740 Japanese Animation Films to Watch

The Magic Ballad

1982 • 26 min

This 25-minute film follows Itako, an elderly woman who has been bedridden for a long time. A fox named Okon visits her home, and Itako offers him anything he desires, as she needs nothing. Pleased, Okon reciprocates by performing a…

5.0

6.9

Baku Yumemakura's Twilight Theatre

1991 • 56 min

This story was originally presented as a segment within the Studio Pierrot video magazine show *Anime V Comic Rentaman*, alongside other programs including *Abashiri Ikka*, *Eguchi Hisashi no Kotobuki Gorou Show*, and *Akai Hayate*.

5.0

Creamy Mami: Long Good-Bye

1985 • 55 min

Shingo is preparing his film "A Story of Two Worlds," with Megumi in the lead role. Yuu is unexpectedly transforming into Creamy Mami, and she's asked to appear in the movie as well. However, her magical abilities are temporary.

6.2

7.6

Please Save My Earth: The Passing of the Golden Age

1995 • 30 min

This video includes previously unseen footage from the original OVA, scenes adapted from the manga, an alternate ending to the OVA, and the end credits for the image videos.

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Super Experimental Expeririri

1989 • 10 min

A short animated film by Mihaya Tanaka.

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Rainbow Signal: Hi-Fi Set

1985 • 29 min

Hi-Fi Set's six music videos, loosely connected, largely tell the story of two adorable dragons navigating romance in a futuristic city.

6.0

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Treasure Island Memorial

1992 • 7 min

During his time at sea, Jim hears a story in a bar about a one-legged man. He believes the man is talking about Silver and asks for more details. The man recounts how Silver left their ship near Maratoran on…

6.0

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Oruorane the Cat Player

1992 • 30 min

Around Christmas time, a detached cellist, lost in a drunken haze in the city's hidden alleys, encounters an elderly homeless man. This man has developed a unique ability: he crafts extraordinary music from the sounds of stray cats. Captivated, the…

4.0

7.1

Whatever, White Bear

1987 • 34 min

This is a story about an albino brown bear and his friends in the forest. They discover different objects left behind by humans and learn how to use them. The bear and his companions then begin to interact with these…

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Seikima II - Humane Society

1992 • 57 min

Seikima II was a Japanese death-metal band known for their elaborate kabuki makeup, lyrics detailing violent acts, and a deliberately evil image. This animated adaptation claims the band's members are demons from another dimension, Makai, and follows their backstory. Five…

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Fukusuke

1957 • 18 min

This is the story of a frog whose body is disproportionately large.

5.5

5.7

Ringing Bell

1978 • 46 min

Animation, Drama, Family

In a peaceful valley, Chirin lives a simple life with his family on their farm, unaware of the dangers beyond their home. His world is shattered when a wolf kills his mother, leaving him consumed by grief and a desire…

6.7

7.2

13+

The Legacy of Al Caral

1993 • 76 min

In the 26th century, humanity encounters a humanoid race on the planet GO/7498/2. These dark-skinned people with golden eyes appear to live a simple, untroubled life. But an Earth scouting team uncovers a disturbing truth: the humans exist in a…

8.0

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Heart-Coloured Killer Ticket

1990 • 51 min

Suspended from school, Seiko travels to Nagasaki and becomes entangled in a murder mystery.

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5.4

SPIN

1993 • 4 min

This film features a visually striking abstract animation, created with fine line drawings. The score is composed by contemporary musician Nakamura Shigenobu.

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The Dance of the Chagamas

1935 • 11 min

This is the first fully cel-animated short film. It tells the story of a group of tanukis who explore a temple and get into trouble.

4.7

5.7

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Who's That?

1976 • 21 min

A short animated film by Tadanaro Okamoto.

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Five Small Stories

1974 • 19 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

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The Strong Bridge

1976 • 10 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

6.0

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People Come and Go

1982 • 21 min

A short animated film by Tadanaro Okamoto.

5.0

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Cherry no Manma

1989 • 10 min

Kanoko lives with two young male housekeepers who are complete opposites: the gentle and refined Yuzuru, and the rude and rough Yuki. Together, they strive to maintain their unconventional family amidst conflict and miscommunication. (Originally released as a bonus on…

3.7

4.5

Gauche the Cellist

1982 • 63 min

Animation, Music, Fantasy

In a quiet early 20th-century town, Gauche is a modest cellist who plays in the local orchestra and accompanies silent movies. He struggles with criticism from his conductor as they prepare for a performance of Beethoven's Sixth Symphony. Over four…

7.2

7.0

Mirror

1960 • 12 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

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The Woodpecker Plan

1966 • 15 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

4.0

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Nineteen 19

1990 • 42 min

In junior high, Kubota was deeply infatuated with Masana, who was dating Kazuya. Now in his senior year of high school, Kubota still harbors feelings for her, despite not having seen her in years. A chance meeting creates an unexpected…

10.0

5.9

The Fashion Boy is Cool

1993 • 30 min

Fourteen-year-old Kotobuki develops a crush on Hodaka, a 26-year-old boutique owner and designer, and pretends to be older to be near him. Hodaka is initially hesitant, but their connection is complicated when a mysterious young man named Kazuomi applies for…

5.0

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The Water Seed

1975 • 19 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

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Pictures at an Exhibition

1966 • 32 min

This film uses a series of wordless animated vignettes to examine key figures in contemporary life: a plastic surgeon, a fashionista, a gossip, and others. Ultimately, it offers a reflection on how far society has advanced.

6.6

6.9

The Demon

1972 • 8 min

Two brothers, hunters living with their mother, head to the mountains to set deer traps. A demon suddenly attacks the younger brother. The older brother shoots an arrow, severing the demon's arm, which they intend to bring back. However, they…

6.4

7.2

Murder!

1964 • 9 min

A concise animated mystery.

5.0

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The Tree of Courage

1972 • 16 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

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5.8

Man and a High Speed Society

1980 • 6 min

Animation, Comedy

This short film offers a thoughtful look at human history, from early fire-making to today's technology, showing both our achievements and struggles. Amidst a rapidly changing world, the film follows one person searching for meaning amidst distractions. It explores the…

4.5

6.0

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Praise be to Small Ills

1973 • 17 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

5.0

5.8

Riding Bean

1989 • 45 min

Animation, Action, Adventure

Bean Bandit and Rally Vincent are high-profile couriers who use their custom sports car, the "Roadbuster," to transport valuable items and people for top dollar. They take on a job to escort a kidnapped girl, Chelsea, back home, but soon…

6.5

6.7

Stream on

+11

Licca the Movie: Licca-chan to Yamaneko Hoshi no Tabi

1994 • 78 min

Inspired by the popular Japanese Licca doll, the story follows Licca as she encounters a mysterious cat. She then travels on vacation with her father to a mountain town hosting a star festival.

4.0

5.9

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Towards the Rainbow

1977 • 18 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

5.0

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Ojiichan ga Kaizoku Datta Koro

1968 • 4 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

6.0

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Isewan Taifuu Monogatari

1989 • 85 min

An animated film depicting Typhoon Vera, also known as the Isewan Typhoon in Japan.

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5.6

Bride of Deimos

1988 • 33 min

In a remote location, a brother and sister cultivate exquisite and unusual orchids. But those who visit their isolated home inexplicably disappear. What is the secret behind their extraordinary orchids?

5.8

6.0

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The Soba Flower of Mt. Oni

1979 • 22 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

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Osamishi Tani no Wakare Uta

1971 • 3 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

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Karura Mau Movie

1989 • 78 min

Shoko and Maiko Ougi appear to be typical high school students focused on graduation and enjoying life. Shii-chan is more serious, while Mai-chan is more lighthearted. However, the sisters are actually powerful exorcists from Karura Temple. Shii-chan can perceive spirits,…

5.0

5.7

The Curse of Kazuo Umezu

1990 • 43 min

"Don't mess with things you don't understand." Two tales explore the repercussions for people who step outside the boundaries of everyday life and into the realm of the unexplained.

7.2

6.7

Fish in the Trap

1994 • 30 min

Tsukamoto Yuuji, a driven young businessman and accomplished swimmer, finds his path unexpectedly intertwined with Matsui Takahiro, a high school student just starting to learn how to swim.

1.0

4.5

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White Elephant

1981 • 22 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

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Love

1964 • 4 min

This short experimental anime from acclaimed Japanese indie animator Yoji Kuri explores the intense experience of desperate love.

4.9

5.2

Jumping

1984 • 6 min

Animation, Fantasy

A young boy's journey of self-discovery unfolds as he begins to leap over increasingly larger distances, transforming his hometown into a launching point for exploration. He traverses towns, forests, and oceans, gaining new perspectives on the world. Along the way,…

6.6

7.4

Tsushima Maru: Goodbye, Okinawa

1982 • 70 min

This documentary anime recounts the 1944 sinking of the Tsushima Maru, a cargo ship carrying 836 schoolchildren returning home. The vessel was attacked and sunk by an American submarine in July. The anime is produced by surviving family members of…

7.0

6.8

Spider Silk

1946 • 10 min

Wildfires erupt, threatening everything. A strand of spider silk offers a way to survival.

5.5

7.4

Radio City Fantasy

1984 • 52 min

Hiroshi, a high school student, aspires to write children's books. Realizing this requires financial stability, he diligently works and saves for his future as a writer. A chance encounter with Hiroko on the subway sparks a romance that proves essential…

6.0

6.7

Stardust Paradise

1991 • 42 min

A teenage boy's estranged father unexpectedly returns, accompanied by his accomplished new wife and daughter, disrupting the boy's life.

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6.4

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Wasurerareta Ningyou

1980 • 13 min

Animation

Tadanari Okamoto's animated short film is a visually beautiful and moving exploration of human feelings. The film blends whimsical and poignant moments with stunning animation. Using simple storytelling, Okamoto powerfully conveys themes of love, loss, and finding oneself. The characters…

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Welcome, Aliens

1966 • 15 min

A short animated film by Tadanari Okamoto.

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Mabo as Tokichiro Kinoshita

1938 • 6 min

A young man strives diligently to earn his lord's favor and climb the ranks. This 1938 short film explores his efforts.

5.0

5.5

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Swim, Monkey, Swim!

1939 • 10 min

A swimming contest is underway among the animals. Saru-kun, a boastful monkey, insists on competing despite being unable to swim. He jumps in and immediately begins to sink. The pool floor is unexpectedly covered in seaweed and coral, inhabited by…

5.0

5.9

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Sankichi the Monkey: The Air Combat

1942 • 3 min

In this 1942 short film, monkeys and polar bears engage in aerial combat.

5.0

5.7

Yumemi Douji

1958 • 16 min

This is one of the earliest color animated short films produced by Toei Animation.

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The Madcap Island

1967 • 61 min

Several children find themselves stranded alone on a remote, volcanic island.

1.0

7.2

Licca: the Mystery Tale of Mysterious Yunia

1990 • 60 min

Inspired by the popular Japanese Licca doll, the story follows Licca as she's unexpectedly transported to the world of Yunia. Now she must navigate this new reality and discover a way back to her own home.

4.0

5.4

Clamp in Wonderland

1994 • 7 min

This short musical anime celebrates the work of Clamp, a manga artist collective comprised entirely of women. The film features characters from their various manga series and is presented as a musical tribute to their creative output.

5.3

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Yuki

1981 • 86 min

In Heaven, Yuki’s grandparents send her to Earth to a village plagued by bandits. Now thirteen, she must save the villagers within a year, or fade away. In the village, Yuki befriends a group of orphans whose families were killed…

7.1

7.4

Makkuro na Obentô

1990 • 50 min

This is the true story of a young boy who went to work that day, carrying a lunchbox packed by his mother. It was the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

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Triton of the Sea

1979 • 74 min

Five thousand years ago, the Triton Family lived peacefully in Atlantis until the Poseidon Family destroyed them. Triton, a descendant of the Triton line, begins an adventurous life in the sea, fighting against the Poseidon Family.

3.8

7.2

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Au

1988 • 44 min

Au Aurka is set in the Tokyo suburbs in the 1980s. It follows two girls who share a dream that ultimately comes true. Directed by Iso Takahata and released in 1988, the film garnered favorable reviews from Italian critics.

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Image (Shadow)

1987 • 8 min

A series of shadow movements play out across a landscape of concrete, grass, and flowers. A fleeting flicker transforms a finger within the shadow into an abstract shape. A real hand then appears above the animated scene, followed by a…

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Cosmic Fantasy: Galaxy Cougar's Trap

1994 • 45 min

Yuu and Saya are galaxy's leading Cosmic Hunters, and Yuu is currently enjoying a rise in popularity following his latest mission. Their date is interrupted by a distress signal from Nyan, a fellow hunter they consider an ally. Simultaneously, the…

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5.1

Sensou ga Owatta Natsu ni 1945 Karafuto

1990 • 68 min

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The Wizard of Oz

1983 • 10 min

A tornado carries Dorothy to the magical land of Oz, where she must find the Wizard to return home. On her journey, she befriends the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, who each desire a brain, a heart, and courage,…

9.0

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Capricorn

1991 • 45 min

High school student Taku Shimamura is suddenly transported to Slaffleaze, a strange world inhabited by intelligent creatures. The ruling class, led by the villainous Zolba, plans to invade Earth, the world Taku knows. He joins forces with the oppressed Slaffleaze…

4.0

6.3

TarZAN

1990 • 7 min

A Japanese city dweller dreams of being a modern-day Tarzan and travels to Africa seeking the excitement of the jungle. He hopes to find a more primal existence, ultimately discovering surprising similarities between the wild and urban worlds.

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5.4

The Fox With Nine Tails

1968 • 81 min

Tobimaru, the young emperor of Japan, encounters a mysterious woman named Tomamo. He falls for her, but her presence brings widespread misfortune. Tobimaru discovers Tomamo is a kitsune and must now find a way to expose and kill her to…

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6.1

Fair, then Partly Piggy

1988 • 74 min

Noriyasu appears to be a typical third-grader, but his life becomes chaotic when his mother discovers his diary. Trying to impress her, he starts writing unbelievable stories about a giant snake in the bathroom, eating pencils, and a rain of…

4.0

6.6

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Miss Cinterrier's Groom

1954 • 11 min

Cinterrier, a beautiful young dog, receives multiple marriage proposals from other dogs. Which one ultimately wins her affection?

4.0

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Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid

1975 • 68 min

Family, Fantasy, Animation

This is a captivating story about a mermaid princess who falls in love with a human prince. She chooses to give up her family and kingdom to be with him. After transforming into a human, she faces many challenges as…

6.4

7.2

Stream on

Armored Trooper VOTOMS: Vol.1 Stories of the 'A.T. VOTOMS'

1985 • 55 min

This is a straightforward listing of the television series, presented in order of their original broadcast.

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Kintaro's Physical Education Diary

1940 • 9 min

A young man in a leotard orchestrates a sumo wrestling match between various animals. Ultimately, a bear emerges as the champion, only to be defeated when he faces Kintaro.

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Kasa Jizou

1960 • 11 min

To buy rice cakes for the New Year, Grandpa braves the snowy weather to sell umbrellas. Returning home empty-handed, he shelters a Jizo statue with an umbrella. Later that night, while Grandpa and Grandma sleep, they are awakened by singing.

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Mori no Ongakutai

1960 • 14 min

A weary donkey, tired of his farm work, leaves to explore the town. There, he encounters a dog, a cat, and another cat. Together, the four animals devise a plan to catch some thieves.

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Armored Trooper VOTOMS: Vol.2 Highlights of the 'A.T. Votoms'

1985 • 55 min

This is a collection of well-known scenes featuring the characters Cocona, Vanilla, and Gouto, narrated by Ginga Banjou. It includes previews for each episode.

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Bunbuku Chagama

1958 • 13 min

A short puppet animation film by Tadahito Mochinaga.

5.0

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Fushigi na Taiko

1957 • 19 min

This short film adapts a children's story by Momoko Ishii.

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Go-hiki no Kozaru-tachi

1956 • 16 min

A short animated film by Tadahito Mochinaga.

4.0

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Inaka Nezumi to Machi Nezumi

1959 • 9 min

This is a short animated film released in 1959.

4.5

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Kamotori Gonbee

1961 • 15 min

Gombei is a skilled duck catcher. After attempting to catch too many ducks, he is transported to a faraway village by them. Reflecting on his actions, Gombei resolves to catch only a single duck each day.

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The Jakata Tale of the Golden Deer

1969 • 10 min

This is a 1962 short animated film.

4.0

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The Moonbeam Princess

1961 • 26 min

A short animated film by Kazuhiko Watanabe.

7.3

6.5

Kappa Kawatarou

1954 • 19 min

A kappa village suffers a devastating blow when a major storm strikes during festival preparations, leaving the community vulnerable due to a lack of fish in their river. Kawatarou and his girlfriend journey into the mountains in search of anything…

4.5

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Crystal Triangle: The Forbidden Revelation

1987 • 87 min

Long ago, God gave humanity the Ten Commandments and a message since lost to time. Now, Koichiro Kamishiro is a modern-day adventurer who explores ancient ruins, often causing damage in his search for clues about the past. He stumbles upon…

5.6

5.9

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The Stolen Lump

1957 • 20 min

A short puppet animation film by Tadahito Mochinaga.

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Eiji

1990 • 49 min

Eiji Akagi, the son of boxing legend Keijiro Akagi, is a high school dropout with a talent for nothing but terrible guitar playing. Unlike his father and brother, who are accomplished boxers, Eiji despises the sport. However, his feelings begin…

5.0

5.6

Silent Möbius

1991 • 50 min

In a futuristic Tokyo, a team of policewoman battles a monster. One of them, Katsumi Liqueur, recognizes it from a previous sighting. Katsumi Liqueur, an American-born woman of Japanese descent, is in Tokyo visiting her mother, Fuyuka, who is hospitalized.…

4.7

6.2

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Ou-sama ni Natta Kitsune

1959 • 19 min

A short puppet animation film by Tadahito Mochinaga.

6.0

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Poron Guitar

1959 • 26 min

A grandfather's guitar mysteriously begins playing when it hears the heartfelt emotions of a flower vendor's daughter. However, the instrument is damaged during a dispute between people vying for it. When the daughter's tears revive the guitar, the quarreling community…

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The Grateful Crane

1965 • 17 min

A puppet animation film by Kazuhiko Watanabe.

5.0

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Uriko-hime to Amanojaku

1956 • 17 min

This is a short puppet animation film by Tadahito Mochinaga.

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Handsome Girl

1991 • 37 min

The film follows fifteen-year-old actress and model Mio Hagiwara, exploring her life at school, her friendships, and her developing relationship with Ichiya Kumagai. Ichiya is a stylish young director, also around Mio's age, and she finds herself falling in love…

3.0

5.7

Licca: Mysterious Magical Ring

1991 • 50 min

As a closing amusement park puts on a fireworks display, Licca embarks on a mission to help Lunar capture three night spirits. Failure to catch them means the sun will never rise.

7.0

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Hello Kitty's The Aliens Who Came Down From London

1992 • 29 min

In Hoshiyama Hiroyuki's story, Kitty White learns about recent UFO sightings from her friends. She goes to investigate one of the crash sites to find out more about the UFO and the aliens that arrived.

10.0

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Undersea Encounter

1981 • 72 min

In a future Earth controlled by Emperor Darius, the crew of the Nautilus Submarine bravely fights for freedom from his oppressive rule.

6.2

5.1

100

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Chinkoroheibei and the Treasure Box

1936 • 9 min

The playful Chinkoroheibei journeys to the underwater kingdom of the fish king and attempts to pilfer the king's treasure chest.

6.0

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