The Little Flying Fish Gets Sick Poster

The Little Flying Fish Gets Sick 1982

19 min📅 1982-09-01

"I can really fly!"

In *The Little Flying Fish Gets Sick* (1982), animator Noriyuki Itaya crafts a poignant 19-minute animated fable set against the backdrop of a pristine Pacific Ocean paradise.

Director: Noriyuki Itaya

Cast

Tomoe Hiiro
Tomoe Hiiro
Narrator (voice)
Shigeru Chiba
Shigeru Chiba
(Voice)
Satomi Oka
Satomi Oka
(Voice)
Kazuhiko Ohara
(Voice)
Takumi Ito
(Voice)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *The Little Flying Fish Gets Sick* (1982) about?

This animated short follows a lively school of fish enjoying their peaceful ocean home—until a U.S. nuclear test at Bikini Atoll in 1954 unleashes deadly fallout. The cheerful inhabitants must confront a new reality where survival and innocence are tested.

Who directed *The Little Flying Fish Gets Sick*?

Noriyuki Itaya directed this powerful piece of animation, blending historical gravity with artistic sensitivity.

Who stars in *The Little Flying Fish Gets Sick*?

The film features the voices of Tomoe Hiiro, Shigeru Chiba, Satomi Oka, Kazuhiko Ohara, and Takumi Ito as the ocean's inhabitants.

Is *The Little Flying Fish Gets Sick* (1982) worth watching?

At just 19 minutes, this rare animated short is a compelling blend of history and artistry. Its stark themes and Itaya's direction make it a thought-provoking watch, though it's far from mainstream entertainment.

How long is *The Little Flying Fish Gets Sick*?

The film runs for 19 minutes, offering a compact yet impactful viewing experience.

The Little Flying Fish Gets Sick: A 1954 Nuclear Parable — Full Movie Info

In *The Little Flying Fish Gets Sick* (1982), animator Noriyuki Itaya crafts a poignant 19-minute animated fable set against the backdrop of a pristine Pacific Ocean paradise. On March 1, 1954, the tranquil lives of its cheerful fish inhabitants are shattered when the first American nuclear test at Bikini Atoll sends radioactive fallout cascading through their world. What begins as a serene celebration of underwater life becomes a haunting meditation on innocence lost, environmental devastation, and the fragile balance between nature and human folly.

Through Itaya's delicate animation and the voices of Tomoe Hiiro, Shigeru Chiba, and Satomi Oka, the film contrasts the ocean's vibrant past with the eerie silence that follows. The story lingers on themes of resilience and tragedy, wrapped in a visual style that blends whimsical charm with stark realism. Though short, its emotional weight lingers long after the credits roll, making it a hidden gem for animation and historical drama enthusiasts alike.