Kyoikusenga Ubasuteyama (1925)

Kyoikusenga Ubasuteyama (教育線画 姨捨山) is an early Japanese anime film directed by Sanae Yamamoto. Sanae Yamamoto was a significant figure in early Japanese anime production and direction. He played a key role in the development of pre-war Japanese animation and contributing to the start of Toei Animation. This silent animated movie was released in 1925. The film required a year and a half for production and was loved by the public.

The story in brief:

This short educational animation tells the story of a lord who disliked old people. According to local laws, anyone reaching the age of sixty was condemned to exile on a distant island. One night, a farmer's elderly mother faced exile. Her son, who loved her dearly, couldn't bear to let this happen. Instead of handing her over to the authorities, he hid her in a secret chamber beneath the earthen floor of his barn. Trouble arose when a messenger from a neighboring province demanded an impossible task: threading silk through a crystal ball's winding hole or face severe consequences. When nobody could find a solution, the son succeeded following his wise mother's advice. Impressed, the lord rewarded him generously. But challenges continued. Another messenger arrived, demanding the identification of parent and offspring among two identical mares. Once again, the son turned to his wise mother for guidance. He presented the solution to the lord, who, true to his word, offered to grant any wish. Instead of personal gain, the son pleaded for his mother's life. Moved by the son's love and wisdom of elder, the lord experienced a change of heart. Since then, old people in his province were treated with respect, and the practice of exile was forever abolished.

Restored version in 4k:

More info on Kyoikusenga Ubasuteyama:

• Reviews and ratings of Kyoikusenga Ubasuteyama - IMDb
• More info on the anime film - Japanese Animated Film Classics

Animation Movies by Sanae Yamamoto