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Imokawa Mukuzo: Genkanban no Maki
Gatekeeper Imokawa Muzozo ／ Imokawa Mukozo the Doorman ／ Imokawa Mukozo, the Doorman ／ Imokawa Mukuzo, the Janitor ／ Imo... ... Show more
Description
Shimokawa Hekoten drew the scenes with chalk on a blackboard with the assistance of Tenkatsu (Color Motion Picture CO., Ltd.), creating both the backgrounds and characters. Overlapping areas were erased with white paint, and the first Japanese animation was produced through repeated shooting. The work is regarded as the first professionally recorded animation in Asia and includes the earliest dramatic structure featuring a main character with a humorous name. Although it was screened several times at a film company, there remains considerable speculation whether it was ever released, and even Shimokawa himself reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the final product.
