Film Info

Released on :

1917

Language :

Silent

Country :

Japan

Type :

Short Films

Format :

2D, Cutout Animation

Color :

Tinted

Directed by :

Junichi Kôuchi

Produced by :

Kobayashi Shokai Ltd

Namakura Gatana (1917)

Early anime

Namakura Gatana / Hanawa Hekonai meitō no maki / なまくら刀 (The Dull Sword in English) is one of the earliest Japanese anime films discovered so far. This animated short movie was released in 1917 and was directed by Jun'ichi Kōuchi. Jun'ichi Kōuchi was a Japanese animator and is referred to as one of the 'fathers' of anime. This silent movie was restored from 2 different films available till date and to mark them the newly found part has been tinted blue and the previously found section was kept in yellow tint. This film is significant because it marked the beginning of Japan's long and influential history in animation, paving the way for what would eventually become a globally recognized art form.

The story in brief:

This short comedy animation depicts a samurai who makes a foolish purchase of a blunt-edged sword from a deceptive merchant. He thought the sword was valuable despite its low cost. To test its sharpness, he attempts to attack passers-by, but the townsfolk defend themselves and knock him down instead.