Animal Baseball: A thorough review of the unique characters and exhilarating gameplay

Animal Baseball Game - Animal Baseball Game

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

December 1949

■Distribution company

Toho Educational Film Division

■Frequencies

11 mins

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Director

Masao Kumakawa Taiji Yabushita

■ Production

Japanese Animation Film Company Yamamoto Zenjiro

■ Story

■ Main staff

■ Review

Released in 1949, "Animal Baseball Game" is a work that symbolizes the dawn of postwar Japanese animation films, and is characterized by its unique story and humorous direction. This work depicts a baseball game between an army of gorillas and a mixed team of animals, and the developments in the bottom of the ninth inning in particular surprised the audience. The idea that a candy thrown by a candy vendor can completely change the course of the game was fresh and likely a laughing matter for viewers at the time.

Directors Masao Kumakawa and Taiji Yabushita expertly balance visual gags and storytelling in this short 11-minute film. In particular, the scene in which the gorilla army eats candy and it sticks to the glove and ball has a strong visual impact, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. Screenwriter Ryozo Kuwagi's sense of humor also shines through, making the game unpredictable.

The light-hearted background music by Yoshitaka Sakamoto, who was in charge of the music, is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. By skillfully blending the tension of a baseball game with comedic elements, it has the effect of drawing the audience in. In addition, the skills of Wataru Konuma, who was in charge of sound recording, are also highly praised considering the technical standards of the time.

The film was distributed by Toho's Educational Film Division and produced by Nippon Doga Eiga and Yamamoto Zenjiro. Made during the turbulent post-war period, the film aimed to bring a smile to the audience's faces while reflecting the social situation of the time, and in that respect it was a success.

■Recommendation

"Animal Baseball" is an important work for understanding the history of postwar Japanese animation films, and is especially recommended for baseball fans and comedy anime fans. The humorous story unfolds in a short time and is enjoyable enough for modern audiences to enjoy. It will also be a valuable resource for those who want to learn about the technology and directing methods of the time.

When watching this film, you will be able to enjoy it more if you consider the social background of the time and the evolution of animation technology. In particular, knowing how postwar Japan produced animated films and delivered them to audiences is important for understanding the modern animation industry.

Furthermore, we recommend that you use this film as an opportunity to watch other postwar Japanese animation films. For example, by looking for works that were also distributed by Toho's educational film division, or works that were produced by the same directors and staff, you will be able to learn about the history of Japanese animation films from a broader perspective.

"Animal Baseball" is a short but dense story that will bring smiles and excitement to viewers. Please give it a watch.