The appeal and evaluation of Wild Animals I Have Known: A deep look into stories about nature and animals

Wild Animals I Have Known: A moving story about the wonders of nature and animals

■Overview of the work

"Wild Animals by Ernest Thomson Seton" is a TV anime series that aired on Nippon Television from October 14, 1989 to December 22, 1990. It is based on the original work "Wild Animals by Ernest Thomson Seton, Complete Translation Edition" (published by Shueisha) by naturalist Ernest Thomson Seton, and is a work that depicts the ecology of animals that Seton observed in North America. It consisted of 45 episodes and was broadcast every Saturday from 18:30 to 19:00, with each episode lasting 30 minutes. It was produced by Nippon Television and Aiken SSC, and the copyright belongs to Ernest T. Seton and Aiken.

■ Story

As Seton, a naturalist, continues to observe various animals in North America, he realizes how wonderful animals are and how important it is to protect nature. One day, while he was putting together an article to contribute to a magazine, a small animal strays into his path. This reminds Seton of the animals he once met...

■Explanation

This is a TV anime based on the works of naturalist Seton. Seton's works are a mixture of fiction and non-fiction, but all episodes are based on events that Seton himself experienced or saw or heard, and they vividly depict the animals living in the majestic yet harsh natural environment. In addition, some episodes deal with the ecology of rare animals that are unfamiliar to the viewers, and their rarity has attracted the interest of many boys and girls.

■Cast

Seton/Koji Nakata

■ Main staff

Original story by Ernest Thomson Seton ("Wild Animals I Have Known" Complete Translation, published by Shueisha)
・Director: Takeshi Shirato ・Supervision: Eiji Fujiwara (zoologist)
Characters: Shori Kobayashi, Hirohide Shikishima, Yutaka Arai, Sachiko Ooto, Eiji Uemura, and others Art Director: Masazumi Matsumiya Music: Sachi Otani

■ Main Characters

Seton is a naturalist from the UK. He publishes his observations of various animals in magazines in order to convey the wonder of animals.

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・"Something that has life"
Lyrics: Michio Yamagami Music: Hiroshi Saeki (now Hiroshi Koide)
Arrangement: Yuki Otani Vocals: Dreaming Ending
・"Utopia"
Lyrics: Michio Yamagami Music: Hiroshi Saeki (now Hiroshi Koide)
Arrangement: Yuki Otani Vocals: Dreaming

■Detailed episode commentary

Wild Animals I Have Known is centered around the stories of animals that Seton encountered in North America. Each episode is based on an actual experience that Seton had, and realistically depicts the ecology of animals and the harshness of nature. Here are some of the episodes:

Episode 1: Lobo the Wolves

This episode tells the story of Lobo, the king of wolves whom Seton met. Lobo is a strong leader of his pack, and fights against humans using his bravery and wisdom. Seton observes Lobo's behavior and is moved by his way of life. This episode touched many viewers as a symbol of the dignity of animals and the harshness of nature.

Episode 2: The Beaver Dam

This episode depicts beavers building a dam. Seton observes a group of beavers working together to build a dam, and is amazed at their wisdom and unity. This episode depicts the sociality of animals and their ability to adapt to the natural environment, conveying to viewers the beauty of nature and the wisdom of animals.

Episode 3: Bear Hibernation

This episode is about bear hibernation. Seton closely observes bears' preparations for hibernation and their behavior during hibernation, and records their ecology. This episode is important for understanding the survival strategies of animals and the cycles of nature.

■ Background and significance of production

The purpose of the production of "Wild Animals I Have Known" was to convey the wonder of nature and animals. The original author, Seton, made detailed observations of animal ecology and shared his knowledge widely to promote the importance of nature conservation. In adapting the story into an anime, we aimed to convey that message to as many people as possible through visual expression while respecting the spirit of the original work.

Director Takeshi Shirato has a deep understanding of Seton's writings and has succeeded in incorporating their essence into the anime. Zoologist Eiji Fujiwara also supervised the production, ensuring scientific accuracy. The character designs and the depictions of nature by art director Masazumi Matsumiya also contributed to the realistic emotional impact they had on viewers.

■Music and theme songs

The music was composed by Sachi Otani and played an important role in expressing the beauty of nature and the way animals live. The opening theme "Something Living" and the ending theme "Utopia" were sung by Dreaming, with lyrics by Michio Yamagami and music by Hiroshi Saeki (now Hiroshi Koide). These songs further deepened the emotional impact of the story and evoked a love for nature and animals in the viewers.

■ Viewer response and impact

"Wild Animals I Have Known" was well received by many viewers when it was broadcast. In particular, young boys and girls were given the opportunity to raise their awareness of nature conservation by learning about the ecology of animals and the harshness of nature. In addition, episodes depicting the ecology of rare animals attracted viewers' attention and aroused their interest in natural science.

This work was highly praised not only for deepening understanding of nature and animals, but also for its message of the importance of humans coexisting with nature. Even after the broadcast ended, it continues to be loved by many people through reruns and DVD releases.

■ Recommendations and ratings

"Wild Animals I Have Known" is a moving story that depicts the wonder of nature and animals, and is recommended to a wide range of generations. It is a must-see, especially for those who are interested in nature and animals, and those who want to understand the importance of nature conservation. Also, watching it with your family will be a good opportunity to share your love for nature and the spirit of coexistence.

This work is not only an anime based on Seton's book, but also has value as a documentary that realistically depicts nature and the ecology of animals. With the power of visual expression and music, "Wild Animals I Have Known" deeply moves and teaches viewers, making it a masterpiece that will be loved forever.

■ Related works and recommendation list

For viewers who enjoyed "Wild Animals I Have Known," we also recommend the following related works. These works are also masterpieces that depict the wonders of nature and animals, and are sure to broaden your interest even further.

1. Animal Planet

A documentary series that depicts nature and the ecology of animals in a realistic way. Like Wild Animals I Have Known, this work conveys the harshness and beauty of nature.

2. "Big Blue"

A documentary film depicting the ecology of marine life. Learn about the wonders of the ocean's nature and animals.

3. "Deep Blue"

A documentary film about the ecology of marine life. It depicts the ecology of animals that live in the depths of the ocean in a realistic way.

4. "Planet Earth"

A documentary series depicting the ecology of animals and various natural environments on Earth. You can learn about the beauty of nature and the way animals live.

■ Summary

"Wild Animals" is a TV animation series based on the writings of naturalist Seton, and is a moving story about the wonder of nature and animals. Seton realistically portrayed the ecology of the animals he encountered in North America, conveying their dignity and the harshness of nature to viewers. All elements, including the production background, music, and audience reactions, have come together to make this a masterpiece. It is a must-see for anyone interested in nature and animals and who wants to understand the importance of nature conservation, and watching it with your family will be a good opportunity to share your love for nature and the spirit of coexistence. By recommending related works and further expanding viewers' interests, you can deepen your understanding of nature and animals. "Wild Animals" will continue to be a masterpiece that will be loved forever and will continue to provide inspiration and learning to many people.