Otogi Production’s “Sparrow in the Gourd” (1959)
A film from the animation studio founded by Ryuichi Yokoyama (1909-2001), author and cartoonist best known for his long-running comic strip Fuku-chan.
Tag Archives: Anime
Yasuji Murata: The Droll Fantasist
Murata was a rare animator that followed Winsor McCay’s lead: he conveyed his fantastic tales in a rather droll, dry manner.
Japanese Intros for Hanna-Barbera Cartoons
When Hanna-Barbera cartoons aired in Japan, many sported new theme songs created by Japanese composers and singers. I thought it would be fun to showcase some of the more notable ones.
Zagreb & Japanese Cartoon Oddities
For a final week of Kausler closet oddities I found a bunch of Zagreb and Japanese treasures I hadn’t seen before – and don’t seem to be online.
Japanese Fox Cartoons
Mark Kausler had several of these late-1940s Japanese “Fox” cartoons and they are – considering when and where they were made – pretty darn good.
Sanae Yamamoto: Cartooning In The Wild
He directed the 1960s feature known here as “Gulliver’s Travels Beyond The Moon”. But his unknown early work, back in the 30s and 40s, is brilliant!
Toei & American-International’s “Alakazam the Great!” on Records
A look at the soundtrack for a feature about a mischievous monkey monarch that may not be as notable for how well it succeeded as much as for what it influenced.
“Granny Mischief” (1970)
Japanese cartoonist Machiko Hasegawa (1920-1992) made a name for herself when her comic strip Sazae-san (Mrs. Sazae) debuted in 1946. The comic about a housewife would later spawn movies, live-action…
More Japanese Animated Commercials
If you think all anime is all the same – check out this all new selection of off-beat, wacky, vintage animated TV commercials from Japan.
Mysterious Master: Hakuzan Kimura
Like most early animators, Hakuzan Kimura came from a background of graphic work within the movie industry; in his case, advertising posters.
