Grandpa's Lamp: A thorough analysis of a touching story that combines nostalgia and modernity

"Grandpa's Lamp": Human energy illuminated by lamps from the Meiji era

■Overview of the work

"Grandpa's Lamp" is a TV special animation based on the work of children's author Nankichi Niimi. It was broadcast in 2011, produced by Telecom Animation Film and directed by Yoshikazu Takiguchi. The story is set in Japan during the Meiji period and depicts the changes brought about by a new light source, the lamp, and the changes in people's lives and emotions.

■ Story

During the Meiji era, as the waves of modernization and enlightenment surged upon the town, Minosuke, who lived in a village that still had no electricity, found a lamp in a town he visited for the first time. When he brought the lamp home, it lit up the village at night. At first, the villagers were resistant to this new thing, but gradually they came to accept the lamp, and Minosuke became successful in the lamp business. However, as time passed, utility poles began to appear in the town, and electric lights began to replace lamps...

■Explanation

"Grandpa's Lamp" is an animated version of a work by a children's story writer who is also known for "Gon the Fox" by Niimi Nankichi. Telecom Animation Film is a studio that has worked on many masterpieces such as "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro" and "Moyashimon," and the studio's technical and expressive capabilities are poured into this work. Director Takiguchi Yoshikazu, known for "The Garden of Sinners: The Movie IV - The Cave of the Temple," exquisitely animates the performances and poses that convey the weight of people and the reality of life.

Director Takiguchi Yoshikazu said, "Each staff member researched the scenery of the Meiji period and small items such as flints and gave us various suggestions. We compiled them and created the film." Producer Takeuchi Koji also said, "We are currently in a period of great change where established values ​​are fluctuating. We chose the original work after thinking about what is the energy of humans that remains unchanged even in such times. Please pay attention to the movements that give a sense of humanity."

■Cast

・Minosuke: Hiroshi Kamiya ・Setsu: Risa Shimizu

■ Main staff

・Original work: Nankichi Niimi・Director: Yoshikazu Takiguchi・Character design, animation director: Minoko Takasu・Acting supervision: Kazuhide Tomonaga・Key animation: Hisao Yokobori, Makoto Yamada, Takayuki Kitagawa, Shuta Nagabe, Natsumi Tomobe, Takeshi Kato, Mina Osawa, Hikaru Suzuki・Art director: Yuji Onuki・Color design: Masumi Otsuka・Music: Takeshi Hageta・Animation production: Telecom Animation Film

■ Main Characters

・Minosuke・Setsu

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1: "Big Brother"
Performed by Crazy Ken Band ED1: "When the Lights Turn On"
Vocals: Emiko Shiratori

■Detailed story and character analysis

Set in Meiji-era Japan, "Grandpa's Lamp" depicts the changes brought about by the new light source of the lamp, as well as the emotions and lifestyles of the people. The protagonist, Minosuke, acquires a lamp that brightens the nights in his village and achieves success in the business. However, as time passes and electric lights begin to replace the lamps, Minosuke is forced to adapt to the new times.

Minosuke brings a new technology, the lamp, to the village and changes the villagers' lives, but he himself is also forced to change. His character is portrayed as someone who is at the mercy of the changing times, but who is determined to stick to his beliefs. Setsu is Minosuke's wife and a supportive figure for him. Her character supports Minosuke's growth, but her own lifestyle and values ​​are also depicted changing.

■Animation and Art

The animation of "Grandpa's Lamp" fully demonstrates the technical capabilities of Telecom Animation Film. Character design and animation director Takasu Minoko has realistically depicted the scenery and life of the Meiji era, pursuing visual beauty. Art director Onuki Yuji has created detailed art settings that reflect the historical background, deepening the worldview of the work.

Color designer Masumi Otsuka has skillfully adjusted the color balance to reproduce the color tones of the Meiji era while expressing the brightness of lamps and electric lights, giving the entire work a consistent beauty and realism.

■Music

The music was composed by Takeshi Hatakeda, who creates an atmosphere of the Meiji period while providing an emotional melody that matches the development of the story. The opening theme "Onii-chan" is performed by Crazy Ken Band, and its light and memorable melody livens up the atmosphere of the work. The ending theme "Negai Atomusu Koro e" is sung by Emiko Shiratori, and is a beautiful song that enhances the moving story.

■ The director and staff's intentions

Director Takiguchi Yoshikazu created the film based on materials researched by each member of the staff in order to realistically depict the scenery and life of the Meiji era. His intention was to depict the energy of people fluctuating with the changing times, and realistic portrayal was essential to that end. Producer Takeuchi Koji also chose the original work with the aim of depicting the unchanging energy of people even in today's world where established values ​​are fluctuating. Their intentions can be felt throughout the film.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"Grandpa's Lamp" is set in Meiji-era Japan and depicts the changes brought about by the new light source of the lamp, as well as the emotions and lifestyles of the people. Telecom Animation Film's technical capabilities and the direction of Director Yoshikazu Takiguchi have made it possible to create a realistic and beautiful animation. The music and art also deepen the worldview of the work, pursuing visual and auditory beauty.

This work depicts the energy of people fluctuating in the changing times, and is sure to resonate with modern viewers. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in the scenery and life of the Meiji period, and for those who want to enjoy human drama. It is also a work well worth watching for those who are particular about animation technology and art.

■ Related works and recommendations

If you enjoyed "Grandpa's Lamp," we also recommend the following works:

• "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro": A masterpiece animation produced by Telecom Animation Film, featuring beautiful animation and a thrilling story.
• "Moyashimon": Produced by Telecom Animation Film, this work features a humorous story and realistic depictions on the theme of agriculture.
• "The Garden of Sinners: The Movie / Chapter 4: The Cave of the Temple": Directed by Takiguchi Yoshikazu, this film is captivating with its beautiful animation and deep storyline.

■ Summary

Set in Meiji-era Japan, "Grandpa's Lamp" depicts the changes brought about by the new light source of the lamp, as well as the changes in people's lives and emotions. The technical capabilities of Telecom Animation Film and the direction of Director Yoshikazu Takiguchi have resulted in a realistic and beautiful animation. The music and art also deepen the worldview of the work, pursuing visual and auditory beauty. This work depicts the energy of humans fluctuating in the changing times, and is a work that will resonate with modern viewers. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in the scenery and life of the Meiji era, and those who want to enjoy a human drama. It is also a work worth watching for those who are particular about animation technology and art.