Anime has a long, fascinating history that goes back more than a century. The earliest creations were simple, but they laid the foundation for the thriving industry we see today. These pioneering works showed the potential of animation to tell stories in new ways. Each one contributed to shaping the unique style of Japanese animation. In this article, we’ll explore some of the oldest anime ever made and their lasting impact.
Namakura Gatana (1917)
Created in 1917, Namakura Gatana stands as one of Japan’s oldest surviving anime. The story follows a bumbling samurai trying to use a dull sword, leading to a series of comedic failures. Its simplicity didn’t stop it from setting the stage for future humorous anime. Over the years, it gained recognition as an essential pioneer in early animation. Today, at 107 years old, it remains a key piece of anime history.
Katsudō Shashin (Estimated 1907)
Dating back to 1907, Katsudō Shashin is a brief 3-second animated clip, making it the oldest known Japanese animation. The film shows a young boy writing kanji, offering a glimpse into the birth of Japanese animation. Although short and simple, it paved the way for an entire industry. Now 117 years old, it continues to hold an important place in anime history as its earliest known piece.
Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka (1933)
Released in 1933, Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka became one of Japan’s first sound-synchronized animations. It tells the story of a man caught in a love triangle, highlighting anime’s early ventures into mature, adult themes. This film showed that animation could explore more than just lighthearted stories. Now, at 91 years old, it marks an important shift towards narrative complexity in anime.
Momotaro: Umi no Shinpei (1945)
Momotaro: Umi no Shinpei was Japan’s first feature-length animated film, released in 1945 during World War II. The film, used as propaganda, followed the story of Momotaro, a folk hero leading animals in battle. Despite its political purpose, the film introduced complex storytelling and larger-scale animation. Now 79 years old, it represents a significant step in anime’s growth toward longer, more elaborate productions.
Tōei Animation’s Hakujaden (1958)
Hakujaden, also known as The Tale of the White Serpent, is considered Japan’s first color anime feature film, released in 1958. The story is a romantic fantasy about a young man who falls in love with a spirit disguised as a woman. This film was crucial in shaping Japan’s feature-length animation industry. Now 66 years old, Hakujaden stands as a landmark in the evolution of anime’s visual storytelling.
The Spider and the Tulip (1943)
Released in 1943, The Spider and the Tulip is a beautifully animated short film about a ladybug being pursued by a menacing spider. Directed by Kenzo Masaoka, it was known for its artistic quality and expressive animation, despite the wartime restrictions. The use of vibrant visuals and symbolic storytelling helped establish a more emotional tone in anime. Now over 80 years old, it continues to be celebrated for its innovative animation techniques.
Momotarō’s Sea Eagles (1943)
Momotarō’s Sea Eagles was released in 1943 as a black-and-white wartime propaganda film. It features the folklore hero Momotaro leading animal soldiers on a naval attack against enemy forces. Though made for propaganda purposes, it demonstrated advancements in Japanese animation, particularly in depicting action sequences. At 81 years old, it stands as a significant precursor to the more famous Momotaro: Umi no Shinpei.
Danemon’s Monster Hunt at Shojoji (1935)
Danemon’s Monster Hunt at Shojoji, made in 1935, is a unique comedic short that blends folklore with adventure. The film follows Danemon, a brave samurai, on a quest to defeat monsters at a haunted temple. This animation used early stop-motion techniques, combining humor with action in a fresh way for its time. At 89 years old, it remains a noteworthy entry in Japan’s early animation catalog for its playful narrative and technical creativity.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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