Archive

Pioneers of Japaneses Animation: From Tekobo to Momotaro

Song of Spring

Noburou OFUJI

Japan1931 3min 16mm B&W

Synopsis

This work follows the Song of Spring album, released by Columbia. On a gorgeous patterned background of cherry blossoms, petals fall floridly and children are dancing. On the score the following lyrics appear in Japanese katakana: ‘the place where cherry blossoms; cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms, from west to east, fall on the asphalt; cherry blossoms flutter, feet astray’. A pink cerise-tinted film was used to compliment the cherry blossoms.

Diretor

Noburou OFUJI

Noburou Ofuji learned the art of animation from Smikatsu Kouchi. He took a great interest in developing various methods, such as applying chiyogami(colored paper with woodblock-printed patterns) in his works, and also making talkies and color films. Among his main works are The Golden Flower(1929), The Frog Musketeers(1933), Chinkoroheihei and the Treasure Box(1936), Dream of Snowing Night(1947), and Flower and Butterfly(1954).