Swing by Fiji! - A thorough look at the exhilarating adventure and unique characters

Swing by Fiji! - A story of ocean adventure and friendship

Overview

"Swim! Fiji!" is a full-CG animation series based on the picture book "Hooray for Fish!" by British picture book author Lucy Cousins. It was broadcast on NHK Educational TV from October 4, 2007 to April 12, 2008, and was loved by children for its 104 episodes, each five minutes long, but packed with content. This animation depicts the adventures and discoveries of Fiji, who lives happily with her mother in the sun-filled ocean, and her friends.

■ Story

"This is a relaxing ocean with lots of friends."

Fiji lives with his mother in the warm, sun-drenched ocean. Every day, Fiji meets various friends in the ocean and has adventures. He makes music by popping bubbles, rides a rollercoaster on the ocean current, and sometimes gets lost in a seaweed field. Fiji has many friends in the ocean, and every day he experiences interesting things, experiences moving moments, has questions, and makes new discoveries.

■ Characters

Fiji is the main character of this animation, a curious and energetic fish. He lives with his mother and grows up meeting various friends in the sea. Fiji's friends include Hana, Tappy, Nonki, Akka, Aora, Kiroro, and Zoubana-kun, all of whom have unique personalities. Each of them enjoys adventures with Fiji, and sometimes helps each other out as they grow up.

■Production Background

"Swim! Fiji!" is based on the picture book "Hooray for Fish!" by Lucy Cousins. The book features colorful and unique fish, and this has been recreated as a full CG animation that preserves the book's charm. The film was directed by Tetsuya Kitagawa, produced by WOW World, and CG production assistance was provided by Sunny Garven. The NHK Educational TV broadcast aimed to teach children about the beauty of the ocean and the importance of friendship.

■Cast

The narration was done by Shimizu Michiko, Fiji was played by Yoshikoshi Takuya, Hana was played by Okamoto Asami, Tappy was played by Komori Manami, Nonki was played by Ozawa Mai, Acker was played by Nogawa Sakura, Aora was played by Endo Akifumi, Kiroro was played by Tsuchitani Maki, Elephant Bana-kun was played by Asumi Kana, and Mama was played by Yasushi Yurino. The voice actors for each character bring their unique personalities to life.

■ Main staff

The original work was written by Lucy Cousins, directed by Tetsuya Kitagawa, produced by WOW World, and with CG production assistance from Sunny Garven. Thanks to the cooperation of the staff, an animation was completed that brought out the best in the original work.

■ Evaluation and impact

"Swim! Fiji!" was highly praised as a work that conveys to children the beauty of the ocean and the importance of friendship. It was especially praised for faithfully recreating the style of the original picture book while using the new technology of full CG animation. In addition, the short but dense story and unique characters were loved by children and adults alike. This animation has stimulated interest in marine life and the natural environment, and has also contributed to children's education.

■ Recommendation points

"Swim! Fiji!" is a wonderful work that teaches children about the beauty of the ocean and the importance of friendship. What is particularly appealing about the work is that it faithfully reproduces the touch of the original picture book, even while using the new technology of full CG animation. In addition, the short but dense story and unique characters make it a work that is loved not only by children but also by adults. This animation stimulates interest in marine life and the natural environment, and contributes to children's education. Please enjoy it with your children.

■Detailed information

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Picture books

■ Broadcast period

October 4, 2007 - April 12, 2008
NHK Education October 4, 2007 - April 12, 2008 (1st - 104th time)

■Broadcasting station

NHK Educational

■Frequencies

5 mins

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 104

■Original Story

Lucy Cousins

■ Director

Tetsuya Kitagawa

■ Production

Produced by WOW WORLD CG Production Cooperation by Sunny Garben

■Works

©Swissui! Fiji! Production Committee 2007

■Explanation

"This is a relaxing ocean with lots of friends."

The colorful and unique fish friends from the picture book "Hooray for Fish!" by British picture book author Lucy Cousins, known for "Maisie!", have been turned into a full CG animation with the same touch as the picture book. The main character is Fiji, who lives happily with his mother in the warm, sun-drenched ocean! He makes music by popping bubbles, rides a roller coaster on the ocean current, and even gets lost in a seaweed meadow. Fiji has many friends in the ocean, and every day brings him interesting things, moving moments, questions, and discoveries.

■Cast

Narration/Michiko Shimizu・Fiji/Takuya Yoshikoshi・Hana/Asami Okamoto・Tappy/Manami Komori・Nonkey/Mai Ozawa・Acker/Sakura Nogawa・Aora/Akifumi Endo・Kiroro/Maki Tsuchitani・Zobanakun/Kana Asumi・Mama/Yurino Yasushi

■ Main staff

Original story by Lucy Cousins; Director: Tetsuya Kitagawa; Produced by WOW WORLD; CG production cooperation: Sunny Garven