Momoko, I Can Hear the Frog Sing - A thorough review of the fusion of moving story and music

The moving story and appeal of "Momoko, I can hear the frog singing."

■Overview of the work

"Momoko, I Can Hear the Frog Sing" is an animated feature film released on September 27, 2003, based on Hoshiakari's children's book "Momoko, My Little Sister" (published by Dainihon Tosho). The film tells the heartwarming story of Momoko, a mentally and physically disabled sister, and her older brother, Chikara. It is distributed by Kyodo Eiga and is made up of one 80-minute episode. Animation was produced by Magic Bus, and copyright is ©2003 "Momoko" Film Production Committee.

■ Story

Momoko has intellectual and physical disabilities, and goes to a special needs school while breathing with an oxygen tank. She is jealous of her brother Chikara's ability to go to elementary school, and every day she throws a tantrum, saying, "Only my brother goes to elementary school, it's not fair! Momoko wants to go too!" However, when Momoko sings her favorite song, "The Frog Chorus," she smiles.

One day, Momoko goes to visit Chikara's elementary school on Open Day and cheers loudly as Chikara plays dodgeball. Thanks to Chikara's team's victory, but classmate Ryuji, who lost the match, mocks Momoko, saying, "Don't let him come again. He'll catch stupidity." Infuriated, Chikara hits Ryuji and is scolded by the vice principal and her parents, but Chikara cannot bring himself to admit that he made fun of Momoko and endures it alone.

The following year, Momoko is able to attend the same elementary school as Riki through exchange classes. Ryuji continues to be mean to Momoko, but her classmates become friends with Momoko, who is cheerful and hardworking, and Riki's class goes on an exchange trip to Momoko's special needs school. Thanks to Momoko, Riki and the other students at the special needs school also become closer, but Momoko's illness worsens and she ends up being hospitalized. Meanwhile, Riki and Ryuji are chosen to run in the relay at the school's sports day. To cheer up Momoko, who is hospitalized, Riki promises to win first place in the relay, but Ryuji, who is the fastest runner in the class, says he won't run in the relay...

■Explanation

"Momoko, I Can Hear the Frog Sing" centers on Momoko, a cheerful and competitive girl who breathes with an oxygen tank, and her brother Chikara, who adores her and shows his kindness and emotional growth. The story movingly depicts the joys and sorrows of life through the issues of family love and conflict, and the coexistence of able-bodied people and people with disabilities. The original children's book was written by Hoshi Akari, who is currently working as a teacher at a special needs school, and is based on her own experiences, asking what it means to live.

The project was planned and produced by Katsura Sozaburo, director of "I Want to Be the 5th," and directed by Yobunichi Setsuko, who was well-received for her character designs and storyboards in "Happy Birthday: A Shining Moment of Life." The music was composed by Oshima Michiru, who received high praise for her work on the NHK special "Life: A 40-Year Journey." The cast includes Mamiya Kurumi from "Hamtaro" as Momoko, and Ito Tsukasa, who has appeared in stage and TV productions such as "3-nen B-gumi Kinpachi Sensei," as her mother.

■Cast

• Momoko Kuramoto/Kurumi Mamiya
• Riki Kuramoto/Kouki Uchiyama
• Ryuji Kita/Haruto Oishi
• Koichi Kita/Naoya Uchida
• Kuroki/Kentaro Ito
• Sayaka Noguchi/Tamaki Ueno
• Kenta Yoshida/Sota Murakami
• Rie Imiya/Mika Hama
• Seiji's Mother / Kaho Koda
• Reiko/Yuko Mizutani
• Satomi's Mother / Kayoko Oshima
• Masayuki Kuramoto/Jin Yamanoi
• Yui Kuramoto/Tsukasa Ito
• Kazuki/Yuto Endo
• Hideo/Yoshi Ueno
• Mr. Yoshizawa/Satomi Yasuhara
• Vice Principal / Ryuta Anzai
• Principal/Masashi Kimura

■ Main staff

• Planning and production: Sozaburo Katsura
• Original work: Hoshiakari "Momoko, My Little Sister" (published by Dainihon Tosho)
• Director: Setsuko Yobuichi
• Screenplay by Kazumi Koide and Mitsuyo Suenaga
• Music by Michiru Oshima
• Character design: Setsuko Yobuichi, Yukari Kobayashi
• Chief animation director: Yukari Kobayashi
• Art director: Shichiro Kobayashi
• Director of photography: Hideo Okazaki
• Animation direction: Ittoku Tanahashi
• Production Producer: Tetsu Dezaki
• Creative Producer/Kazumi Koide
• Sound Director: Katsunori Shimizu
• Animation Production: Magic Bus

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Momoko, I Can Hear the Frogs Sing" realistically depicts the daily lives of children with disabilities and the struggles their families face, while also providing a story full of hope and love. In particular, the scene where Momoko's purity and Chikara's kindness intersect deeply touches the hearts of audiences. Additionally, the scene where Momoko sings "The Frog Chorus" symbolizes her richness of heart and her love for her family, which touched many viewers.

The film has a strong social message, with the theme of coexistence between people with and without disabilities. Viewers are deeply moved by the sight of Riki's struggle to protect Momoko, and the way her classmates grow as they interact with her. In addition, the scene in which Momoko's illness worsens and she is hospitalized depicts the importance of family ties and mutual support, bringing tears to your eyes.

The quality of the animation is also high, with character designs by Setsuko Yobuichi and beautiful visuals by animation director Yukari Kobayashi further enhancing the emotional impact of the story. Michiru Oshima's music also expresses the rich emotion of the story, resonating deeply with the viewers.

■ Recommendation points

This work is highly recommended for viewers who are looking for a touching story about family love and the coexistence of people with disabilities. It is especially recommended for parents, educators, and people involved in disability support, as it will provide deep empathy and learnings. It is also recommended for those who enjoy beautiful animation and wonderful music.

Furthermore, this work is also effective in educating children about people with disabilities. Through Momoko's purity and Chikara's kindness, children can learn the importance of coexistence. It will also be a good teaching material for conveying the importance of family ties and mutual support.

Related information

"Momoko, I Can Hear the Frog Sing" is loved by many readers and viewers, along with the children's book "Momoko, My Little Sister" on which it was based. The author of the original work, Hoshi Akari, is currently working as a teacher at a special needs school, and the work, based on her own experiences, has been praised for its realistic portrayal and deep insight. In addition, director Yobuichi Setsuko and composer Oshima Michiru are both highly regarded in their fields, making this a must-watch work for fans of their work.

This film is available on DVD and streaming services even after its theatrical release, and continues to inspire many people. It is a must-see for anyone looking for a film that deals with themes of family love and the coexistence of people with disabilities.

Conclusion

"Momoko, I Can Hear the Frog Sing" is a moving story about the joys and sorrows of life, and the issues of family love and coexistence, told through the heartwarming story of a disabled sister and her family. This work, which combines beautiful animation and moving music with realistic depictions and deep insight, will deeply impact many viewers. It is highly recommended for those looking for a touching story about family love and coexistence among people with disabilities.