The rare 1992 anime film, Tomcat’s Big Adventure (Chibineko Tom no Daibouken – Chikyū o Sukue! Nakama-tachi), is set to have its second North American screening in Seattle, Washington, on June 15th at The Beacon. This showing follows its North American premiere in Dallas, Texas, on April 14th, marking a significant moment for a film that has been largely unseen for decades. Presented by Wamono Nights, this event offers a new opportunity to experience a piece of anime history.
A “Phantom Work” Resurfaces
Tomcat’s Big Adventure had a troubled production history. Completed in 1992 after five years of work, its theatrical release was canceled due to the bankruptcy of its distribution company, coinciding with the bursting of Japan’s economic bubble. As a result, it only had scattered screenings in small venues and a few regional TV airings, leading it to become known as a “phantom work” or “fabled” film, with even industry insiders questioning its existence.
The Plot: A Whimsical Quest to Save the World
The film centers around Tom, a young cat, and his friends as they embark on a summer adventure to save the planet. The group ventures to Mt. Pinto on their summer vacation to accomplish this mission. Though the premise seems simple, the film is known for its lush animation and childlike whimsy.
A-List Talent Behind the Scenes
Despite its obscurity, Tomcat’s Big Adventure boasts an impressive roster of talent:
- Director: Ryūtarō Nakamura, best known for directing Serial Experiments Lain and Kino’s Journey. Tomcat’s Big Adventure was his debut directorial work.
- Animation Director and Character Designer: Manabu Ōhashi (also known as Mao Lamdo), known for his work on Robot Carnival and key animation in The Fantastic Adventures of Unico.
- Music: Kenji Kawai, famous for his scores for Ghost in the Shell and Ranma ½.
- Art Director: Hiromasa Ogura, who also worked on Ninja Scroll.
- Key Animators: Toshiyuki Inoue (Kiki’s Delivery Service, Venus Wars) and Kōichi Arai (Akira, Macross Plus, Sailor Moon R: The Movie).
- Voice Cast: Includes Toshiko Fujita (Tom), Masako Nozawa (Mark), Minami Takayama (Alex), and Akio Ōtsuka (Leonis).
This concentration of talent makes the film a noteworthy piece of anime history.
Rediscovery and Revival
For many years, Tomcat’s Big Adventure was considered lost. However, about 20 years after its completion, Mitsuhiro Akashi discovered that a friend owned the copyright through her late father, who had invested in the film. This rediscovery led to renewed interest and promotional efforts, culminating in a screening event hosted by Manabu Ōhashi in 2012. A crowdfunding campaign in 2015 successfully restored the film negative, leading to a limited Blu-ray release for supporters.
A Film Ahead of Its Time?
Those who have seen Tomcat’s Big Adventure praise its animation, music, and unique feel. One reviewer noted that had it been released in 1992 as intended, it could have been a seminal work, inspiring many within and outside the animation industry. While some find the pacing and scene transitions abrupt, this is attributed to the style of the time. The film is considered a children’s movie with darker undertones, stylization, and a unique quality that defies easy comparison to other works. Some have compared its tone to a blend of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, and Masaaki Yuasa’s Kaiba.
Screening Details
The Seattle screening will take place on June 15th at 5:00 PM at The Beacon, located at 4405 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. The film will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles as part of the “Wamono Nights” film series.
Why This Screening Matters
The screening of Tomcat’s Big Adventure is more than just a movie showing; it’s a chance to experience a piece of anime history that was nearly lost. It highlights the collaborative effort of many talented individuals and offers a glimpse into the animation styles and storytelling of the early 1990s. For fans of Ryūtarō Nakamura, Kenji Kawai, and other members of the film’s crew, this is a rare opportunity to see one of their earlier works.
A Second Chance for Tomcat
After decades of obscurity, Tomcat’s Big Adventure is finally getting the attention it deserves. The Seattle screening offers a chance for audiences to discover this “phantom work” and appreciate its unique charm and historical significance. For those interested in seeing a rare anime film with a fascinating backstory, this event is not to be missed.
