The appeal and evaluation of the video picture book "Japanese Folk Tales": A modern interpretation of traditional stories

Video Picture Book Japanese Folktales - Video Ehon Nihon Mukashibanashi

overview

"Video Picture Book Japanese Folk Tales" was released as an OVA on September 10, 1988. This work is a series of 10 episodes based on traditional Japanese literature, produced by WC and Mushi Production. Yoshiko Ota participated as the narrator, and her warm voice adds depth to the story.

Background

This work was created to allow children of today to enjoy traditional Japanese folk tales. The OVA format made it easy to watch at home. The involvement of Mushi Production also ensured high-quality animation. Mushi Production is known for having worked on many of Tezuka Osamu's works, and their technical skills and artistry are reflected in this work.

story

"Video Picture Book Japanese Folk Tales" is a series of animated Japanese folk tales. Each story is an independent episode, and can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Below are some examples.

Ikkyu-san

Episode 9, "Ikkyu-san," tells the story of Ikkyu Sojun, a Zen monk from the Muromachi period. Ikkyu was known for his wit and humor and was loved by many. In this episode, Ikkyu is shown solving various difficult problems and helping people. Yoshiko Ota's narration brings out Ikkyu's character and draws the viewer into the world of the story.

Inaba's White Rabbit

Episode 10, "The White Rabbit of Inaba," is a famous old tale recorded in the Izumo Fudoki. The story begins with a white rabbit being tricked by a crocodile and having its skin peeled off. The white rabbit is saved by Okuninushi no Mikoto and ultimately finds happiness. This episode depicts the importance of helping each other and the strength to overcome difficulties.

Animation and Music

The animation of this work fully demonstrates Mushi Production's technical capabilities. It is colorful and has attractive character designs. The background art is also detailed, realistically recreating the world of fairy tales. Music also plays an important role, enhancing the atmosphere of each episode. In particular, the background music that accompanies Yoshiko Ota's narration helps to bring out the emotion of the story.

cast

Yoshiko Ota, who participates as the narrator, is a veteran voice actress who has worked on many children's programs and anime. Her warm voice has the power to draw the viewer into the world of the story. In particular, her narration is a perfect fit for the purpose of this work, which is to tell old tales to children, and she brings out the charm of the story to the fullest.

Evaluation and impact

"Video Picture Book: Japanese Folk Tales" was highly praised for conveying traditional Japanese folk tales to children. The OVA format made it easy to watch at home, and it was loved by many families. The technical capabilities of Mushi Production combined with Yoshiko Ohta's narration resulted in a high-quality work. This work played an important role in conveying traditional Japanese culture to the next generation.

Recommendation

"Video Picture Book: Japanese Folk Tales" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. This work, which depicts traditional Japanese folk tales in animation, is perfect for watching with the whole family. It can also be used as an opportunity to teach children about Japanese culture and history. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the narration of Yoshiko Ota and the animation of Mushi Productions. Please rediscover the charm of Japanese folk tales through this work.

More Information

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

Traditional literature

■ Release date

September 10, 1988

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 10

■ Production

WC, Mushi Production

Other episodes

There are many other fascinating stories in the "Video Picture Book of Japanese Folk Tales." Here are some of them:

Momotaro

Momotaro is one of the most famous Japanese folk tales, and is the story of a brave boy who goes to Oni Island to defeat the demons. In this episode, Momotaro goes to Oni Island with a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, and defeats the demons. This story teaches us the importance of courage and friendship.

Urashima Taro

This is the story of Urashima Taro, who is invited to Ryugu-jo Palace after saving a turtle, where he spends his time forgetting about time. However, when he is leaving, he opens the treasure box he was given and ends up growing old, a tragic story. This episode depicts the value of time and the importance of gratitude.

Princess Kaguya

Princess Kaguya is the story of a beautiful princess born from a bamboo grove. It is a fantastical tale of a princess who rejects many suitors and ultimately returns to the moon. This episode depicts beauty, purity, and the invincible power of fate.

Cultural Background

Japanese folk tales have a long history and culture behind them. These stories have been told to teach children morals and values. "Video Picture Book: Japanese Folk Tales" plays an important role in conveying these traditional folk tales to modern audiences. Each episode also reflects the Japanese climate and lifestyle, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Viewers' reactions

"Video Picture Book: Japanese Folk Tales" has been well received by many viewers. Children in particular were captivated by the animation and Yoshiko Ota's narration, and were able to learn about Japanese folk tales while having fun. Adults also felt a sense of nostalgia and were able to deepen family bonds by watching the show with their children. Viewers have praised this work as an important medium for conveying traditional Japanese culture.

Related Titles

Like "Video Picture Book: Japanese Folk Tales," there are many other works that depict Japanese folk tales in animation. Here are some of them.

Japanese Folktales

"Japanese Folk Tales" is a TV anime series that aired from 1975 to 1983. This work also depicts traditional Japanese folk tales in animation and was widely loved by children. In particular, the character design and storytelling were highly praised, and it gained many fans.

World Masterpiece Theatre

"World Masterpiece Theater" is a TV anime series that aired from 1975 to 2009. The series depicts classic literature from around the world in animated form, including some Japanese folk tales. It was especially praised for its content that teaches morals and values ​​to children, and gained support from many viewers.

summary

"Video Picture Book: Japanese Folk Tales" is a wonderful work that depicts traditional Japanese folk tales in the form of animation. The technical capabilities of WC and Mushi Productions, combined with Yoshiko Ota's warm narration, make it enjoyable for children and adults alike. This work plays an important role in passing on Japanese culture and history to the next generation, and is one that we hope many people will watch. Watching it together as a family will allow you to rediscover the charm of Japanese folk tales while having fun.