https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/lists/100-years-japanese-animation-one-great-film-decade

This website is like an excellent lecture in animation I didn’t know existed. It showcases some fascinating Japanese animated shorts, as well as one feature length film, many of historical interest. Among them is the first Japanese commercial release (The Dull Sword 1917), cut-out animations that resemble wood block prints, the first feature-length full color animated film (Legend of the White Serpent 1958), and a fascinating and bizarrely humorous film by Osamu Tezuka, the “father of manga”.

There are plenty of cultural and historical connections that can be used in the classroom. Dojoji Temple (1976) is a stop motion animation that resembles brush paintings based on a Kabuki play. The Legend of the White Serpent is based on a Chinese folk legend. Dance of the Chagamas involve shape-shifting tanuki (raccoon dogs) and a Buddhist monk.

Some of the links at the site are no longer valid, but I could easily find the videos by searching Youtube. I think students would be fascinated to see that not all Japanese animation has the “anime’ look. Some of the animation is what you might call “experimental” or at least surreal. As we have been looking at East Asian visual art for a week this website fits right in. It is an engaging look at the artistry of animation.