A thorough review of "Let's be friends"! What is the appeal of Minna no Uta?

The appeal and evaluation of "Let's be friends"

"Let's be friends" is a short 2-minute animated work that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV (now NHK E-Tele) in August 1997. This work was produced as part of NHK's popular program "Minna no Uta" and has the theme of the importance of friendship and communication. Below, we will introduce detailed information about this work, its appeal, and recommendations for viewers.

Overview

The original media for "Let's be friends" is listed as "other," which shows that it was produced as an original story. It was broadcast in August 1997 and was a short work with only one episode, but the story of friendship depicted in it captured the hearts of many viewers. It was produced by Shinichi Suzuki, and the copyright is owned by NHK.

story

The story of this work depicts the process of two children from different backgrounds meeting and becoming friends. At first, they cannot understand each other's language and are confused, but little by little they begin to communicate with each other, and the film ends with them smiling and holding hands. This simple story symbolizes the power of friendship that transcends language and cultural barriers, and leaves a deep impression on viewers.

character

The main characters are two children from different backgrounds. One is a Japanese boy and the other is a foreign girl. Although neither of their names are specified, their expressions and actions convey their pure hearts and desire for friendship. In particular, their attitude of trying to understand each other's feelings despite the lack of language communication is impressive.

music

The music for "Let's be friends" features a bright and catchy melody. The lyrics alternate between English and Japanese, emphasizing the theme of friendship. The music helps the viewer to understand the message of the film more deeply. The rhythm of the song is also synchronized with the movements of the images, making it a visual treat.

animation

The animation was created by Shinichi Suzuki and features a simple yet warm touch. The colors are bright, and the children's expressions and movements are depicted in detail. In particular, in the scene where the two children hold hands for the first time, the background color changes, visually expressing the joy of friendship. This attention to detail enhances the quality of the entire work.

Evaluation and acceptance

"Let's be friends" was loved by many viewers when it was first broadcast. It was especially praised for its educational aspect of teaching children the importance of friendship, and was often viewed at schools and homes. It was also highly praised for its ability to convey a profound message in a short amount of time. Even today, there are many voices on the Internet that reminisce about the show, which shows how great its influence was.

Recommendation

"Let's be friends" is a work that can be recommended to a wide range of age groups, from children to adults. It is especially suitable for those who want to learn about the importance of friendship and communication. It is also recommended for those who want to be deeply moved in a short time. Furthermore, it can be used as part of an educational program on the theme of intercultural understanding and respect for diversity.

Related Titles

Other works that have aired on Minna no Uta, like "Let's be friends," include the following. Many of these works also have themes of friendship and communication, and you'll likely be moved even more deeply after watching them.

• "Palm to the Sun"
• "Big Old Clock"
• "More than anyone else in the world, I'm sure."

How to watch

"Let's be friends" can be viewed on the NHK official website and video streaming services. It is also available on DVD and Blu-ray, so you can keep it on hand and enjoy it as many times as you like. When watching, be sure to pay attention to the meaning of the lyrics. As English and Japanese are used alternately, it may also help you understand different cultures.

summary

"Let's be friends" is a short animation of just 2 minutes, but it deeply depicts the importance of friendship and communication. The simple story, warm animation, and familiar music have captured the hearts of viewers and continue to be loved by many people. This work can be recommended to a wide range of age groups, from children to adults, and you will surely feel warm in your heart after watching it. Please watch it at least once and experience the moving story for yourself.