Review of Echigo Folktale "Attentengano": A fusion of tradition and modernity

Echigo Folktale "Attentengano" - Crystallization of Tradition and Culture

The animated film "Attatenga no", based on a traditional folk tale from Koshiji Town, Niigata Prefecture, premiered on May 1, 2000. This work was produced to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the town of Koshiji Town in Niigata Prefecture, and has received high praise, including winning the Excellence Award at the 47th Educational Film Festival and being recommended by the Japan PTA National Council. Each episode is 30 minutes long and self-contained, and has become an important medium for conveying the rich culture and history of Koshiji Town to future generations.

■ Story

"Attentengano" consists of four episodes based on folk tales from the town of Koshiji. Each episode depicts a traditional story from the area in the form of animation.

≪Episode 1: Bota and Frog≫

This episode begins with a scene in which a mean old woman tells a botamochi rice cake that if the bride tries to eat it, she will turn into a frog. The story depicts how the bride finds out this secret and deals with it. This is a story that tests the bride's wisdom and courage.

≪Episode 2: Enlightenment≫

A monster with an eye appears in front of a woodcutter who is warming himself by lighting a fire on dead wood. This monster is called "Satori" and keeps guessing what the woodcutter is thinking. The story shows how the woodcutter escapes from the monster.

≪Episode 3: The Fox's Lantern≫

An old man who is lost on the street at night picks up a beautifully designed lantern dropped by a fox. The next day, the old man reluctantly returns the lantern, but what did he see in it? This episode depicts the relationship between foxes and humans.

<Episode 4: Three Bills>

A young monk from a temple gets lost and is given a place to stay in a mountain laurel hut. The story depicts the boy's struggle to escape from being eaten using a charm and finally make it to the temple. In this episode, the boy's wisdom and courage are put to the test.

■Explanation

"Attentengano" is based on old tales passed down by Takahashi Hana, who lives in the Higashiya district of Koshiji Town, Mishima County, Niigata Prefecture. Takahashi Hana was born in 1914, and has performed over 100 old tales heard from her grandmother, mother, and older brother in various places as "Hana's Old Tales." This anime is an animated version of four stories selected from those stories.

In modern times, there are fewer opportunities to tell old tales at home, but this anime was produced to convey the culture of "storytelling" to children. The aim is to make people feel the kindness of the Echigo dialect and the fun of old tales. It can be said to be an important work for protecting the traditional culture of Koshiji Town and passing it on to the next generation.

■Cast

Many talented voice actors participated in this work. The main cast is as follows:

• Yasuko Yano
• Mariko Sakai
• Nobuo Tanaka
• Mikio Terashima
• Video appearance: Takahashi Hana

Hana Takahashi's video appearance is a rare opportunity to hear her speak directly.

■ Main staff

Many staff members were involved in the production of "Attentengano". The main staff members are as follows:

• Produced by Koshijicho
• Based on a folk tale from Koshiji Town, Niigata Prefecture
• Screenplay and Director: Seiji Arihara
• Music by Reijiro Koroku
• Character design: Takaya Ono, Masahiro Kitazaki, Takako Hasegawa, Riki Yoshida
• Animation Director: Takaya Ono, Aki Yamagata, Masahiro Kitazaki, Riki Yoshida
• Art director: Hideo Koide, Kayoko Koitabashi
• Color setting: Kazuko Omura
• Director of photography: Hideo Suzuki
• Edited by Yukiko Ito
• Recording: Mitsuru Seya
• Effects/ Yukiro Fukushima
• Production manager: Toshiyuki Morii
• Sales Planning Producer/Ozaki Hisako
• Producer/Akira Ito

All of these staff members came together to create a beautiful animation of the traditional folk tales of Koshiji Town.

■Subtitle

"Attatenganoo" consists of the following four episodes.

• Episode 1: Bota and the Frog
• Episode 2 / Satori
• Episode 3: The Fox's Lantern
• Episode 4: Three Bills

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"Attatenga no" is an important work that conveys the traditional folk tales of Koshiji Town to future generations in the form of animation. Its value has been recognized by the fact that it won the Excellence Award at the Educational Film Festival and was recommended by the Japan PTA National Council.

This work not only conveys to children the joy of old tales and the kindness of the Echigo dialect, but also serves as an important medium for preserving local culture. In today's world, where opportunities to tell old tales at home are dwindling, this anime will be an opportunity to reevaluate the culture of "storytelling."

Although each episode has a different theme, they all share the common theme of the importance of wisdom and courage. It is enjoyable not only for children but also for adults. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in local traditions and culture.

■ Detailed information and supplementary information

"Attentengano" is an animated film based on a traditional folk tale from Koshiji Town, and contains many cultural elements in its background. Below we provide further information and supplementary information.

■ History and culture of Koshijicho

Koshiji Town in Niigata Prefecture is an area rich in nature and history. The Higashiya district in particular is known as a treasure trove of old tales. The old tales that Takahashi Hana has passed down reflect the culture and history of the area.

Koshiji Town is a traditional agricultural region that has existed since the Edo period, and is the birthplace of many folk tales and legends. These folk tales reflect the lives and beliefs of the local people and are an important cultural heritage. "Attatenga no" is an important work that will pass on these folk tales to future generations in the form of animation.

■ Background of animation production

The production of "Attentengano" was undertaken to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the town of Koshiji. As part of this commemorative project, the aim was to pass on traditional folk tales of the region to future generations by turning them into animation.

The production was carried out in cooperation with Mushi Productions, and while respecting the local culture, it was also carefully crafted to be enjoyable for children today. In particular, the character designs and art direction were designed to reflect the scenery and traditional costumes of the area, bringing out the charm of Koshijicho to the fullest.

■Details for each episode

≪Episode 1: Bota and Frog≫

This episode begins with a scene in which a mean old woman tells a botamochi rice cake that if the bride tries to eat it, she will turn into a frog. The story depicts how the bride finds out this secret and deals with it. This is a story that tests the bride's wisdom and courage.

This episode depicts the relationships between family members and the importance of wisdom and courage. In particular, it is interesting to see how the daughter-in-law overcomes the traps set by her wicked grandmother. It also depicts the kindness of the Echigo dialect and the traditional food culture of the region (Botamochi).

≪Episode 2: Enlightenment≫

A monster with an eye appears in front of a woodcutter who is warming himself by lighting a fire on dead wood. This monster is called "Satori" and keeps guessing what the woodcutter is thinking. The story shows how the woodcutter escapes from the monster.

This episode depicts the importance of wisdom and courage. One of the highlights is how the woodcutter overcomes Satori's trap. It also depicts the natural environment of Koshiji and the traditional beliefs of the area. Satori is a legendary figure in Koshiji, and this episode gives us an insight into his cultural background.

≪Episode 3: The Fox's Lantern≫

An old man who is lost on the street at night picks up a beautifully designed lantern dropped by a fox. The next day, the old man reluctantly returns the lantern, but what did he see in it? This episode depicts the relationship between foxes and humans.

This episode depicts the relationship between foxes and humans, and the importance of wisdom and courage. One of the highlights is how the old man returns the fox's lantern. It also depicts the natural environment of Koshijicho and the traditional beliefs of the area. Foxes are legendary in Koshijicho, and this episode gives you an insight into their cultural background.

<Episode 4: Three Bills>

A young monk from a temple gets lost and is given a place to stay in a mountain laurel hut. The story depicts the boy's struggle to escape from being eaten using a charm and finally make it to the temple. In this episode, the boy's wisdom and courage are put to the test.

This episode depicts the importance of wisdom and courage. One of the highlights is how the boy overcomes the traps of the Yamamba. It also depicts the natural environment of Koshiji Town and the traditional beliefs of the area. The Yamamba is a legendary figure in Koshiji Town, and this episode gives you an insight into its cultural background.

■ Recommendations and how to watch

"Attatenga no" is an important work that conveys the traditional folk tales of Koshiji Town to future generations in the form of animation. Its value has been recognized by the fact that it won the Excellence Award at the Educational Film Festival and was recommended by the Japan PTA National Council.

This work not only conveys to children the joy of old tales and the kindness of the Echigo dialect, but also serves as an important medium for preserving local culture. In today's world, where opportunities to tell old tales at home are dwindling, this anime will be an opportunity to reevaluate the culture of "storytelling."

Although each episode has a different theme, they all share the common theme of the importance of wisdom and courage. It is enjoyable not only for children but also for adults. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in local traditions and culture.

You can watch it on the official Koshiji Town website or through educational institutions. It is also available for purchase on DVD and video, so you can watch it easily. Please enjoy the traditional folk tales and culture of Koshiji Town through this work.