-
1943: MASAOKA, OFUJI AND THE LOST
The next animated film to come out in Japan – that still survives, of course – baffled me before I watched it, because I didn’t see how it could have been made.
-
1943: HISTORY AND SEO
By the first week of February 1943, Japan had left Guadalcanal for good. Throughout this year, Japan’s armed forces suffered loss after loss, and by September had established a new naval perimeter.
-
1942: THREE WATCHABLE CARTOONS
For 1942, there were only three cartoons which I have been able to see. So I’ve reviewed them.
-
1942: HISTORY AND THE UNWATCHABLE
Thanks to a new edict from the Japanese government, by the start of 1942, the entire Japanese film industry was reduced to three production companies. They were Daiei, Toho and Shochiku.
-
1941: YAMAMOTO AND THE WAN BROTHERS
As I hope has already become clear, this period of Japanese animated film-making is either superbly and precisely documented, or involves 85% guesswork.
-
1941: NIKKATSU AND THE ANTS
Japan enters World War II proper, Mickey Mouse strikes a terrible propaganda blow, and the last of the original Japanese animation studios closes.
-
1940: AMERICA ON THE HORIZON
Our hero is a cutesy looking duckling who wants to play at war. He sounds like a kid, dresses like Donald Duck, and he’s been sent to the shop to get some “fish bullets” for dinner.
-
1939: WHEN DIPLOMACY FAILS
Japan gets outmaneuvered, as World War II starts in Europe. Thankfully, a few people are still making animation.
-
1938: NEWS FROM THE FRONT LINES
Today, we’re looking at wartime history, warring states, and the last adventure of a certain war-dog for decades.
-
1937 – THE BEGINNING OF THE END
There are only three pieces of animation from Japan in 1937 that have made it to the present day. But I’m still very happy with what I can talk about.