2024年 09月 29日
2007 Croatia Articles
In 2007, "MIDORI" was shown at the Zagreb International Animation Festival in Croatia.
This was made possible by the fact that the festival staff were handed over to young people, just like the Hong Kong International Film Festival.
The following is an article by the Croatian Association of Culture and Economics, found on an old floppy disk in the Kiryukan warehouse.
An interesting fact is that the genre “ero-guro” appeared even before WWI, meaning “erotic & grotesque” yet upon talking with the director and producer of this anime we are to witness an image of a serene man who wants to fight the ongoing issues, issues he feels are obstructing a person’s life in Japan. Mandatory stress of “nine to five” office jobs, ongoing bullying in schools for reasons which seem as the most trivial of excuses; height, weight of a person to person’s health condition and anger towards the industry which tears down old traditions, customs and buildings. *4
Respected author Harumido Hiroshi(Hiroshi Harada) thinks that a purpose of animation is for one to make their own opinions and extract their own conclusions. Messages he feels that should be conveyed to the audience – awareness of problems in Japan’s entertainment industry, encouraging one to think about the existing prohibitions.
The director stated out that his wish is to bring contributions in making a difference in making a better social society, contribution to the eradication of racism and people feeling less self-conscious about themselves; he would like to make them feel their stress alleviated.
The director never viewed bullying as a part of life we must accept – on the contrary; he feels that he wishes that through the displays of anger – reconciliation comes along, facing those problems through taboo subjects instead of pretending such issues are non-existent.
The author stated out that he, himself, has a “nine to five” job but that this doesn’t restrict him to think about art, to feel inspired by 1960’s and 1970’s movies full of “strong people” and, most important of all; he is able to create when his job is done.
It is unquestionable that “Midori” is a controversial anime and it is unquestionable that it is praised by many and that many more frown upon it.
The question remains to be answered by the viewer – should we restrict one’s liberty of creation even when our environment feels that we have “gone too far”? Or should we try and listen so we could find a deeper truth for ourselves?
When asked what he would personally wish of today’s society, including Croatia Japan Cultural & Economic Society, if the power to make a difference was entrusted in us – the author simply replied this:
He would wish for world to see hardships of his fellow animators’ work, their hard-working efforts to accomplish something which can inspire and contribute other people’s lives; those who might find release in art as such.
This was made possible by the fact that the festival staff were handed over to young people, just like the Hong Kong International Film Festival.
The following is an article by the Croatian Association of Culture and Economics, found on an old floppy disk in the Kiryukan warehouse.
The English text has been found, so we will post it here as is.
“We want to become a human being too early.” *1
- Interview with Harumido Hiroshi(Hiroshi Harada), the author of “Midori” *2
Regarding the above-mentioned cult anime “Midori” and its genre “ero guro”; there have been many controversies and questions raised towards its author and its anime – making it banned even in Japan – the home country of Hiroshi Harumido(Hiroshi Harada),.
The author spoke of what Croatian audience had the chance to see on 16th of November at what one might called “an hour reserved for adults”: 10 PM.
On 17th of November in café bar “Škola”; he gave a generous introduction and expanded a lot (with assistance of an adroit translator – Tamahiro Kazuhiro) on what his thoughts are behind his work and “Midori” itself.
While some people perceive “Midori” as something to be banned, grotesque, something twisted and some would even go as far as classing it as “sick” – others find substance in it.
They praise its interesting animation, more than one modus interchanging, phantasmagorical story and a “Bresson message” of banality of human suffering.
Author explained that the current situation of creativity in Japan had a lot to do with earthquakes and misfortunes in Japan – this prompted people to immerse themselves into a “research phase”. He extrapolating that people are getting more and more adjusted to these accidents and want to express their pain even more.
Even though creativity in Japan is blooming – apparently there are still some prohibitions restricting this. Author said that it is prohibited to display a person whose hand has less than 5 fingers (due to possible messages connected with Yakuza) and some words (e.g.) “Midori” and “Mekura” (a blind person). *3
- Interview with Harumido Hiroshi(Hiroshi Harada), the author of “Midori” *2
Regarding the above-mentioned cult anime “Midori” and its genre “ero guro”; there have been many controversies and questions raised towards its author and its anime – making it banned even in Japan – the home country of Hiroshi Harumido(Hiroshi Harada),.
The author spoke of what Croatian audience had the chance to see on 16th of November at what one might called “an hour reserved for adults”: 10 PM.
On 17th of November in café bar “Škola”; he gave a generous introduction and expanded a lot (with assistance of an adroit translator – Tamahiro Kazuhiro) on what his thoughts are behind his work and “Midori” itself.
While some people perceive “Midori” as something to be banned, grotesque, something twisted and some would even go as far as classing it as “sick” – others find substance in it.
They praise its interesting animation, more than one modus interchanging, phantasmagorical story and a “Bresson message” of banality of human suffering.
Author explained that the current situation of creativity in Japan had a lot to do with earthquakes and misfortunes in Japan – this prompted people to immerse themselves into a “research phase”. He extrapolating that people are getting more and more adjusted to these accidents and want to express their pain even more.
Even though creativity in Japan is blooming – apparently there are still some prohibitions restricting this. Author said that it is prohibited to display a person whose hand has less than 5 fingers (due to possible messages connected with Yakuza) and some words (e.g.) “Midori” and “Mekura” (a blind person). *3
An interesting fact is that the genre “ero-guro” appeared even before WWI, meaning “erotic & grotesque” yet upon talking with the director and producer of this anime we are to witness an image of a serene man who wants to fight the ongoing issues, issues he feels are obstructing a person’s life in Japan. Mandatory stress of “nine to five” office jobs, ongoing bullying in schools for reasons which seem as the most trivial of excuses; height, weight of a person to person’s health condition and anger towards the industry which tears down old traditions, customs and buildings. *4
Respected author Harumido Hiroshi(Hiroshi Harada) thinks that a purpose of animation is for one to make their own opinions and extract their own conclusions. Messages he feels that should be conveyed to the audience – awareness of problems in Japan’s entertainment industry, encouraging one to think about the existing prohibitions.
The director stated out that his wish is to bring contributions in making a difference in making a better social society, contribution to the eradication of racism and people feeling less self-conscious about themselves; he would like to make them feel their stress alleviated.
The director never viewed bullying as a part of life we must accept – on the contrary; he feels that he wishes that through the displays of anger – reconciliation comes along, facing those problems through taboo subjects instead of pretending such issues are non-existent.
The author stated out that he, himself, has a “nine to five” job but that this doesn’t restrict him to think about art, to feel inspired by 1960’s and 1970’s movies full of “strong people” and, most important of all; he is able to create when his job is done.
It is unquestionable that “Midori” is a controversial anime and it is unquestionable that it is praised by many and that many more frown upon it.
The question remains to be answered by the viewer – should we restrict one’s liberty of creation even when our environment feels that we have “gone too far”? Or should we try and listen so we could find a deeper truth for ourselves?
When asked what he would personally wish of today’s society, including Croatia Japan Cultural & Economic Society, if the power to make a difference was entrusted in us – the author simply replied this:
He would wish for world to see hardships of his fellow animators’ work, their hard-working efforts to accomplish something which can inspire and contribute other people’s lives; those who might find release in art as such.
© 18th of November, 2007. Interview by Neo Alagić with assistance of Jasmina Burek
The teach-in in Zagreb. Harada is in the center. From the official video of the Zagreb International Animation Film Festival.
*1...A famous line from "HUMANOID MONSTER BEM." Harada directed the remake in 2006.
*2...This may be the Croatian pronunciation of Hiroshi Harada's name.
*3...At the Zagreb Film Festival, Harada talked about how when he made "HUMANOID MONSTER BEM" in 2006, there were many restrictions from copyright companies and sponsors. One of them was that the monster's three fingers could not be shown on TV. When the young people of Zagreb heard this, they immediately gave the correct answer: "That's discrimination."
*4...In Croatia, do they call working for a company "nine to five"? In Japan, the eight-hour workday is not observed. In about 99% of companies, unpaid overtime and long working hours are practiced. This is because the Japanese government (Liberal Democratic Party) ignores the recommendations of the ILO and sides with the interests of large corporations.
by kiyubaru2020
| 2024-09-29 12:27
| 少女椿 Shoujo tsubaki
