Space Train Cats!

[eredien]

I finally figured out:

a.) why a space train (or sometimes a water train which is referencing the space train motif in some way eg: "Spirited Away") is such a common theme in anime
b.) why half the anime that have a space train also have cats riding said space train or looking at said train.
c.) why all the characters in "Spring & Chaos" (the Kenji Miyazawa biopic anime) are cats

Apparently they are all a reference to the book "Night on the Galactic Railroad" by Kenji Miyazawa. When I saw "Spring and Chaos" after seeing the anime version of "Night on the Galactic Railroad" several years prior, I was like, "there's...a theme here and I don't know what it is." Then I watched the extras of "Spring & Chaos" trying to figure out why all the characters were cats, and it turns out that Miyazawa really liked cats and sketched them all the time; the anime production company thought that if the characters were cats it would be a fun homage to Miyazawa's sketches.

Now I'm thrilled. Thanks, Wecomics nation message thread!

That being said, anyone know where to find "Night on the Galactic Railroad" on DVD? I heard it's out of print.

I should also really see "Space Train 999" and "Galaxy Railways."

Comments

[gallian.livejournal.com]

I have galaxy express 999 (anime and English manga) and most of the related anime (queen emereldas, Matel legend, Arcadia of my youth, harlock saga)

[eredien]

Hm. Can you send me your Feb. schedule?

[gallian.livejournal.com]

Right after I get it, sure. :)

[eredien]

Yay!

[rushthatspeaks.livejournal.com]

I did not know you did not know this or I would have mentioned it some time ago.

We own Night on the Galactic Railroad but it's in Texas. It's unlikely Thrud and weirdquark are using it, so maybe they can send it up.

[eredien]

It was kind of fun to piece together, actually, so I'm not sad.

No rush for the DVD; I mostly want to figure out if I can get my hands on a copy though if you'd like to watch it feel free to ask 'em.

[darthbitsy.livejournal.com]

I own the book, but that seem less then helpful.

[eredien]

I assume it's in Japanese?

[darthbitsy.livejournal.com]

It is a English translation.
This one, I think http://www.amazon.com/dp/1880656264/ (the title is translated differently).

[eredien]

I would like to read it. Maybe it's not unhelpful.

[lutris.livejournal.com]

It's available on Netflix, I'll bump it up in my queue if you'd like.

[lutris.livejournal.com]

Ah, it's listed on Netflix as becoming available some day, hopefully, maybe. My mistake.