"I'm a Big Stone": Digging deeper into the classic Minna no Uta song

"I am a big rock" - Looking back on the masterpieces of everyone's songs

"I'm a Big Stone" is a short two-minute animated film that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV (now NHK E-Tele) in February 1982. This work was produced as part of NHK's long-running program "Minna no Uta" and has continued to be loved by children. Here, we will explore in detail the appeal and background of this work, as well as its subsequent influence.

Overview

As you can see from the fact that the original media of "I Am a Big Stone" is listed as "Other," it does not have a specific original work, but was produced as an original story. It was broadcast in February 1982 with only one episode, but the content left a deep impression on many viewers.

The unique touch of the illustrator, Kimihiko Tsukuda, contributed greatly to the production of this work. The expressions and movements of the stones drawn by Tsukuda are simple yet express a rich range of emotions, leaving a strong impression on viewers. In addition, the copyright is held by NHK, guaranteeing the high quality of the work.

Story and Themes

The story of "I'm a Big Stone" depicts the journey of a big stone searching for the meaning of its existence. The stone rolls around to various places, introducing itself as "I'm a big stone." In the process, the stone realizes that it is a useful existence, and in the end, it reaches a moving conclusion in which it discovers its own value.

The theme of this work is "self-affirmation" and "self-discovery." The process in which the stone discovers its own value teaches children to value themselves, while also providing adults with an opportunity to reaffirm the meaning of their own existence. This theme deeply moved and sympathized with viewers, making it a work that will stay in the hearts of many people.

Production background and technology

"I'm a Big Stone" was produced using cutting-edge animation techniques for the time it was broadcast in 1982. In particular, Tsukuda Kimihiko's drawings, while being hand-drawn animation, have a smoothness and expressiveness that is comparable to modern animation techniques. Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, playing a role in evoking the emotions of the viewer.

The background to the production of this work is that it was made as part of NHK's "Minna no Uta" series. Although "Minna no Uta" is an educational program for children, it aims to provide content that adults can enjoy as well, and "I'm a Big Stone" was produced as part of this. This work embodies NHK's educational policy of cultivating a sense of self-affirmation in children while also providing adults with an opportunity to reexamine their own values.

Audience reactions and impact

"I'm a Big Stone" has been loved and touched by many viewers since it was first broadcast. In particular, children learned the importance of finding their own value through the stone's journey, and adults had the opportunity to reaffirm the meaning of their own existence. This work deeply touched and sympathized with viewers, and has remained in the hearts of many people.

This work also had a major influence on subsequent animation works. In particular, many of the works have themes of self-affirmation and self-discovery, and the influence of "I Am a Big Stone" can be felt. Furthermore, Tsukuda Kimihiko's unique touch was incorporated into subsequent animation works, and its technical innovation was highly praised.

Work evaluation and recommendation

Although "I'm a Big Stone" is only two minutes long, it has been highly praised for its profound content and universal theme. It has been especially praised for fostering a sense of self-worth in children while also providing adults with an opportunity to reexamine their own values. Furthermore, Tsukuda Kimihiko's unique touch and advanced animation techniques also enhance the appeal of this work.

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

• An inspiring story of self-affirmation and self-discovery
• Kimihiko Tsukuda's unique touch and cutting-edge animation techniques
• Content that will resonate and impress a wide range of viewers, from children to adults
• High-quality programs that embody NHK's educational policy

"I Am a Big Stone" is a work that deeply moves and evokes empathy in the viewer, so I highly recommend that you watch it at least once. I would especially recommend this work to those who want to reexamine their own values ​​and those who want to help their children develop a sense of self-esteem.

Related works and recommendation list

If you resonated with the theme and style of "I'm a Big Stone," we also recommend the following works, which use unique touches and cutting-edge animation techniques while telling moving stories about self-affirmation and self-discovery.

• "My Neighbor Totoro" - A Studio Ghibli classic about finding one's own value while coexisting with nature
• "Spirited Away" - A Studio Ghibli classic about overcoming obstacles and finding self-worth
• From Up on Poppy Hill - A Studio Ghibli classic about finding your own self-worth while confronting your past
• A Silent Voice - A coming-of-age anime about finding one's own value through relationships with others
• "Your Name" - A masterpiece by director Makoto Shinkai, a story about finding one's own self-worth through a fateful encounter

These works are sure to move and sympathize even more deeply with those who relate to the theme and style of "I Am a Big Rock." Please be sure to check out these works as well.

summary

"I Am a Big Stone" is a short two-minute animated film that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV in 1982. It tells a moving story about self-affirmation and self-discovery, and was produced using the unique touch of Tsukuda Kimihiko and cutting-edge animation techniques. It deeply moved and sympathized with viewers, and became a work that stayed in the hearts of many people.

This work will resonate with and inspire a wide range of viewers, from children to adults, and is also a high-quality work that embodies NHK's educational policy. I highly recommend watching it at least once. The other works I have recommended as related works also have moving stories with themes of self-affirmation and self-discovery, but also feature a unique touch and cutting-edge animation techniques. I highly recommend watching these works as well.