Jungle Taitei (1965 TV Series)

Aired: 1965 - 1966

A TV anime produced by Mushi Production. Based on the first half of Osamu Tezuka's manga Jungle Taitei (1950-1954, Gakudosha's Manga Shonen), broadcast in 52 episodes on the Fuji TV network from October 6, 1965 to September 28, 1966. It is etched in broadcast history as Japan's first full-fledged color TV anime series. Set against the vast nature of Africa, the work depicts the growth of Leo, a white lion raised by humans, as he carries on the will of his parents Panja and Eliza and seeks harmony between civilization and the wild. Isao Tomita's grand orchestral score became symbolic of the work, and the theme song 'Jungle Taitei no Uta' (sung by Tadahiko Hirano and Young Fresh) under Seiji Hiraoka's conducting has been beloved as the signature anime theme of Tezuka's catalog. Planned with NBC export in mind, the work was widely broadcast overseas as 'Kimba the White Lion' as a pioneering effort. A sequel 'Shin Jungle Taitei Susume Leo!' followed in 1966 and a remake in 1989. (C)Tezuka Productions