Educational Media Reviews Online

Set in World War II Japan, this animated short film presents the birth of a mountain as experienced by Yasuko, a young Japanese girl sent to live in the countryside with her grandparents. The political and economic changes taking place in war-time Japan, Yasuko’s adjustment to village life, and Yasuko’s grandfather’s documentation of the birth of the mountain, are all aspects of this multi-faceted story. Showa Shinzan eloquently depicts the interplay of nature, family, and healing during this period of great destruction and personal growth.

Alison Reiko Loader and Michael Fukushima employed 3D animation, drawings, and archival footage in making this film. The animation features the look and feel of Bunraku puppetry and the subtle expressions and movements of the characters add a great deal to the audience’s enjoyment of the story. Loader’s use of shoji screens as a surface for shadow images and the projection of film footage is truly notable. Moreover, the filmmaker’s sense of style, the use of music and beautiful drawings, and an acute attention to detail are evident throughout the film. Children will certainly be drawn to the beautiful manner in which this touching story has been told. This film would be appropriate as a discussion tool for junior or senior high school students working on World War II or Japanese history. The jacket for the video includes a very helpful outline of modern Japanese history, information about the eruption of Mount Usu, and a number of discussion questions. Showa Shinzan is also highly recommended for those interested in animation as an art form and the libraries who serve them.