New Treasure Island 1965
Dive into the pioneering world of Japanese animation with *New Treasure Island* (1965), the country's first 60-minute animated TV special.
Director: Osamu Tezuka
Cast
Kazue Tagami
Jim Hawkins (voice)
Takeshi Katō
Long John Silver (voice)
Genzō Wakayama
Captain Alexander Smollett (voice)
Kazuo Kumakura
Blind Pew (voice)
Seizo Kato
Billy Bones (voice)
Takashi Kitahara
Dr. David Livesey (voice)
Takuya Fujioka
John Trelawney (voice)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Treasure Island (1965) about?
This animated special reimagines *Treasure Island* with animal characters, where a young rabbit named Jim embarks on a high-seas quest to uncover hidden treasure. Along the way, he encounters the cunning wolf pirate Long John Silver in a whimsical yet thrilling adventure.
Who directed New Treasure Island?
The film was directed by Osamu Tezuka, the iconic creator often hailed as the 'God of Manga' and a pioneer of Japanese animation.
Who stars in New Treasure Island?
The main cast includes Kazue Tagami, Takeshi Katō, Genzō Wakayama, Kazuo Kumakura, and Seizo Kato, who bring the animal characters to life.
Is New Treasure Island (1965) worth watching?
For animation enthusiasts and history buffs, *New Treasure Island* is a fascinating watch, offering a rare glimpse into early anime innovation. While its brevity and unconventional style may not appeal to everyone, its cultural significance makes it a compelling entry for fans of classic adventure and Tezuka's work.
How long is New Treasure Island?
The runtime for *New Treasure Island* is 55 minutes.
About New Treasure Island (1965) — Japan's First 60-Minute Animated Special
Dive into the pioneering world of Japanese animation with *New Treasure Island* (1965), the country's first 60-minute animated TV special. Directed by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, this groundbreaking episode of the *Mushi Pro Land* series reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure in a whimsical animal guise. Here, the cunning pirate Long John Silver is a sly wolf, while young Jim Hawkins becomes an adventurous rabbit, setting the stage for a treasure hunt that blends thrilling escapism with the magic of early anime. Though the intended series never came to fruition, this lone episode remains a fascinating footnote in anime history, celebrated for its bold storytelling and inventive visual style.
While the full series vanished, *New Treasure Island* endures as a testament to Tezuka's visionary creativity. Its animal characters and swashbuckling narrative create a playful yet immersive atmosphere, making it a must-watch for fans of classic adventure and animation history. Though brief at 55 minutes, its legacy as Japan's first long-form animated TV program ensures its place in film lore.
