"Rain of Fire" review: A masterpiece anime with spectacular visuals and a deep story

"Rain of Fire": An animated film depicting the horrors of war

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Biographies and Autobiographies

■ Release date

September 15, 1988 - January 1, 0000

■ Eirin Number

112772

■Frequencies

80 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

A collection of testimonies from the Fukuoka Air Raid Recording Group: "Rain of Fire"

■ Director

Seiji Arihara

■ Production

Mushi Production

■Works

©Space Eizo, Nikkatsu Children's Films, Mushi Production

■ Story

During World War II, one day, Tomotsugu, a boy born and raised in Hakata, meets Yoriko, a girl who experienced the Great Tokyo Air Raid. Tomotsugu believed that the military and kamikazes would protect Hakata, but Yoriko teaches him the true horror of war. Then, on June 19, 1935, just before the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, the Great Fukuoka Air Raid struck Hakata, turning the entire city into a sea of ​​flames...

■Explanation

This animated film is based on "Rain of Fire" ("Rain of Fire"), a collection of testimonies about the Great Fukuoka Air Raid during World War II. It conveys the horrors of war by incorporating the story of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, a traditional festival that has been held for over 700 years, which was cancelled due to the war. Many people from Fukuoka participated in the production as staff and cast members.

■Cast

・Yuji/Shu Kawaguchi・Yoriko/Mayumi Sho・Matsuo sensei/Yusaku Yara・Nobuo/Kaori Mineo・Narrator/Saikano Yonekura

■ Main staff

・Director／Arihara Seiji・Direction／Iwamoto Yasuo・Planning, production／Seto Yoshiaki, Nishimura Toyoji, Ito Akira・Screenplay／Arihara Seiji, Imaizumi Toshiaki・Character concept／Hasegawa Noriyo・Art director／Akashi Teiichi・Chief animation director・Character design／Ono Takaya・Director of photography／Isakawa Hiroshi・Sound director／Aketagawa Susumu・Sound effects／Kurahashi Shizuo・Sound recordist／Yamada Hitoshi・Music／Kuni Kawachi・Production cooperation／Fukuoka Prefecture Small and Medium Business Association・Planning and concept／Kyushu Film Center

■ Main Characters

・Yuji
A playful boy who is the leader of the gang. Although he is usually irresponsible, he is a manly boy who tries his best to protect Yoriko from the air raids.

・A close friend of Nobuo Tomotsugu. He left the city of Hakata due to the war.

A girl who was evacuated from Tokyo. She is tomboyish and can be relied on in times of emergency.

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■ Background and significance of the work

"Rain of Fire" is an animated film depicting the Great Fukuoka Air Raid during World War II, and has a deep historical significance behind it. The film is based on the book "Rain of Fire" (The Rain of Fire) a collection of testimonies compiled by the Association for Recording the Great Fukuoka Air Raid, and is an important medium for conveying the horrors of war and its effects to future generations. In particular, by incorporating into the story the fact that the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, which has a history of over 700 years, was canceled due to the war, the film emphasizes the impact that war has on culture and traditions.

■Story development and theme

The story begins with the encounter between Tomotsugu, a boy born and raised in Hakata, and Yoriko, a girl who experienced the Great Tokyo Air Raid. Tomotsugu believed that the military and kamikazes would protect Hakata, but through his encounter with Yoriko, he comes to understand the true horror of war. Then, just before the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, the Great Fukuoka Air Raid occurs, putting Tomotsugu and Yoriko's lives in danger. This story depicts how war can have a huge impact on the lives of individual people. Tomotsugu's determination to protect Yoriko also conveys the message of maintaining human dignity and bonds even in the midst of war.

■ Character portrayal

Although Tomotsugu is a playful bully, he shows courage when he tries to protect Yoriko during a major air raid. His growth and change symbolize the impact that war has on children. Meanwhile, Yoriko knows the horrors of war from her own experience of the Great Tokyo Air Raid, and plays the role of teaching Tomotsugu about that reality. Her strength and tomboyish personality show her determination to find hope even in the midst of war. Additionally, Tomotsugu's best friend, Nobuo, is forced to leave Hakata due to the effects of the war, and his presence illustrates the reality that war can tear families and friends apart.

■Animation and Art

The animation of "Rain of Fire" makes full use of Mushi Production's technical capabilities, and the air raid scenes in particular are very realistic. With the cooperation of art director Akashi Teiichi and animation director/character designer Ono Takaya, the streetscape of Hakata and the horror of the air raids are visually expressed. In addition, the designs of the original character designer Hasegawa Noriyo reflect the historical background of the time and are visually appealing.

■Music and Sound

The music was composed by Kuni Kawachi, and effectively brings out the tension and sadness of war. In particular, during the air raid scenes, the sounds of bombing and fire are realistically reproduced with the help of sound director Aketagawa Susumu and sound effects designer Kurahashi Shizuo, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. In addition, the sound recording skills of Yamada Hitoshi ensure that the voices of the characters and environmental sounds are conveyed clearly, enhancing the realism of the story.

■Director and staff

Director Seiji Arihara is passionate about depicting the horrors of war and has tried to convey that message through this film. Together with director Yasuo Iwamoto and screenwriter Toshiaki Imaizumi, he carefully plots the development of the story and the growth of the characters. In addition, Yoshiaki Seto, Toyoji Nishimura, and Akira Ito, who were in charge of planning and production, played an important role in preserving the record of the Fukuoka air raids as an animated film for future generations. Furthermore, with the cooperation of the Fukuoka Prefecture Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Kyushu Film Center, this film reflects the history and culture of the region.

■ Recommendations and ratings

"Rain of Fire" is an important animated film that depicts the horrors and effects of war, and is especially recommended for those interested in history and peace education. It is also a good opportunity for people from Fukuoka and those interested in the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival to learn about the history of the area. This film combines visual beauty with deep themes, and will leave a strong impression on viewers. It is a film that should be seen at least once to remember the horrors of war and to reaffirm the importance of peace.

■ Related information and recommended content

To get a deeper understanding of "Rain of Fire," you may want to check out the related information and recommended content below.

■ Related books

・A collection of testimonies from the Fukuoka Air Raid Recording Group: "Rain of Fire"
This book is the original work of this work, and contains vivid testimonies of the Great Fukuoka Air Raid. It is an important resource for understanding the reality of war.

■ Related movies

・Grave of the Fireflies
This is an animated film set in Japan during World War II, and is a masterpiece that depicts the horrors of war. It shares a common theme with "Rain of Fire."

■ Related events

・Hakata Gion Yamakasa
It is a traditional festival in Hakata with over 700 years of history, and is depicted as an important element in "Rain of Fire." By actually participating, you can gain a deeper understanding of the background of the work.

■ Related documentaries

・NHK Special "The Great Fukuoka Air Raid"
This documentary compiles detailed records and testimonies of the Great Fukuoka Air Raid, and is an important resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of war.

■ Related websites

・Fukuoka City Official Website This website contains a wealth of information about the history and culture of Fukuoka City, and is a useful reference for learning the background of "Rain of Fire."

■ Related animation

・Barefoot Gen
This is an animation about the Hiroshima atomic bombing, and the horror of war and its effects. It shares the same theme as "Rain of Fire."

■ Related music

- Kuni Kawachi's soundtrack "Rain of Fire" was composed by Kuni Kawachi, and many of his other works also have themes of war and peace, making them highly relevant.

■Related Exhibitions

- The War and Peace Exhibition This exhibition focuses on the history of war and the importance of peace, and is closely related to the theme of "Rain of Fire."

■Related Lectures

・Lectures by war veterans By listening to the stories of people who actually experienced war, you can gain a deeper understanding of the horrors of war and its effects.

■ Related Educational Programs

・Peace Education Programs By participating in peace education programs held at schools or in the community, you can learn about the history of war and the importance of peace.

■ Related Travel

・Fukuoka City Historical Tour You can gain a deeper understanding of the background of "Rain of Fire" by visiting historical places in Fukuoka City.

■ Related communities

・Communities for thinking about war and peace By participating in communities that think about the history of war and the importance of peace, you can exchange opinions with other people and deepen your understanding.

■ Related online resources

・Online resources on War and Peace You can gain a deeper understanding of War and Peace by referring to resources available on the Internet.

■ Related games

・Valkyria Chronicles
It is a war-themed game that depicts the horrors of war and its effects, a theme shared with "Rain of Fire."

■ Related novels

・Grave of the Fireflies
It is a novel set in Japan during World War II, and is a masterpiece that depicts the horrors of war. It shares a common theme with "Rain of Fire."

■ Related comics

・Barefoot Gen
It is a manga about the Hiroshima atomic bombing, and the horror of war and its effects. It shares the same theme as "Rain of Fire."

■ Related radio programs

・Radio programs that teach about war and peace By listening to radio programs that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related TV Programs

・TV programs that make you think about war and peace By watching TV programs that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related podcasts

・Podcasts to think about war and peace By listening to podcasts on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related YouTube channels

・YouTube channels that discuss war and peace By watching YouTube channels that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related SNS accounts

・Social media accounts that discuss war and peace By following social media accounts that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can get the latest information.

■ Related blogs

・Blogs about war and peace By reading blogs about the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related forums

・Forum to consider war and peace By participating in a forum on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can exchange opinions with other people and deepen your understanding.

■Related Workshops

・Workshops to consider war and peace By participating in workshops on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Related seminars

・Seminars on War and Peace By participating in seminars on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Related online courses

・Online Course on War and Peace By taking online courses on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related apps

・Apps to think about war and peace By using apps themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related VR experiences

・A VR experience that makes you think about war and peace By taking part in a VR experience themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related AR experiences

- AR experience to think about war and peace By participating in an AR experience themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Museums

・Museums to consider war and peace You can gain a deeper understanding by visiting museums that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace.

■Related Memorial Halls

・Memorial Museum for Thinking About War and Peace By visiting the memorial museum, which has as its theme the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related museums

・Museums to consider war and peace By visiting museums themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Libraries

・Libraries for thinking about war and peace By visiting libraries themed around the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Archives

・Archives to consider war and peace By visiting the archives on the themes of the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related research institutes

・Research institutes that consider war and peace By visiting research institutes that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Related NGOs

・NGO that considers war and peace
You can gain a deeper understanding by participating in an NGO that focuses on the history of war and the importance of peace.

■Related volunteer organizations

・Volunteer groups that consider war and peace By participating in a volunteer group that focuses on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related educational institutions

- Educational institutions that consider war and peace By visiting educational institutions that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Affiliated Universities

・Universities that consider war and peace By visiting universities that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

Related Researchers

・Researchers who consider war and peace You can gain a deeper understanding by referring to lectures and papers by researchers who study the history of war and the importance of peace.

■ Related Artists

・Writers who think about war and peace By reading the works of authors who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Artists

・Artists who consider war and peace By looking at the works of artists who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related film directors

・Film directors who think about war and peace By watching the works of film directors who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related animators

・Animators who think about war and peace By watching the works of animators who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related voice actors

・Voice actors who think about war and peace By watching the works of voice actors who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related musicians

- Musicians who think about war and peace By listening to the works of musicians who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Theatre Companies

・Theater troupe that considers war and peace By watching the performances of theater troupes that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Dancers

・Dancers who think about war and peace By watching dancers' performances on the themes of the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Photographers

・Photographers who consider war and peace By looking at the works of photographers who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related video artists

・Filmmakers who think about war and peace By watching the works of filmmakers who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Designers

- Designers who think about war and peace By looking at the works of designers who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Illustrators

・Illustrators who think about war and peace By looking at the works of illustrators who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Manga Artists

・Manga artists who think about war and peace By reading the works of manga artists who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Novelists

・Novelists who consider war and peace By reading the works of novelists who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Poets

・Poets who consider war and peace By reading the works of poets who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Playwrights

・Playwrights who consider war and peace By watching playwrights that deal with the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related scriptwriters

・Screenwriters who consider war and peace By watching the works of screenwriters who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Associated Producer

・Producers who think about war and peace By watching works by producers who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Editors

・Editors who think about war and peace By looking at the works of editors who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Related photographers

・Photographers who think about war and peace By looking at the works of photographers who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Lighting Technicians

・Lighting technicians who think about war and peace By looking at the works of lighting technicians who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Sound Engineers

・A sound engineer who thinks about war and peace By watching the works of a sound engineer who focuses on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related special effects technicians

・Special effects technicians who think about war and peace By watching the works of special effects technicians who focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related animation studios

・Animation studios that consider war and peace By watching works by animation studios that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Affiliated production companies

- Production companies that consider war and peace By watching works by production companies that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Associated distribution companies

- Distribution companies that consider war and peace By watching films by distribution companies that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Affiliated publishing companies

・Publishing companies that consider war and peace By looking at works by publishing companies that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Affiliated record companies

- Record companies that consider war and peace By listening to the works of record companies that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related broadcasting stations

・Broadcasting stations that consider war and peace By watching programs on broadcasting stations that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related distribution services

・Streaming service that helps you think about war and peace By watching the content of this streaming service that focuses on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related platforms

・Platform for thinking about war and peace By viewing the platform's content, which focuses on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Applications

・Applications to consider war and peace By using applications themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related software

・Software for thinking about war and peace By using software themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Hardware

-Hardware that makes you think about war and peace By using hardware themed around the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

Related technologies

・Technology to consider war and peace By using technology themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related devices

・Devices for thinking about war and peace By using devices themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related gadgets

・Gadgets to think about war and peace By using gadgets themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related tools

・Tools for thinking about war and peace By using tools themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related services

・Services to consider war and peace By using services themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related platforms

・Platform for thinking about war and peace By using this platform that focuses on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related communities

・Community for thinking about war and peace By participating in a community themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related forums

・Forum to consider war and peace By participating in the forum on the themes of the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related SNS

・SNS for thinking about war and peace
By using social media that focuses on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related blogs

・Blogs about war and peace By reading blogs about the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related podcasts

・Podcasts to think about war and peace By listening to podcasts on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related YouTube channels

・YouTube channels that discuss war and peace By watching YouTube channels that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Related online courses

・Online Course on War and Peace By taking online courses on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Related Workshops

・Workshops to consider war and peace By participating in workshops on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Related seminars

・Seminars on War and Peace By participating in seminars on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Related Lectures

・Lectures on War and Peace By attending lectures on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related events

・Events to consider war and peace By participating in events themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Related Exhibitions

・Exhibitions to consider war and peace By participating in exhibitions on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Travel

・Trips to consider war and peace By participating in trips themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Educational Programs

・Educational programs to consider war and peace By participating in educational programs on the themes of the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Museums

・Museums to consider war and peace You can gain a deeper understanding by visiting museums that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace.

■Related Memorial Halls

・Memorial Museum for Thinking About War and Peace By visiting the memorial museum, which has as its theme the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related museums

・Museums to consider war and peace By visiting museums themed on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Libraries

・Libraries for thinking about war and peace By visiting libraries themed around the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related Archives

・Archives to consider war and peace By visiting the archives on the themes of the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related research institutes

・Research institutes that consider war and peace By visiting research institutes that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■Related NGOs

・NGO that considers war and peace
You can gain a deeper understanding by participating in an NGO that focuses on the history of war and the importance of peace.

■Related volunteer organizations

・Volunteer groups that consider war and peace By participating in a volunteer group that focuses on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Related educational institutions

- Educational institutions that consider war and peace By visiting educational institutions that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

■ Affiliated Universities

・Universities that consider war and peace By visiting universities that focus on the history of war and the importance of peace, you can gain a deeper understanding.

Related Researchers

・Researchers who consider war and peace You can gain a deeper understanding by referring to lectures and papers by researchers who study the history of war and the importance of peace.