"Always Friends": A touching story about the depth of friendship that we can learn from everyone's songs

"Friends Forever" - Looking back on the masterpieces of Minna no Uta

"Zutto Tomodachi" is a short 2-minute animated work that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV (now NHK E-Tele) in June 1996. This work was produced as part of NHK's long-running program "Minna no Uta" and captured the hearts of many viewers with its touching story on the theme of friendship. Below, I will explore why this work continues to be loved to this day, while providing detailed information about the work and sharing my personal impressions.

Overview

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

others

■ Broadcast period

June 1996

■Broadcasting station

・Broadcasting／NHK Educational TV (NHK E-Tele)

■Frequencies

2 minutes

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Production

・Animation/Kazuaki Kozutsumi

■Works

©NHK

story

The story of "Friends Forever" is about two boys. They play together from a young age and the story follows their growth. The story revolves around moments when their friendship is put to the test, and ultimately ends with a touching conclusion that reaffirms the depth of their friendship. In just two minutes, the film succeeds in conveying the preciousness and importance of friendship.

character

This work features two unnamed boys. One has a lively and energetic personality, while the other is a little shy and thoughtful. They have contrasting personalities. The growth of these two boys and the changes in their friendship deeply move the viewer.

music

The music for "Zutto Tomodachi" was composed by Tatsuro Yamashita. The gentle and warm melody enhances the moving story. In particular, the lyrics "Let's be friends forever" struck a chord with many viewers. Even after the broadcast, this song has been loved by many people and continues to be sung in various situations.

animation

The animation was produced by director Kazuaki Kozutsumi. With simple yet emotional depictions, Kozutsumi beautifully depicts the growth of the two boys and the changes in their friendship. He is particularly impressive for his attention to detail in the changing seasons and the backgrounds.

Impressions and reviews

"Friends Forever" is a work that succeeds in conveying the preciousness and importance of friendship in a short two-minute film. Everything is put together at a high level, including the story development, character growth, music and animation quality. In particular, the moment when the friendship between the two boys is tested and the moving final conclusion leave a deep impression on the viewer.

I believe the reason this film continues to be loved today is because it depicts the universal theme of friendship. It resonates with so many people because it depicts the joys and sorrows of friendship that everyone experiences in a simple yet deeply moving way. Yamashita Tatsuro's gentle melody and director Kozutsumi Kazuaki's beautiful animation also add to the film's appeal.

Recommendation

"Always Friends" is the perfect movie for those who want to reaffirm the importance of friendship or enjoy a touching animation. It is especially recommended for a wide range of ages, from children to adults. Watching it with your family and friends will give you a deeper emotional experience. We also recommend that you check out other "Minna no Uta" masterpieces after watching this movie.

Related information

"Zutto Tomodachi" was produced as part of the NHK program "Minna no Uta." "Minna no Uta" is a long-running program that has been broadcast since 1961, and introduces various genres of music and animation. In addition to "Zutto Tomodachi," there are many other masterpieces, so if you are interested, be sure to check them out.

Also, Tatsuro Yamashita, who wrote the music for this work, is an active artist in the Japanese music scene and has produced many hit songs. Please be sure to listen to his other works as well.

Furthermore, the director of the animation, Kazuaki Kozutsumi, has worked on many masterpieces, and his other works are also worth watching. In particular, his style of beautifully depicting nature and human relationships is popular with many fans.

summary

"Always Friends" is a moving animation that depicts the preciousness and importance of friendship. In just two minutes, this work succeeds in conveying deep emotions, and is still loved by many people today. Please watch it and experience the emotions for yourself.