Shopping Guide
This year marks the 50th year since Astro Boy began broadcasting on TV. Thirty-minute TV anime series were born fifty years ago. As it is also the 15th anniversary of the establishment of anime specialist channel Animax, they have decided to commemorate this memorial year with a series of TV specials called “TV Anime - 50 Years of Monumental Work.” Across July and August for two hours every week, they have decided to group a series of special features on the early days of anime right up to the present day. They will begin with a thorough history of TV anime.
In the programs, Eiichiro Funakoshi disguised as a professor and Aya Hirayama will take on the role of navigators. Funakoshi along with Hirayama’s anime charm, will complete the format for the exploration. With ample variety, new discoveries, and information to learn, it seems like one can enjoy anime life and then some.
On May 28, Funakoshi and Hirayama both performed at the program’s press conference. As in the program, Funakoshi appeared in a three-piece suit and, professorial in style and atmosphere, introduced the highlights of the show. To begin with, he talked about the charm of Studio Zero’s first stage appearance - his words pouring out from one to another. The depth of his knowledge was such that it’s hard to imagine that it’s only for his role.
The truth is that Funakoshi’s knowledge is supported by the fact that he is a big fan of ‘60s and ‘70s anime. If an anime or SFX box set goes on sale, he can’t not buy it. He has hundreds of DVDs at home. Funakoshi was unexpectedly honest. For this program, one can say that he is certainly competent.
On the other hand, Hirayama represented the younger generation. There were a lot of shows she didn’t know about, and when she began various studies, she enjoyed the charm of these era-crossing series. Also, she suggested Chibi Maruko-chan when asked which anime she’d like to still be remaining in another fifty years time. She talked about the series she’s been watching since childhood and the memories they bring back of the time when she was small.
Funakoshi then talked passionately about the series’ first show, “Everything Starts from Zero - Studio Zero,” which spotlights Studio Zero, an animation studio from the ‘60s. He then introduced guest Shinichi Suzuki of the popular manga production establishment, Tokiwa-so.
The broadcast of episode 34 “Midoro Marsh” of Studio Zero’s Astro Boy is also not to be missed.
Episodes of this commemorative series to follow include “History Repeats - Another Great Hero is Reborn - GeGeGe no Kitaro” in the second week, “History Made by a Scoundrel - Lupin The Third” in the third week, and “Evolving into a Giant Industry and the Rise to Prosperity - the Lineage of Giant Robots” in the fourth week.
Other programs scheduled for August include “TV Anime Legendary Ratings,” “Common Features of Long-Running Anime,” “The Miracle of Jan. 25, 1938,” and “Magical Girl”; all are themes which anime fans can’t overlook. Also, in the third week, the first domestic TV anime from 1958 - Mogura’s Adventure - the pilot episode of Lupin The Third, and other treasures of television will be shown one after another. These too are must sees.
Animax:
http://www.animax.co.jp/ (Japanese)
Source:
http://animeanime.jp/article/2013/05/29/14210.html (Japanese)
© Tezuka Productions Co. Ltd., Mushi Production Co. Ltd.
© Sotsu Co. Ltd., Sunrise Inc.
© TMS
