Anime: how Japanese animation began

In short

The first Japanese animated films

For a long time, “Imokawa Mukuzo Genkanban no Maki” (1917) by Shimokawa Oten was thought to be the oldest Japanese animated film.

Later research found an even earlier film by Shimokawa. Today, “Dekobo Shingacho: Imosuke Inoshishi-gari no Maki” (January 1917) is thought to be the first one shown to the public (as of July 2017). No copy of this film is known to survive.

The oldest one you can watch

The oldest Japanese animated film that still exists is Namakura-gatana by Kouchi Jun’ichi, first shown in June 1917.

You can watch it on the National Film Archive of Japan’s website “Japanese Animated Film Classics”.

Silent films and a live voice

Many early films were silent. When silent films were shown in cinemas, a piano or other music played along.

In Japan, a speaker called a benshi often stood beside the screen and told the story and spoke the lines. This was very popular.

Many of the early films in this collection were made with cut paper, before cel animation came in.

Think about it

• Q1The first film’s copy is lost. Why do you think old films disappear?
• Q2How would a film feel different if a benshi spoke all the lines?
• Q3What could you make move with cut paper?

There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.