The appeal and evaluation of "Manga Aesop's Fables": Bringing the lessons of classics to the modern age

"Manga Aesop's Fables": Rediscover the charm of classics through animation

"Manga Aesop's Fables", which aired on TV Tokyo in 1983, is a 52-episode anime series based on Aesop's fables. The series was created to allow modern children to enjoy Aesop's fables, which have been loved since ancient times. The series aired from October 10 to December 23, 1983, in a 15-minute time slot from 7:15 to 7:30 p.m. every Monday to Friday. Furthermore, episodes 43, 45, 3, 9, 15, and 23 were rebroadcast as "Manga Aesop Masterpiece Collection" from December 23 to 30, 1983, to conclude the series.

Background of the original work and anime adaptation

Aesop's Fables are a collection of stories that are said to have been told by Aesop, a Greek slave who lived around the 6th century BC, and are widely known around the world. Manga Aesop's Fables aims to convey the appeal of these stories through visual expression by turning them into animations. While faithful to the original, some adjustments have been made for the animation to make it easier for modern children to understand.

Stories and episodes

"Manga Aesop's Fables" is a self-contained 15-minute episode that depicts an episode selected from 426 of Aesop's fables. Some of the most well-known episodes are "The Tortoise and the Hare" and "The Ant and the Grasshopper," but it also features lesser known stories such as "The Fox Who Had His Tail Cut Off" and "The North Wind and the Sun." At the end of each episode, three monkeys, red, blue, and yellow, appear to talk about their impressions of the story and perform skits related to the story, thereby bridging the gap between the viewers and the work.

Characters and cast

The characters in this series are mainly animals that appear in Aesop's fables. In particular, the three monkeys Tong (voice: Yamamoto Keiko), Tan (voice: Tsukase Noriko), and Chi (voice: Kawashima Chiyoko), who appear at the end of each episode, play an important role in conveying the moral of the story to the audience. Many other voice actors, including Hayasaka Kaoru, also participate in the story, enriching it.

Production Staff

Nippon Animation and TV Tokyo were involved in the production of Manga Aesop's Fables, with Trans Arts participating as a production collaborator. The director was Eiji Okabe, the character designer was Isamu Kumada, and the animation director was Hirokazu Ishino. The music was by Toji Akasaka, and many other staff members, including Keiko Mukuroji and Akira Nakahara, were involved in the scriptwriting. Thanks to the cooperation of these staff members, an anime that brings out the charm of the original work to the fullest was completed.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "Happy Days," written and composed by Hiro Nagasawa, arranged by PEGMO, and sung by PEGMO (Canyon Records). The ending theme is "Hello! Hello!", also written and composed by Hiro Nagasawa. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

Evaluation and impact

"Manga Aesop's Fables" achieved its goal of introducing Aesop's fables to children and was well received by many viewers. In particular, the skits featuring the three monkeys at the end of each episode were highly praised as a creative way of conveying the moral of the story to viewers in an easy-to-understand way. In addition, while remaining faithful to the original, the appropriate adaptations made in the anime are cited as a successful example of conveying the appeal of classics to the modern era.

Recommendations and how to watch

"Manga Aesop's Fables" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, and is especially recommended for watching with the family. You can spend a fun time while learning the moral of the story. Currently, it is possible to watch it on DVD or through Internet distribution services, so please give it a try.

Detailed episode introduction

Below are the details of each episode:

• Episode 1: The Ant and the Grasshopper

  This is a story about a grasshopper who neglects to prepare for winter and goes to an ant's house to ask for help. The grasshopper's carelessness is contrasted with the ants' diligence, teaching us the importance of planning.

• Episode 2: The fox with its tail cut off

  This is an episode in which a fox explains to other animals why his tail was cut off. It depicts the difficulty of defending yourself and the importance of respecting the opinions of others.

• Episode 3: The North Wind and the Sun

  This is a story about the North Wind and the Sun competing to see who is stronger. It shows that kindness and warmth, rather than force, can have the power to motivate people.

• Episode 4: The Lion and the Mouse

  This is an episode about a little mouse helping a big lion. It teaches us the power of what appears to be more than appearances, and the importance of giving back.

• Episode 5: The Tortoise and the Hare

  This famous story contrasts the rabbit's arrogance with the turtle's hard work, conveying the importance of moving forward steadily without rushing.

• Episode 6: The Deer and the Lion

  An episode about a deer being chased by a lion. It shows how to respond when faced with danger and the importance of escaping.

• Episode 7: Crows and Birds

  A story about crows fighting with other birds. It teaches us the tragedies that arise from conflict and the importance of peace.

• Episode 8: Frogs in Search of a King

  This is an episode about frogs searching for a king. It depicts the dangers of power and the value of freedom.

• Episode 9: The Lying Shepherd

  This is a story about a shepherd who keeps lying and ends up losing everyone's trust. It teaches us the danger of lies and the importance of trust.

• Episode 10: The Ant and the Pigeon

  An episode in which an ant is saved by a pigeon. It depicts the importance of returning favors and the spirit of helping one another.

• Episode 11: The Donkey, the Rooster and the Lion

  This is a story about a donkey and a rooster who face off against a lion. It teaches us the power of courage, wisdom, and the importance of cooperation.

• Episode 12: The Boar and the Fox

  This is an episode about a wild boar being tricked by a fox, and it deals with issues of trust and betrayal.

• Episode 13: The Wolf and the Fox

  A story about a wolf catching a baby fox. It depicts the ability to sense danger and the love of a parent.

• Episode 14: The Smart Chicken

  This is an episode about a chicken using its wisdom to overcome a crisis. It teaches us the power of wisdom and the importance of problem-solving.

• Episode 15: The Woodcutter and Hermes

  A story about a woodcutter who is saved by Hermes. It depicts the blessings of the gods and the importance of a grateful heart.

• Episode 16: Country Mouse and City Mouse

  An episode in which a country mouse and a city mouse experience each other's lives. It teaches us the difference in values ​​and the importance of valuing one's own life.

• Episode 17: The Fox and the Woodcutter

  A story about a fox who tricks a woodcutter, depicting issues of trust and betrayal.

• Episode 18: The Greedy Dog

  This is an episode about a greedy dog ​​who loses everything he has, teaching us the dangers of greed and the importance of having a satisfied heart.

• Episode 19: The Female Cat and Aphrodia

  A story about a female cat who is saved by Aphrodite. It depicts the blessings of God and the importance of a grateful heart.

• Episode 20: The thieving child and his mother

  This is an episode about a child stealing and being scolded by his mother. It teaches us the importance of morality and education.

• Episode 21: The Lion and the Rabbit

  A story about a lion catching a rabbit. It depicts the difference in power and the importance of wisdom.

• Episode 22: The Sheep Gets Shorn

  The episode about the sheep being sheared, which deals with issues of trust and betrayal.

• Episode 23: My gratitude

  A story about an eagle returning a favor. It depicts the importance of returning a favor and the spirit of helping each other.

• Episode 24: The Lamb and the Flute Wolf

  The story of a lamb being deceived by a wolf, which depicts issues of trust and betrayal.

• Episode 25: The Farmer and His Children

  A story about a farmer teaching his children a lesson. It teaches the importance of education and hard work.

• Episode 26: The Fox and the Goat

  An episode in which the fox tricks the goat, depicting issues of trust and betrayal.

• Episode 27: The White Crow

  A story about a white crow who is bullied by other crows. It depicts discrimination and the importance of individuality.

• Episode 28: The Woman and the Chicken

  This is an episode about a woman taking good care of her chickens. It teaches us the importance of love and gratitude.

• Episode 29: The Wolf and the Granny

  A story about a wolf tricking an old woman, depicting issues of trust and betrayal.

• Episode 30: The Fox and the Crane

  An episode in which the fox deceives the crane. It depicts issues of trust and betrayal.

• Episode 31: The Eagle and the Fox

  A story about an eagle who saves a fox. It depicts the importance of returning favors and the spirit of helping others.

• Episode 32: The Miller and the Donkey

  This is an episode about the miller taking good care of his donkey. It teaches us the importance of love and gratitude.

• Episode 33: The Stupid Donkey

  A story about a donkey who behaves foolishly. It shows the importance of wisdom and self-reflection.

• Episode 34: Brothers and sisters who don't get along

  This is an episode about brothers becoming closer. It teaches us the importance of family ties and cooperation.

• Episode 35: Grandma and the Doctor

  A story about an old woman who is helped by a doctor. It depicts gratitude and the spirit of helping one another.

• Episode 36: The Horse and the Donkey

  An episode about a horse and a donkey working together, teaching us the importance of cooperation and helping each other.

• Episode 37: The Eagle, the Crow, and the Shepherd

  A story about an eagle and a crow helping a shepherd. It depicts the importance of giving back and the spirit of helping each other.

• Episode 38: Father and Daughters

  This is an episode where a father teaches his daughters a lesson, teaching them the importance of education and hard work.

• Episode 39: The Donkey, the Fox and the Lion

  This is a story about a donkey and a fox who stand up to a lion. It teaches us the power of courage and wisdom, and the importance of cooperation.

• Episode 40: The Mouse and the Frog

  An episode about a mouse helping a frog. It depicts the importance of returning favors and the spirit of helping others.

• Episode 41: The Monkey Chosen by the King

  A story about a monkey being chosen as king. It teaches us the importance of individuality and hard work.

• Episode 42: The Deer and the Grapevine

  The story of the deer eating the grapes depicts the dangers of greed and the importance of a satisfied heart.

• Episode 43: The Travelers and the Bear

  A story about travelers being attacked by a bear. It shows how to respond when faced with danger and the importance of escaping.

• Episode 44: The Mice and the Weasel

  This is an episode about mice standing up to a weasel. It teaches us the importance of cooperation and courage.

• Episode 45: Liar

  This is a story about a liar who continues to lie and ends up losing everyone's trust. It teaches us the dangers of lying and the importance of trust.

• Episode 46: The Canary and the Bat

  This is an episode about a canary being saved by a bat. It depicts the importance of giving back and the spirit of helping each other.

• Episode 47: The Old Lion and the Fox

  This is a story about an old lion who is saved by a fox. It depicts the importance of giving back and the spirit of helping others.

• Episode 48: The Donkey and the Grasshoppers

  This is an episode in which a donkey is saved by grasshoppers. It depicts the importance of returning favors and the spirit of helping others.

• Episode 49: The Lion and the Farmer

  A story about a lion who helps a farmer. It depicts the importance of giving back and the spirit of helping each other.

• Episode 50: The Prophet

  An episode in which a prophet predicts the future. It teaches us about anxiety about the future and the importance of hope.

• Episode 51: The Chicken that Laid the Golden Eggs

  A story about a chicken that laid golden eggs. It depicts the dangers of greed and the importance of a satisfied heart.

• Episode 52: The Eagle and the Beetle

  An episode about an eagle helping a rhinoceros beetle. It depicts the importance of returning favors and the spirit of helping others.

summary

"Manga Aesop's Fables" is a work that has succeeded in conveying the charm of classic stories to children of today by adapting Aesop's fables into animation. The skits featuring three monkeys that appear at the end of each episode were highly praised as a creative way of conveying the moral of the story to viewers in an easy-to-understand way. Furthermore, while remaining faithful to the original, the appropriate adaptations made for the animation make it a successful example of conveying the charm of classic stories to modern times. We recommend that you give it a watch.