Review of "Traveling Plush Toy": A moving journey woven by Dal

"Traveling Daru": A heartwarming travel story

"Traveling Daru" is an animated feature film that was released on April 4, 2012. This is an original anime film that highlights the talents of Ushio Tazawa, who was responsible for the direction, original concept, storyboard, character design, and animation direction. Although it is only a short film of 44 minutes, it captivated audiences with its deep emotions and beautiful visuals.

story

The story of "Traveling Daru" revolves around a stuffed animal named Daru, who has a soul. Daru was the first stuffed animal made by a girl who loves handicrafts, but one day he gets separated from the girl at the airport. Daru decides to travel around the world to find the girl. During his journey, Daru meets many friends and grows as a person.

One of Dal's travel companions is a character named Kem. Kem meets Dal and they travel together. A kind-hearted scarecrow also appears, and there are heartwarming episodes, such as when he gives Dal a four-leaf clover as a gift.

character

Daru: A stuffed animal with a soul. He travels around the world to find the girl. He meets various friends along the way and grows as a person.

Girl: A girl who loves handicrafts. She has been worried about her ever since she dropped Dal, the stuffed animal she made for the first time...

Kem: Dal's friend. He meets Dal during the journey and travels with him.

Kakashi: A kind-hearted scarecrow. He gives Daru a four-leaf clover as a thank you for finding his straw hat.

staff

Director, original story, storyboard, character design, and animation director: Ushio Tazawa

Art Director: Ryoko Umajima

Music: Ai Kamachi

Illustrations: Takayo Nishimura, Michi Kishino, Taisuke Iwasaki, Ushio Tazawa

Video: Hayashi Co., Ltd.

Art: Kaoru Takino, Sayuri Honda, Ayumi Aoki, Jo Watanabe, Ryoko Umajima

Sound effects: Hiroyuki Kasuya

3DCG: Yoshitaka Takeuchi, Taiyo Tazawa

Color designation and digital painting: Ichikawa Airi

Photography: Yoshitaka Takeuchi, Yoko Miki

Edited by: Yoshitaka Takeuchi

cast

Risa Mizuno

Akie Shimada

Visuals and Music

The visuals for "Traveling Daru" are drawn with the unique touch of Ushio Tazawa. The colorful, warm illustrations enhance the emotional impact of the story. Also, don't miss the beautiful backgrounds by art director Ryoko Umajima. The music was composed by Ai Kamachi, and the heartwarming melodies add depth to the story.

Impressions and reviews

"Traveling Daru" is a film that deeply touches viewers in a short time. The story of friendship and growth depicted through Daru's journey resonates deeply with the audience. In addition, the beautiful visuals and music have the power to draw viewers in. This is an animation that is perfect to watch with family and friends, and can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Particularly impressive are the various characters that Dal meets on his journey to find the girl. It is moving to see Dal grow through his interactions with Kem and Kakashi. The girl's sadness at losing Dal and her desire to be reunited are also portrayed realistically, evoking sympathy from the audience.

Recommended points

Here are some reasons why I recommend this film:

• Beautiful visuals and music: Ushio Tazawa's unique touch and Ai Kamachi's heartwarming music enhance the story.
• An inspiring story: The tale of friendship and growth depicted throughout Dal's journey will resonate deeply with audiences.
• Enjoy with family and friends: Enjoyable for both children and adults, it's perfect for watching with family and friends.
• A short but deeply moving film: Although it is only 44 minutes long, it is a deeply moving film.

Related Titles

Some of the works that tell inspiring travel stories like "Traveling Daru" include:

• "Spirited Away": A masterpiece directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this film depicts the growth of the main character, Chihiro.
• "Howl's Moving Castle": Also directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this film tells the story of the wizard Howl and Sophie.
• From Up on Poppy Hill: Directed by Goro Miyazaki, this is a touching story about youth and friendship.

summary

"Traveling Daru" is a moving animation that tells the heartwarming story of a journey. The beautiful visuals and music, as well as the story of Daru's growth, will resonate deeply with the audience. It is a perfect film to watch with family and friends, and is definitely one to watch.