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150th anniversary animated movie

Embark on a journey with us through time!

For its 150th anniversary, Shimadzu Corporation created a fun and heartfelt animated movie telling the story of Genzo Shimadzu Sr. and Japan’s first private manned balloon launch.

Travel with us to 19th century Kyoto and experience Genzo’s struggle and success yourself!

What is it about?

The story takes place in Kyoto in 1877.

The atmosphere of the city and people in Kyoto was greatly depressed due to the transfer of the capital to Tokyo. Despite this, Genzo Shimadzu Sr. was busily pursuing his research with the aim of flying a light balloon requested by Kyoto Prefecture.

After watching the balloon take off, the protagonist (Shimadzu employee) aspires to connect Genzo’s passion from the past to the present and into the future.

CAST

Genzo Shimadzu Sr. : Kenjiro Tsuda
Shimadzu Employee: Sora Amamiya

STAFF

Director / Storyboard Artist & Producer: Tetsuo Tokuno
Character Designs: Tetsuya Nishio
Animation Director : Yosuke Kabashima
Animation Producer : Hirokazu Fukumori

Animation Studio: Studio KAI

If you want to learn more details about Genzo’s balloon launch please click here.

Figure 1: A woodcut titled “Illustration of Balloon Test” by the artist Kubota Beisen which records a manned balloon flight in 1877

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