Tuoi Tre recently had an interview with Japanese film director Hara Keiichi, who arrived in Hanoi to attend the Japanese Cartoons Festival organized from January 14-16.
Some of his films are well received and critically acclaimed across the world, including "Crayon Shin-chan" and "Doraemon"; the latter has even become a household name to many children and adults in Vietnam. "Crayon Shin-chan" tells stories about the many adventures of five-year-old Shinnosuke "Shin" Nohara and his parents, neighbors, and friends; and "Doraemon" is a robotic cat that comes from the 22nd century to stay with the Nobis’ family in 20th century. In return for the Nobis’ special love for him, Doraemon often helps them with the devices from 22nd century.
Is it a growing trend in Japan to feature social issues, such as school violence, suicide and adultery, in cartoons?
Cartoons conveying social messages actually started in Japan some 40 years ago. I still remember a film that had much influence on me then. It was “Ultra man”, describing the poignant tragedies of the American War in Vietnam.
Although Japan is well known in the world for cartoons, not all Japanese cartoons are of high quality and few choose to deal with pressing social issues in a thought-provoking way. Most cartoons in Japan are simply for entertainment.
That explains why most people are still prejudiced with an idea that cartoons are merely for children.
What is the success formula for cartoons?
In Japan, the making of cartoons is “socialized” to attract investment from diverse sources, and to minimize the risk of business losses.
What’s more, some cartoons have been adapted from famous novels in the hope of drawing their fans to the theatre to watch the film.
Many agencies, from television stations, advertisement firms, to distributors, publishers and music producers are all willing to join hands in making cartoons.
How do Japanese cartoon makers approach controversial topics?
However thorny the subject matter, it is always balanced or smoothed out by the emphasis on humanity and love.
So, Japanese film producers often establish controversial issues against a background of fraternity or motherhood or something else. The use of appropriate music also helps soften the rough edges of the issues.
In Japan, cartoons are commonly set in primary and secondary schools.
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