When was Momotaro: Sacred Sailors released to the public?
The studio screened the finished work on the 12th of April 1945. This project marked the first Japanese feature-length animated film ever created.
Questions about Momotaro: Sacred Sailors
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who directed the World War II propaganda film Momotaro: Sacred Sailors?
The Japanese Naval Ministry issued a direct order to director Mitsuyo Seo in 1943. He was tasked with creating a feature-length animated film for World War II.
What happened to the original negative copy of Momotaro: Sacred Sailors during the war?
For decades the original had been presumed confiscated and burned by American occupation forces. A negative copy of the film was found in Shochiku's Ofuna warehouse in 1983.
Why did the Japanese government hesitate to use animation as a propaganda tool initially?
They did not fully promote it as a propaganda tool until later in the war because they viewed animation as less effective than other media at the time. Officials did not consider it effective enough compared to other media types.
Which company announced plans to release Momotaro: Sacred Sailors on Blu-ray in May 2016?
UK based company All the Anime announced plans to release the title on Blu-ray in May 2016. US distributor Funimation also released the film on Blu-ray and DVD alongside Spider and Tulip.