A touching story about the Kuzuryu River and a boy: anime review and recommended points

"Kuzuryu River and the Boy": A moving OVA depicting a drama of history and nature

■Overview of the work

"Kuzuryu River and the Boy" is an OVA released in 1998, produced as part of the Kuzuryu River Water System Flood Control Centennial Project. This work is a newly created story based on the life of Sugita Sadayoshi, who devoted himself to the Kuzuryu River, and depicts the struggles of the protagonist as he grows from a boy to an adult, set against the backdrop of the history of flood control projects from the Meiji to Showa eras. Directed by Arihara Seiji and produced by Mushi Production, it is a one-episode, 30-minute short film.

■ Story

At the beginning of the Meiji era, villages along the Kuzuryu River suffered from floods every year. When a childhood friend of Sadakazu, who lives in a village along the river, is forced to leave the village due to a flood, Sadakazu gradually develops a strong desire to protect people from floods. With this desire in mind, Sadakazu, who has grown up, strives to build a levee while interacting with his best friend, who lost his family in a flash flood, and other kind people. However, in the midst of this, Sadakazu's best friend's village upstream is hit by a flood, which further strengthens Sadakazu's resolve.

■Explanation

This work was planned and produced as part of the Kuzuryu River Water System Flood Control Centenary Project. It is a newly created story based on the life of Sugita Sadayoshi, who devoted himself to the Kuzuryu River, and was produced in 2000, 100 years after the start of national river improvement work, including the construction of levees. The wishes and will of our ancestors are still carried on today, and tireless efforts are being made every day to improve and maintain the river to prevent flooding. Based on this historical background, this work is a moving story that depicts the coexistence of nature and humans.

■ Main staff

・Produced by: Kuzuryu River Water System Flood Control 100th Anniversary Commemorative Project Executive Committee・Director: Arihara Seiji・Screenplay: Tabe Toshiyuki・Storyboard: Arihara Seiji・Producer: Ito Akira・Planning and Sales Producer: Terashima Tetsuo・Music: Koroku Reijiro・Character Design: Ono Takaya・Animation Director: Ono Takaya・Art Director: Nakamura Mitsuki・Director of Photography: Yamaguchi Toshiaki・Color Selection: Omura Kazuko・Editor: Ito Yukiko・Sound Director: Aketagawa Susumu・Dialect Coordinator: Hitomura Akemi・Production Manager: Morii Toshiyuki・Production: Mushi Production・Title Lettering: Sakai Tetsuo, Chairman of the "Sugita Teiichi Memorial Association"・Research Cooperation: Takidan Temple, Mikuni Local History Museum

■Character Introduction

Sadakazu <br> The protagonist is a young boy who lives in a village along the Kuzuryu River. When a girl who is his childhood friend is forced to leave the village due to a flood, he develops a strong desire to protect people from flooding. As he grows up, he works on building levees, and becomes even more determined when his best friend's village is flooded.

Childhood Friend Girl <br> A childhood friend of Sadakazu's who is forced to leave the village due to a flood. This separation leaves a deep wound in Sadakazu's heart, and it strengthens his desire to protect people from floods.

Best Friend <br> A boy who lost his family in a flash flood, Sadakazu's best friend. The two grow up together and while working on building a levee, they face a challenge when Sadakazu's village is flooded.

■Production Background

"Kuzuryu River and Boy" was produced as part of the Kuzuryu River Water System Flood Control Centenary Project. This project commemorates 100 years since the start of the Kuzuryu River flood control project, and this OVA was planned as one of the efforts to convey the history and nature of the area to future generations. Director Arihara Seiji has created a new fictional story based on the life and achievements of Sugita Sadayoshi. Produced by Mushi Production, it depicts a beautiful animation and a moving story.

■Characteristics of the animation

The animation of this work is characterized by beautiful drawings that make use of Mushi Production's technical capabilities. In particular, the natural scenery of the Kuzuryu River and the flood scenes are drawn realistically, making a strong visual impact. In addition, the touch of Takaya Ono, who was in charge of character design and animation direction, expresses the emotions of the characters in a delicate manner, conveying the emotion of the story even more deeply.

■Music

The music was composed by Koroku Reijiro, and it brings out the emotion of the story. The music in the flood scene and the scene depicting Sadakazu's growth in particular deeply touches the hearts of the viewers. It also incorporates melodies that evoke the local culture, helping viewers to understand the background of the work more deeply.

■ Evaluations and Awards

"Kuzuryu River and the Boy" was highly praised as a work that depicts the history and nature of the region. In particular, it was praised for its significance in conveying the history of the Kuzuryu River's flood control projects to future generations, and many viewers expressed their emotions. It was also highly praised for its beautiful animation and moving storyline, and it has also received high praise as an OVA work. Although it has not received any specific awards, it continues to be loved by many people as a work that depicts the culture and history of the region.

■ Viewer reactions

The reaction from viewers has been very positive, with many saying they learned about the history and nature of the Kuzuryu River through the film and were moved by it. In particular, many viewers sympathized with Sadakazu's growth and his strong will, and many said they were moved to tears by the flooding scenes. Local residents also commented that they were able to feel a renewed sense of respect for nature and the efforts of their ancestors.

■ Recommendation points

"Kuzuryu River and the Boy" is recommended for those who want to enjoy a moving story depicting history and nature. In particular, it is a must-see for those who are interested in the history of the Kuzuryu River flood control project and those who are looking for a work that makes them think about the coexistence of nature and humans. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy beautiful animation and a moving story. Furthermore, this work will teach many people who want to learn about the culture and history of the region.

■ Related works

Other works that depict the coexistence of humans and nature, like "Kuzuryu River and Boy," include "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" and "Princess Mononoke." These works also deeply depict the relationship between humans and nature, and are characterized by moving stories and beautiful animation. Other recommended works that depict the history and culture of the region include "Grave of the Fireflies" and "In This Corner of the World." These works also depict the lives and hearts of people through war and disaster, and you can enjoy moving stories.

■How to watch

"The Boy and the Kuzuryu River" can be viewed on DVD and Blu-ray. It can also be viewed on some video streaming services. Please check the official website of each streaming service for specific viewing methods. Materials and exhibits related to the Kuzuryu River flood control project can also be seen at local museums and archives, so if you're interested, be sure to visit them.

■ Summary

"Kuzuryu River and Boy" is a moving OVA that depicts the protagonist's struggles as he grows from a boy to an adult, set against the backdrop of the history of the Kuzuryu River flood control project. With beautiful animation, a moving story, and depictions of the history and nature of the region, this work continues to be loved by many viewers. This is a must-watch for anyone looking for a work that makes you think about the coexistence of nature and humans, or who wants to learn about the culture and history of the region.