The Ermine and the Dormouse: A thorough review of the fascinating characters and depth of the story

"The Ermine and the Dormouse": The charm of this heartwarming and soothing short anime

■Overview of the work

"The Ermine and the Dormouse" is a short anime series that aired from July 17, 2018 to January 14, 2019. There are 27 episodes in total, each one only one minute long, but they provide deep healing and laughter. The original characters were created by Takamura Suzuna, the director was Namiki Hiroshi, and the animation was done by Kachidoki Studio. It was broadcast on Kansai TV and TOKYO MX, with a unique schedule of airing from 4:37 a.m.

■ Story

The story is set deep in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, and begins with the encounter between an ermine, who loves fluffy, round things, and an absent-minded dormouse. The ermine used to live alone, but through his encounter with the dormouse he makes his first friend. The two spend their days together collecting fluffy things, fishing for oyaki, and playing at pretending to be humans, all in a unique and fun way. Time alone is fun, but time together is even more fun! This is the heartwarming story that unfolds.

■ Characters

Ermine <br> Voice actor: Nitta Emi Ermine has a pure personality and believes in everything, and is good at playing alone. She likes fishing and knitting, and often plays by imitating humans. Her purity and creativity bring warmth and laughter to the story.

Dormouse <br> Voice actor: Furuhata Ai Dormouse is a busybody and an eccentric, good at playing the grass flute. He has a goofy personality and is unconsciously selfish, but his humorous behavior livens up his pairing with the ermine.

■ Production staff

Planning and original story: Takamura Suzuna, Sony Creative Products, MMDGP
Animation Director: Hiroshi Namiki Screenplay: Suzuna Takamura, Hiroshi Namiki Background: Suzuna Takamura Original Character Design: Suzuna Takamura Sound Director: Masakatsu Omuro Sound Effects: Yuji Furuya Sound Production: Dax Production Animation Production: Kachidoki Studio Production: Itachi's Wonderland Production Committee

■ Theme songs and music

Theme song "Shinano no Kuni"
Arranged by: Hiroto Sasaki Vocals by: Emi Nitta

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

Despite its short broadcast time, "The Ermine and the Dormouse" is a work that provides viewers with deep healing and laughter. The shortness of each episode, just one minute, is a big attraction for busy modern people who can enjoy it easily. In addition, the heartwarming daily lives of the ermine and the dormouse are depicted against the backdrop of the natural scenery of Nagano Prefecture, and just watching it will warm your heart.

The ermine's pure personality and the dormouse's humorous behavior are a perfect match, and the friendship and adventures of the two enrich the story. In particular, their unique games of collecting fluffy things and fishing for oyaki (baked dumplings) stimulate the imagination of viewers and make them laugh. It is also heartwarming to see the two try to understand human society by imitating humans.

The voice actors, Emi Nitta and Ai Furuhata, also give superb performances, conveying the purity of the ermine and the humor of the dormouse through their voices. The theme song, "Shinano no Kuni," is also sung by Emi Nitta, and its pleasant voice enhances the atmosphere of the work.

■ Recommendation points

"The Ermine and the Dormouse" is a work that I would especially recommend to those who are looking for a heartwarming and healing experience, and to those who like short anime. This anime provides a moment of peace of mind, even if only for a minute, in the midst of a busy daily life, and it warms the heart every time you watch it. In addition, the friendship between the two characters and their unique play will bring smiles and emotions to the viewers.

In addition, the beautiful visuals, set against the natural scenery of Nagano Prefecture, are also not to be missed. Takamura Suzuna's character designs and backgrounds enrich the worldview of the work. In terms of sound, Masakatsu Omuro's sound direction and Yuji Furuya's sound effects make the story feel even more real.

We also recommend watching this film with your family and friends. The heartwarming daily life of the ermine and the dormouse will bring smiles and healing to everyone who watches it. Please try to find a little time in your busy daily life to enjoy "The Ermine and the Dormouse."

Related information

The original characters for "The Ermine and the Dormouse" were created by Suzuna Takamura, and her unique touch and humor are reflected throughout the work. Sony Creative Products and MMDGP are also involved in the planning and original work, supporting the high-quality animation production.

The animation production by Kachidoki Studio is also superb, and the technical ability to depict the story well in a short time is outstanding. Hiroshi Namiki's skill as a director is also highly praised, and Suzuna Takamura is in charge of the script and backgrounds, creating a unified worldview.

In terms of sound, the sound director Masakatsu Omuro and the sound effects by Yuji Furuya further enhance the atmosphere of the work. The sound production by Dax Productions is also of high quality, enhancing the viewer's immersive experience.

Despite being broadcast late at night, "The Ermine and the Dormouse" has been loved by many viewers and has provided a soothing time for them. Please enjoy the heartwarming world of the Ermine and the Dormouse through this work.