The appeal and reviews of "Animal Conference on the Environment": A must-see anime experience

"Animal Conference on the Environment": A short animation series that explores global environmental issues

Overview

"Animal Conference on the Environment" is a short anime series that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV in 2010. It consists of 20 episodes, each of which is just 5 minutes long, and features animals from all over the world discussing global environmental issues. This anime was co-produced by Japan and China and aired in both countries. It was produced by Studio Deen and directed by Junji Nishimura.

■ Story

The basic story of this show is that animals from all over the world come together to discuss global environmental issues, deciding that "we can't leave it to humans." Despite their differing positions and clashing opinions, they come together to think about global environmental issues and take action. Each episode takes up a different theme, exploring solutions to environmental issues from the animals' perspective.

■Explanation

"Animal Conference on the Environment" is a work that aims to gently convey global environmental issues to the world. Furthermore, while looking at the reality of environmental issues where interests are intertwined, it depicts the crucial importance of communication in understanding different cultures and accepting diversity. It is a rare short anime series on the theme of "environment," and is an educational entertainment program that does not rush to conclusions, but rather carefully approaches the essence of the problem.

■Cast

The film features animals from all over the world, each of whose characters is played by a unique voice actor. The main cast is introduced below.

• Tack the Raccoon (Japan) / Hiroyuki Yoshino
• Tiger Toraji (India) / Cho
• Panda Pao (China) / Takeshi Kusao
• Eagle's Eagle (USA) by Fumihiko Tachiki
• Harry the Hedgehog (Germany) / Noriko Hidaka
• Dr. Rabi the Rabbit (UK) / Hiroshi Kamiya
• Elephant's Elephant Mother (Kenya) / Rieko Takahashi
• Wanil the Crocodile (Brazil) / Hiroki Takahashi
• Tanya the Bear (Russia) / Mayumi Asano
• Seal Arshie (North Sea) / Mai Yoshida
• Iguana Igu-Gara (Galapagos) / Shin Aomori
• Orangutan Uta (Indonesia) / Ryuzo Hasuike
• Eva the Beaver (Canada) / Michi Niino
• Jean the Chicken (France) / Nozomu Sasaki
• Lupo the Kangaroo (Australia) / Shiho Kikuchi
• Kangaroo Joey (Australia) / Mai Yoshida
• Karaoke of Crows (Japan) / Tatsuya Kobashi
• Hyena Haidara (nationality unknown) / Masanori Takeda
• Kuroneko no Crotch (Japan) / Silent

■ Main staff

Many staff members were involved in the production of this work. The main staff members are introduced below.

• Original story: Animal Conference on the Environment (published by Noorue Co., Ltd.)
• Written and directed by Ian
• Written by Marilu
• Illustration by Andu
• Producers: Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Norio Ishii
• Scenario: Masato Iuchi
• Director: Junji Nishimura
• Assistant Director: Shoji Nishida
• Character design: Tetsuto Saito
• Art director: Junichi Azuma
• 3D Director: Toshiro Hamamura
• Sound Director: Koji Tsujitani
• Music Production: Tetsu Hirata, Hiroshi Nishijima
• Animation producer/Iijima Koji
• Production Supervisor: Atsuya Hirooka, Yuji Shibata

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Animal Conference on the Environment" is a very unique anime about global environmental issues. It has been praised for dealing with deep themes in a short five-minute episode. In addition, animals from all over the world appear and consider issues from their own perspectives, providing viewers with a variety of perspectives.

In particular, the film has been highly praised for its portrayal of intercultural understanding and tolerance of diversity, providing an opportunity to focus attention not only on environmental issues but also on issues facing society as a whole. Another appealing aspect of the film is that it is a joint Japan-China production, allowing viewers to think about environmental issues from an international perspective.

However, on the other hand, some people feel that the show is a little too packed with deep themes in a short 5-minute episode. Also, because it was made as an educational program for children, adults may find some parts of it lacking.

■ Recommendation points

"Animal Conference on the Environment" is recommended for people who are interested in global environmental issues and those who want to think about intercultural understanding and tolerance of diversity. It is also an excellent educational program for children, and watching it with the whole family can deepen their understanding of environmental issues.

It is especially recommended for the following people:

• People who are interested in global environmental issues
• People who want to think about intercultural understanding and tolerance of diversity
• People looking for educational programming for children
• People who are interested in anime co-produced by Japan and China

Related information

After being broadcast on NHK Educational TV, "Animal Environmental Conference" will be available on DVD and streaming services. Related information is also available on the official website and social media, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.

Additionally, for those who wish to learn more about environmental issues, we recommend the following related books and websites:

• "Introduction to Global Environmental Issues" (Author: Taro Tanaka)
• "Intercultural Understanding" (Author: Hanako Yamada)
• Ministry of the Environment Official Website
• WWF Japan Official Website

Conclusion

"Animal Conference on the Environment" is a very unique and valuable short animated series on the theme of global environmental issues. It deals with deep themes in a short 5-minute time frame, and by depicting intercultural understanding and tolerance of diversity, it offers viewers a variety of perspectives. It is also an excellent educational program for children, and watching it with the whole family can deepen your understanding of environmental issues. It is a recommended work for people who are interested in global environmental issues and who want to think about intercultural understanding and tolerance of diversity, so please give it a watch.