Mole's Adventure: the story on HearLore

Mole's Adventure

Mole's Adventure holds the distinction of being the earliest surviving Japanese anime broadcast on television, a fact that reshapes the understanding of the medium's history. Originally airing on the 14th of July 1958 on NTV, the nine-minute animation was the first televised Japanese animation and the first example of a full color broadcast. This technical achievement was not merely a novelty but a pivotal moment that demonstrated the viability of animation for the small screen, setting a precedent for future productions. The film's survival is itself a miracle, as many early broadcasts were not recorded and have been lost to time, making this piece a rare window into the nascent state of Japanese animation.

A Mole's Journey

The narrative follows a mole who is bothered by the sun's light, prompting him to leave the Earth in a rocket ship. He lands on a strange planet, where he travels over the land on a set of skis, encountering a surreal landscape that defies conventional logic. The mole meets and is bothered by the planet's weird creatures, which live above and below the planet's soil, creating a sense of unease and curiosity. After using a flashlight to make the creatures scatter, he is then hit by the sun's rays again, causing him to fall off the planet. While falling, the mole wakes up, realizing it was all just a dream, a twist that underscores the film's exploration of perception and reality.

Color and Innovation

The decision to produce Mole's Adventure in full color was a bold move for 1958, as most television broadcasts were still in black and white. This choice not only enhanced the visual appeal but also signaled a shift in the industry's approach to animation, prioritizing vibrancy and detail. The use of color allowed for a more immersive experience, drawing viewers into the mole's fantastical journey. This innovation was part of a broader trend in Japanese animation, where technical advancements were often driven by the desire to create more engaging and visually stunning content. The film's success in this regard paved the way for future color animations, establishing a standard that would become integral to the medium.

Cultural Context

The release of Mole's Adventure coincided with a period of rapid technological and cultural change in Japan, as the country recovered from World War II and embraced modernization. The film's themes of exploration and the unknown resonated with a society eager to look beyond its borders and embrace new possibilities. The mole's journey can be seen as a metaphor for Japan's own post-war aspirations, as the character seeks a new world beyond the constraints of his current reality. This cultural context adds depth to the film, transforming it from a simple children's story into a reflection of national identity and hope.

When was Mole's Adventure first broadcast on television?

Mole's Adventure first aired on the 14th of July 1958 on NTV. This broadcast marked the earliest surviving Japanese anime shown on television. The nine-minute animation was also the first example of a full color broadcast.

What is the plot of Mole's Adventure?

Mole's Adventure follows a mole who leaves Earth in a rocket ship to escape the sun's light. The mole lands on a strange planet, encounters surreal creatures, and eventually falls off the planet only to wake up and realize the journey was a dream.

Why was Mole's Adventure significant for 1958 television?

Mole's Adventure was significant because it was produced in full color when most television broadcasts were still in black and white. This bold choice enhanced visual appeal and signaled a shift in the industry's approach to animation. The film demonstrated the viability of animation for the small screen.

How does Mole's Adventure reflect post-war Japan?

Mole's Adventure reflects post-war Japan through its themes of exploration and the unknown during a period of rapid technological and cultural change. The mole's journey serves as a metaphor for Japan's own post-war aspirations to look beyond its borders. This context transforms the film into a reflection of national identity and hope.

What is the legacy of Mole's Adventure in Japanese animation?

Mole's Adventure left an indelible mark on the history of Japanese animation as a foundational piece for the industry. The film's survival and recognition have inspired countless animators and filmmakers to build upon its techniques and themes. Its legacy includes both technical achievements and the ability to capture the imagination of audiences.