales while having fun through the animation, and adults were able to watch with a sense of nostalgia. In addition, as the content was suitable for families to watch together, it also served as an opportunity for communication between family members. Many of the viewers' impressions and opinions were shared on social media and blogs, which contributed to further increasing the popularity of the show.

Recommendations and related works

For those who enjoyed "Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi [Season 1]", we also recommend the following works:

• "Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi [Season 2]" - A sequel to the first season, this series features even more Japanese folk tales animated. Just like the first season, it has beautiful animation and music.
• "World Masterpiece Theater" - a series of animated versions of not only Japanese folk tales but also world masterpieces. It has high educational value and can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
• "The Three Musketeers" - An animated version of the French classic "The Three Musketeers." A fascinating story of adventure and friendship.
• "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" - An animated version of the Swiss classic "Heidi." It depicts the beautiful relationship between nature and humans.

summary

"Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi [Season 1]" was loved by many viewers as an animated version of traditional Japanese folk tales and old stories. It was highly praised for its beautiful animation, music, sound, and educational value, and received very positive feedback from viewers. This work had a major impact on the anime industry afterwards, and became the catalyst for the production of many similar works. If you are interested in Japanese old tales or want to teach your children about Japanese traditions, we highly recommend watching it. You can also gain a deeper understanding and be moved by watching related works.