The first train to run through Hiroshima: A moving story learned from 300 A-bomb survivor memoirs

A comprehensive review and recommendation of "The First Train to Run in Hiroshima - From 300 A-bomb Experience Memoirs"

overview

"The First Train to Run in Hiroshima - Based on 300 A-bomb Survivor Memoirs" is a TV anime series that aired on NHK on August 6, 1993. The series is based on true stories collected from 300 A-bomb survivor memoirs, and focuses on the train that ran on the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Each episode is 60 minutes long and self-contained.

story

This anime begins with the fact that on August 6, 1945, the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a Hiroshima Electric Railway train was running. The main character is a man who works as a train driver, and on that day he was driving the train as usual. However, a sudden flash of light and blast of wind caused the train to stop and the surrounding area to fall into a devastating situation. The driver and his passengers struggle to survive, and the story depicts the horror of war and the strength of humanity as various stories collected from the memoirs of atomic bomb survivors intertwine.

Background

This work was produced to convey the Hiroshima atomic bombing experience to future generations. Broadcast in 1993, 48 years after the atomic bombing, this anime is based on the memoirs of atomic bomb survivors, so it has very realistic and heavy content. The production team spent a lot of time and effort to respect the voices of the survivors and portray them accurately. In addition, the production was carried out with the cooperation of NHK and with a deep understanding of Hiroshima's history and culture.

character

The main character, a train driver, is portrayed as remaining calm even amid the chaos of war and doing his best to protect his passengers. His character is based on true stories collected from the memoirs of atomic bomb survivors, making him a realistic and easy-to-relate-to character. The passengers also each have their own backgrounds, and are depicted as growing through their experiences of the atomic bombing.

animation

This anime was made using the technology of 1993. Many scenes are hand-drawn in order to realistically depict the blast of the atomic bomb and the devastation that followed. The anime also features meticulous attention to detail, such as the design of Hiroshima's cityscape and trains. The scene of the atomic bombing in particular is visually shocking, leaving a strong impression of the horror of war.

music

The music chosen is simple yet profound in order to express the tragedy of war and the strength of humanity. In particular, in the scene where the atomic bomb was dropped, music is used effectively amid a mixture of silence and the sound of the blast, enhancing the emotions of the viewer. In the scene where a memoir by a survivor of the atomic bomb is read aloud, the music is subdued, emphasizing the weight of the words.

evaluation

This anime has been highly praised for its depiction of the Hiroshima atomic bombing experience. In particular, the realistic depiction based on the survivors' memoirs left a strong impression on viewers, successfully conveying the horror of war and human strength. It has also been praised for being produced with the cooperation of NHK and with a deep understanding of Hiroshima's history and culture. However, some viewers have commented that the content is too heavy.

Recommendation

I highly recommend "The First Train to Hiroshima - From 300 Atomic Bomb Victim Memoirs" to anyone who wants to learn about war history or the experiences of atomic bomb victims. It is also recommended for those who are interested in animation techniques and musical effects. However, because the content is heavy, caution is advised for children and those with a weak mind.

Related Titles

Other anime and movies related to this work include the following:

• "Barefoot Gen" - An animated film based on a manga about the experience of the Hiroshima atomic bombing
• "In This Corner of the World" - An animated film depicting the experience of the Hiroshima atomic bombing
• "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" - An anime series that includes an episode depicting the experience of the Hiroshima atomic bombing

How to watch

This anime can be viewed on the NHK official website or through video streaming services. It is also available on DVD and Blu-ray, so you can purchase it and watch it. However, since the content is heavy, we recommend that you prepare yourself before watching it.

summary

"The First Train to Hiroshima - Based on 300 A-bomb Survivor Memoirs" is a highly worthy anime that depicts the experience of the Hiroshima bombing. It has been highly praised for many reasons, including the realistic depiction based on the memoirs of atomic bomb survivors and the production background that has a deep understanding of Hiroshima's history and culture. This work conveys the horror of war and the strength of humanity, and is one that we hope many people will watch.