A thorough review of the touching story of "Mankichi" and Kame-san's repayment of gratitude!

"Manga no Mankichi (Kamesan no Houon)": A work that marked the dawn of Japanese animation

■Overview of the work

"Manga no Mankichi (Kamesan no Houon)" is a Japanese animated film released in 1937. This work is known as an animated film released in theaters, and the original work is an original anime. Although it is a short work with only one episode, the story and production background are full of charm.

■ Public Information

• Public Media : Theater
• Original media : Anime original
• Release date : 1937
• Number of episodes : 1
• Produced by : Japan Telegraph Service Film Division

■ Story

The story of this work depicts a filial fisherman as the main character. One day, while out fishing, he has his precious net stolen by a giant octopus. However, he is saved from this peril by a turtle that he saves. Thanks to the turtle's kindness, an abundance of fish is provided, allowing the fish-loving mother to enjoy a feast on her dinner table. This simple yet moving story made a deep impression on audiences at the time.

■ Main staff

This work was produced by the Nippon Telegraph Communication Company's Film Department. Sanae Yamamoto was in charge of drawing and directing, and his talent is the driving force behind this work. Sanae Yamamoto played an important role in the Japanese animation industry at the time, and his work is still highly regarded today.

■Production Background

The 1930s in Japan was a time when animation films were still in their infancy. "Manga no Mankichi (Kamesan no Houon)" is considered one of the earliest works. Despite the technical limitations of the time, Sanae Yamamoto skillfully created a story that moved audiences. This work can be said to have been an important step in the history of Japanese animation films.

■ Evaluation and impact

"Manga no Mankichi (Kamesan no Houon)" was highly praised by audiences at the time. In particular, the theme of the friendship between a filial fisherman and a turtle, and the repayment of a favor, touched many people's hearts. This work also had a great influence on later Japanese animation films. It can be said to have played a pioneering role in many ways, such as the importance of storytelling and the way characters express their emotions.

■ Recommendation points

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

• Historical value : This is a representative work from the dawn of Japanese animation films and has extremely high historical value.
• A moving story : A simple yet moving story of the friendship between a filial fisherman and a turtle, and how the turtle repays its kindness, will deeply touch the hearts of viewers.
• Technological Challenges : Learn how Sanae Yamamoto crafted the story within the technical constraints of the time.
• Influence : This work had a huge impact on later Japanese animation films, and that influence can be felt.

■ Related works

Other Japanese animated films made around the same time as "Manga no Mankichi (Kamesan no Houon)" are also interesting. Below are some related works:

• "Momotaro's Sea Eagle" : Released in 1943, this film is known as a wartime propaganda film. It is a technically advanced film and shows the standard of Japanese animation at the time.
• "The Cloud and the Tulip" : This wartime animated film for children was released in 1943. The story is simple, but it reflects the social situation at the time.

■ Summary

"Manga no Mankichi (Kamesan no Houon)" is a representative work from the dawn of Japanese animation films, and its historical value is extremely high. The simple yet moving story of the friendship between a filial fisherman and a turtle, and the way he repays his debt, deeply moves viewers. Another attraction is that it allows viewers to see how Sanae Yamamoto created the story within the technical limitations of the time. This work had a major impact on later Japanese animation films, and you can feel that influence. Please give it a watch.