Momotarô: Umi no shinpei (1945)

This animated film--Japan's first--was a propaganda piece made to show the Japanese public how the Japanese military had achieved such decisive victories in the South Pacific. It tells the ... See full summary »

Director:

Mitsuyo Seo

Writer:

Mitsuyo Seo

Storyline

This animated film--Japan's first--was a propaganda piece made to show the Japanese public how the Japanese military had achieved such decisive victories in the South Pacific. It tells the story of young Japanese boys from their school days to their joining the army and fighting against Japan's "enemies" and shows how the animals in the jungle--meant to symbolize the residents of the Asian countries the Japanese conquered--welcomed the Japanese army's "liberating" them from their western masters.

---

Plot Keywords:

school | propaganda | japan | nationalism | japanese flag | 

---

Genres:

Animation | Adventure | Family | Musical | War

---

Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

12 March 1945 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Momotaro's Divine Sea Warriors

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shochiku Mediaworx,Shôchiku Dôga Kenkyûjo

Technical Specs

Runtime:

74 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was Japan's first anime (animated feature).

---

Connections

Follows Momotaro no umiwashi (1943)

User Reviews

No wonder they lost the war!

A crude primitive excuse for animation! This film was begun in 1942 and not completed and released until just months before Japan's capitulation. The Japanese had been attempting to perfect animation since the early 30's and by this time still hadn't a clue what the hell they were doing! I have a BG in animation and WWII. This story follows the Momotaro (peach boy) legend but updates it. He's the sole human on his side, yet they fight the Brits who are all human. The animation indicates that while the Japanese tried hard, they were still in the stone age as far as mastering animation. Look at the pans of the L3Y's taking off, look at the character turnarounds! Absolute disaster! In reality the taking of Singapore was accomplished by ground troops. Percival and his staff are laughably portrayed as horned demons as per the Momotaro legend. I think the print has been modified and updated. Only good as a curiosity.