Maybe you have heard of this anime, or maybe not. Sazae-san (サザエさん) has over 7500 episodes and is considered the longest-running animation in the world. It even has official recognition from the Guinness World Records.
The anime is an adaptation of the manga by Machiko Hasegawa and premiered on TV in October 1969. But it had its first appearance in comic strips in the newspaper on April 22, 1946.
Although little known here in the western side, the anime is quite famous in Japan. It is considered one of the main programs for Japanese families. And it has always maintained excellent viewership, with the highest recorded in 1990.
What could be the secret to such success even after many years? Let’s learn a little about the history of this anime.
Table of Contents
The story of Sazae-san and her family
The anime depicts the daily life of Sazae, a mother of a family who lives with her parents. It portrayed very well what a family was like after World War II. She was a woman who struggled with her family to overcome the effects of the post-war period and survive the influences of the American occupation.
But everything is portrayed in a light and comedic way. Even without well-developed characters or settings, it conveys a beautiful message to society.
Unlike the traditional, there are no big eyes, epic battles, or clichéd romances. But since its first comic strip, Sazae-san directly addressed the issue of women in society.
The episodes are short and often also show the everyday side of Japan. Things like taking care of children, getting along with neighbors, working for a regular salary, and keeping the house tidy are depicted in this work.
The characters of Sazae-San
- Sazae Fuguta = The protagonist of the story;
- Masuo Fuguta = After marrying Sazae, he moved in with his family;
- Tarao Fuguta = He is the son of Sazae and Masuo;
- Namihei Isomo = He is Sazae’s father and the patriarch of the family;
- Fune Isomo = She is Sazae’s mother;
- Katsuo Isomo = Sazae’s mischievous little brother. He likes to play baseball;
- Wakame Isono = She is Sazae’s younger sister, a very kind and gentle girl;
- Tama = The family’s pet cat;
Some curiosities about Sazae-san
The creator of the story said that her inspiration for the characters came when she was walking on the beach. In fact, the names of the characters are derived from things related to the sea, even from marine animals.
Sazae is a type of shellfish and all the members of her family have unusual names of seafood. Fune (Boat), Katsuo (Bonito), and Tara (Gadidae). It may seem unusual, but many of these names are common and popular.
- The opening and ending music have been the same since the first episode;
- Such success of the work that besides the adaptation to anime, it also had adaptations to radio dramas, even with real actors;
- Machiko Hasegawa is considered by many as the “great mother of manga”;
Unfortunately, this anime is not easily found with Portuguese subtitles. This is strange, the most popular animes from Japan do not succeed in the west, this happens with others like Detective Conan and Uchuu Kyoudai which were wronged by their graphics or story.
Sazae San Syndrome – Generally Sazae-san is aired on Sundays from 6:30 to 7:00 PM since its premiere in 1969. When the anime ends, some Japanese people feel depressed because it indicates that the weekend is over, and that the next day they have to return to their work routine.
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