Beloved Anime 'Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi' Launches Official YouTube Channel, Sparks Buzz

The iconic Japanese anime series, "Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi" (Folktales from Japan), has finally launched an official YouTube channel, generating significant buzz on social media. For long-time fans, the arrival of an official channel is long-awaited news, especially given the prevalence of pirated videos on YouTube.

Although the channel initially had only 132 subscribers upon its launch, the number rapidly soared as the news spread, quickly surpassing 10,000 subscribers. Fans have expressed their delight with comments like, "So glad it's official!" and "We've been waiting for this!"

The videos currently available feature the familiar high-definition opening theme, "Nippon Mukashibanashi," and ending theme, "Ningen tte Ii na." Many viewers have posted emotional responses, saying, "The picture quality is amazing!" and "It brings back so many memories, I could cry." Humorous posts from the show's official X (formerly Twitter) account have also resonated with users.

Viewers are requesting a variety of episodes, from classic tales like "Bunbuku Chagama" (The Accomplished Teakettle) and "Kobutorijiisan" (The Old Man with a Wen) to the "scary stories" series, remembered by some as childhood traumas. These include episodes such as "Kiji mo Nakazuba" (If the Pheasant Doesn't Cry), "Yurei no Sakamori" (The Ghost's Sake Feast), "Ushi-oni Fuchi" (The Ushi-oni's Abyss), and "Kichisaku Otoshi" (Kichisaku's Fall). These episodes are being re-evaluated for their cultural value, praised for their distinct flavor of indigenous folklore and quiet eeriness, rather than mere cruelty.

Opinions valuing the educational impact on children, such as, "It should be shown to young ones," and "There's so much to gain," have been voiced. There are also passionate calls for the work to be designated an important cultural property of Japan, with comments like, "The background art, sound effects, narration—everything is becoming irreplaceable." Its high artistic quality is also being re-emphasized, with remarks such as, "The artwork is incredibly skillful. Anyone who loves art should see it."

Decades have passed since its TV broadcast ended in 1994, and the generation familiar with the show is mainly 35 years old or older. However, the launch of the official channel is expected to ensure that Japan's rich folktales are passed down to new generations. Fans are eagerly watching to see which new episodes will be added in the future.

The Context

"Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi" is a highly popular and long-running Japanese anime series that aired from 1975 to 1994. Known for its unique animation style, often employing different animators and art styles for each story, it adapted a vast collection of traditional Japanese folktales, myths, and legends. The show played a significant role in introducing these stories to generations of Japanese children, often conveying moral lessons and cultural values. For many, its opening and ending themes are instantly recognizable and evoke a strong sense of nostalgia.

The establishment of an official YouTube channel is particularly noteworthy because, for years, fans had to rely on unofficial, often low-quality, pirated uploads to watch the series online. The new official channel not only provides high-quality, authorized content but also ensures the cultural preservation and continued accessibility of these beloved stories, allowing a new generation to discover and appreciate Japan's rich oral traditions.