A Report and a Request to All Fans of Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi

To all who love "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" (Japanese Folk Tales in Manga)

We are currently preparing to launch an official VOD (video on demand) service.

Today, along with this report, there is something we desperately want to ask you. It will be a bit long, but I would be happy if you could read it to the end.

50 years since its broadcast began in 1975. "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi," which once captivated children across Japan in front of their TVs.

I feel that it contained more than just entertainment; it held precious things.

The heart that cares for others.

The heart that respects nature and values life.

The nobility of living honestly.

The warning against greed.

The importance of keeping promises.

And sometimes, human foolishness and the irrationality of the world.

Not every story necessarily ends happily.

Even so, through these folk tales, weren't we given the opportunity to think for ourselves about what is right and what is important? That is the wisdom, ethics, and values that Japanese people have nurtured over many years.

Today's children are surrounded by many forms of entertainment. Open a smartphone, and new videos flow one after another, overflowing with stimulating content.

We do not intend to deny those.

However, precisely because it is such an era, isn't it okay to have time to stop, watch one story, think, and talk about it with someone?

Fifty years ago, the children who enjoyed folk tales in front of the TV are now parents and grandparents. It is their turn to pass these stories on to the next generation.

Watching the stories they once saw with their families, now with their children or grandchildren. We hope that this time will be inherited as new memories.

We believe that "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" has value that is needed even more in today's times.

And this work has another important role.

Preserving the stories born and passed down in each region across Japan.

In mountains, rivers, villages, and towns, there are folk tales unique to that land.

That is regional history, culture, and the memory of the people who lived there.

We want this work to be utilized not only in homes but also in schools, communities, and places where the stories were originally told.

Furthermore, we want to deliver the unique worldview of Japanese folk tales, how people relate to nature, and the heart of compassion to children around the world.

We believe that this work, born in Japan, has something that can be conveyed beyond borders and language.

However, to realize that future, there is a major challenge we must overcome.

There are a total of 1,467 episodes of "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi."

Fortunately, the films and tapes from that time are still preserved in good condition, and the digitized images have been revived surprisingly beautifully.

If you look at the works published on our official YouTube channel, I think you will feel that beauty.

On the other hand, only a part of the entire collection has been completed for digitization. To preserve the remaining 1,000+ episodes for the future requires enormous time and cost.

That is why we are starting a new challenge.

All revenue obtained from this official VOD service will be allocated to the digitization of the works.

When you watch the works, it becomes the power to revive the sleeping episodes.

When one episode is revived, it can be delivered to a new generation again.

And that episode will be passed on to the next 50, 100 years. This is the system we are aiming for.

Also, we have another happy report.

The next event has been decided!

Triggered by the holding at Azabudai Hills, we have received many warm words and voices wishing for events to be held across the country.

We want to travel nationwide and deliver the world of "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" directly to more of you.

We are also preparing an official EC site so that those who find it difficult to visit the venue can enjoy the goods.

VOD service, events, and goods. At first glance, they may seem like separate initiatives.

But our feelings are all the same.

To leave "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" for the future.

Visiting the events.

Holding the goods.

And watching the works.

Each one of these actions becomes the power to connect this work to the future.

There are countless VOD services out there that simply stream videos.

What we want to create is slightly different from those services.

It doesn't end with just watching the work.

Knowing the work, liking it, telling others about it, and leaving it for the future.

We want to create such a place.

And above all, we do not want to build this service alone.

We want to build it together with all of you who have loved and supported this work for 50 years.

So, we have a request for you.

What do you expect from the future "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi"?

What kind of VOD service would make you happy?

What kind of enjoyment would make you want to show it to your children or grandchildren?

Please let us know which regions you want us to visit for events, or what kind of goods you would like.

"I want to watch that story again."

"Please absolutely don't change this part."

"It would be interesting if we could do this."

No matter how small, anything is fine.

Of course, harsh opinions are also welcome.

Your voices will shape the future of "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi."

It's not because it's nostalgic that we keep it. It's because it's valuable that we keep it.

We will continue to strive to bring "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" to the future.