Tetsuwan Atom is a Japanese animation character. I do think all the Japanese know this animation even if some didn’t see the TV series in 1960′s. Atom is a national animation, national hero and national idol when Japan was in the mood of postwar. Japan wanted to recover from waste and deserted cities. They worked hard for the dream of future, they believed they could do it. Atom was born at that era.
Atom is kind to human, he try hard to help people with magic power. He builds the city with harmony with people. He expressed the heart of the Japanese and gave hope to the Japanese then.
Above video is the opening theme song and animation of the TV series then. That’s too nostalgic but it still gives us smile and hope. For the Japanese, this TV series is unforgettable. We grew with this, we loved this, we needed this to keep our dream on.
The animator, Osamu Tezuka is a real genius although he passed away years ago. His idea to human is clearly described through his works, of course, in Atom series, the robot, Atom, has kind heart like human and he is loved by human. He has power to help, knowledge to invent, and wisdom to live. We might have tried to become Atom like person then.
Osamu Tezuka is still alive within us. His contribution to post war generation was irreplaceable. Without him, we can’t remember what we were like. Atom’s history were equal to the growth of young generation at the era.
To our surprise, this hero will be reborn by the CG in the USA as the video below.
For the Japanese, the impression may be a little strange and complicated. Atom still lives on in the mind of the Japanese. The New Atom, Astroboy, looks different and the Japanese believe that it never can be retouch because the image of the original is too strong.
On the other hand, it might be a nice trial because it can reach to the people in the USA and the talent that lived in Japan in 1960′s might be discovered now in the USA.
In my opinion, it’s hard for me to enjoy the NEW Atom. I can’t change the image. But if Atom could grow as Astroboy again in the different place, that would be nice. It’s a great animation. It should not be kept under the dust.
