Anime enthusiasts in Seattle are in for a rare treat! “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” (Chibineko Tom no Daibouken – Chikyū o Sukue! Nakama-tachi), a 1992 anime film directed by Ryūtarō Nakamura, known for his work on “Serial Experiments Lain” and “Kino’s Journey,” is set to screen at The Beacon on June 15th. This marks only the second North American screening of the film, offering a unique opportunity to witness a piece of anime history that has remained largely unseen for decades.
A Phantom Work Resurfaces
“Tomcat’s Big Adventure” has an unusual backstory. Originally intended as the debut feature of Ryūtarō Nakamura, the film was in production for five years and boasted a talented team of animators, voice actors, and sound designers. However, the film’s distribution company faced bankruptcy, leading to the indefinite shelving of its release plans. As a result, “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” only had limited screenings in small venues and regional TV broadcasts in Japan, fading into obscurity and earning the moniker of a “phantom work”—a film so rare and mysterious that its very existence was questioned.
According to eli’s japan blog, even animators in the industry were largely unaware of the film’s existence, further contributing to its “phantom” status. The blog post highlights how the film’s rediscovery is a significant event for animation fans.
The Seattle Screening
Following a successful North American premiere at the Texas Theatre in Dallas on April 14th, the “Wamono Nights” film series is bringing “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” to Seattle. The screening will take place at The Beacon, located at 4405 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, on June 15th at 5:00 p.m.
- Venue: The Beacon, Seattle
- Date: June 15th, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM
- Presented by: Wamono Nights
- Language: Japanese with English subtitles
What is “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” About?
“Tomcat’s Big Adventure” is based on Masumi Iino’s children’s books, “The Adventures of Tom the Small Cat,” illustrated by Yumiko Imai. The story follows Tom, a young cat, and his friends as they embark on a summer adventure to save the planet Earth. During their explorations, they encounter Chiki, a mysterious character who draws them into a larger conflict. The film is known for its lush animation and childlike whimsy, making it a rediscovery for anime lovers.
The film’s plot, while seemingly simple, resonates with themes of environmentalism and the importance of friendship, packaged in a way that is accessible and engaging for younger audiences.
A Look at the Talented Team Behind the Film
Despite its limited release, “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” features a remarkable lineup of talent:
- Director and Script: Ryūtarō Nakamura (Serial Experiments Lain, Kino’s Journey)
- Animation Director and Character Designer: Manabu Ōhashi (Robot Carnival, Metropolis)
- Music: Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell, Patlabor)
- Art Director: Hiromasa Ogura (Ninja Scroll, Ghost in the Shell)
Key Animators:
- Toshiyuki Inoue (Akira, Ghost in the Shell)
- Hiroyuki Okiura (Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade)
- Kōichi Arai (Akira, Macross Plus, Sailor Moon R: The Movie)
- Makiko Futaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke)
- Toshiko Fujita as Tom
- Masako Nozawa as Mark
- Mika Kanai as Laura
- Minami Takayama as Alex
- Ryoko Sano as Amy
- Ryūsei Nakao as Bob
- Akio Ōtsuka as Leonis
- Chika Sakamoto as Tiki
- Hiromi Tsuru as Chloe
- Kappei Yamaguchi as Michael
- Katsunosuke Hori as Dawn
- Nobuo Tobita as Rudo
- Yūko Kobayashi as Lamaru
This impressive roster highlights the dedication and artistry that went into creating “Tomcat’s Big Adventure,” making its rediscovery all the more significant.
Why This Screening Matters
The screening of “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” is not just another anime showing; it’s a chance to experience a piece of forgotten animation history. The film’s journey from a shelved project to a rediscovered gem is a testament to the dedication of fans and the enduring power of animation.
A Glimpse into the Past
Seeing “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” offers a unique perspective on the anime industry in the early 1990s. The film’s style, themes, and production values reflect the era’s creative landscape, providing valuable insight for animation enthusiasts and historians.
Supporting Animation Preservation
By attending the screening, viewers contribute to the effort of preserving and celebrating lesser-known works of animation. The rediscovery and restoration of “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” demonstrate the importance of archiving and promoting films that might otherwise be lost to time.
Experiencing a Unique Film
“Tomcat’s Big Adventure” is not your typical anime film. Its whimsical story, charming characters, and lush animation create a unique viewing experience that sets it apart from mainstream productions.
The Legacy of Ryūtarō Nakamura
Ryūtarō Nakamura, the director of “Tomcat’s Big Adventure,” is best known for his later works, “Serial Experiments Lain” and “Kino’s Journey.” These series are celebrated for their innovative storytelling, philosophical themes, and distinctive visual styles. While “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” may seem different from Nakamura’s more mature works, it offers a glimpse into his early career and reveals the foundations of his artistic vision.
Serial Experiments Lain
“Serial Experiments Lain,” created in 1998, is a cyberpunk anime series that explores themes of identity, communication, and technology. The show follows Lain Iwakura, a young girl who becomes increasingly immersed in the Wired, a virtual reality network. “Lain” is known for its complex narrative, surreal visuals, and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between humans and machines.
Kino’s Journey
“Kino’s Journey,” which first aired in 2003, is an adventure anime series that follows Kino, a traveler who journeys through various countries, each with its unique customs and cultures. Accompanied by a talking motorcycle named Hermes, Kino spends only three days in each location, observing the local way of life and reflecting on the human condition. “Kino’s Journey” is celebrated for its episodic structure, philosophical themes, and beautiful animation.
The Significance of “Wamono Nights”
“Wamono Nights” is a film series dedicated to showcasing rare and obscure Japanese films to North American audiences. By organizing screenings of films like “Tomcat’s Big Adventure,” “Wamono Nights” plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Japanese cinematic heritage. The series provides a platform for films that might otherwise remain unseen, offering viewers a chance to discover hidden gems and broaden their understanding of Japanese culture.
According to ANN, the “Wamono Nights” film series is responsible for the film getting translated into English.
Rediscovering “Tomcat’s Big Adventure:” A Labor of Love
The journey to bring “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” to North American audiences has been a labor of love, involving dedicated fans, film historians, and the “Wamono Nights” team. The rediscovery of the film began with online interest from anime enthusiasts, leading to small theater showings in Japan and a successful crowdfunding campaign to remaster the film in 2015.
The Crowdfunding Campaign
In 2015, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to restore the film negative and create a Blu-ray release. The campaign was successful, with Blu-ray copies distributed to approximately 225 supporters. However, the Blu-ray version has remained largely unavailable, and theatrical screenings have been sporadic.
A Rare Opportunity
The Seattle screening of “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” offers a rare chance to see the film on the big screen, with restored visuals and English subtitles. It is an event not to be missed by anime fans, film historians, and anyone interested in discovering a forgotten masterpiece.
Is “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” Suitable for Children?
“Tomcat’s Big Adventure” is based on children’s books and aimed at a young audience. The film’s themes of friendship, adventure, and environmentalism are suitable for children, and its whimsical animation style is sure to captivate viewers of all ages. However, some viewers have noted that the film contains darker undertones and moments, so parents may want to consider this when deciding whether to bring young children.
Don’t Miss Out!
The second North American screening of “Tomcat’s Big Adventure” in Seattle is a unique and exciting event. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan, a film history buff, or simply looking for a fun and engaging movie experience, don’t miss the opportunity to see this rediscovered gem on the big screen.
Tickets for the screening are available through The Beacon’s website. Be sure to secure your spot and join fellow anime enthusiasts for a memorable evening of film, history, and community.
