Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Studio Ghibli is celebrated worldwide for its ability to tell moving stories through animation. From the deeply movingSpirited Awayto the grimGrave of the Fireflies— the films have resonated with audiences of all ages due to their heartwrenching storytelling coupled with stunning animation. However, not all of its projects made it to the big screen. One such unfinished work wasBorder 1939, a film conceived by Isao Takahata.
Tahakata, the late renowned director ofGrave of the Fireflies, envisioned a film that would delve into a similar wartime theme, but this time, with a different perspective. This film would have explored one of the darkest chapters of Japan’s history: its role as an invader during World War II. However, this project,Border 1939never saw the light of day.
The Vision BehindBorder 1939
Isao Takahata outlined his next ambitious project,Border 1939, a year afterreleasingGrave of the Fireflies. WhileGrave of the Firefliesfocused on the suffering of Japanese civilians during the war,Border 1939was meant to tackle Japan’s atrocities during World War II. This story was originally based on Shin Shikata’s“The Border”; a novel about his experience during wartime as a Japanese boy living in Korea.
Similarly, Tahakata’s story unfolded in the eyes of Akio, the main protagonist, and a Japanese university student in Japanese-occupied Seoul, Korean Peninsula. Set in 1939, Takahata aimed to depict the harsh realities of colonization and resistance witnessed by Akio and his journey of self-discovery and confrontation with Japan’s role as an oppressor was meant to challenge viewers’ understanding of nationalism and personal identity,as he remarked,
If your country is invaded by another, which then tries to repress your culture, your sense of nationhood becomes stronger. But what if we take the invader’s perspective? I wonder whether, by tackling the complex identity issues on the continent and Korean peninsula at the time, we can get viewers to start thinking about the internationalist spirit that is now needed among the Japanese.
The plot revolves around Akio, who learned that his friend Nobuhiko, thought to have died at a military academy in Manchuria, was alive and fighting against Japanese rule. Determined to find him, Akio traveled to Manchuria, where he discovered shocking truths. Nobuhiko, although raised by a Japanese family, was ethnically Mongol and had joined the anti-Japanese resistance.
Studio Ghibli’s Adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s Favorite Childhood Novel Had a Disturbingly Concerning Twist
Akio’s journey puts him in conflict with his own identity and allegiance to his country. Arrested and tortured by Japanese authorities, Akio was rescued by resistance fighters who remained wary of his motives. To prove his loyalty, he helped a Mongol woman in danger named Akiko and escaped to her homeland. Together, they embarked on a dangerous journey across the Mongolian grasslands, evading police and bandits, all while forming a deep bond.
WhyBorder 1939Was Canceled?
Takahata didn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths inBorder 1939, as it was meant to exploreJapan’s colonial historyand its devastating impact on the peoples of Asia. By presenting the story from the perspective of a Japanese protagonist, Takahata wanted to spark self-reflection among Japanese audiences.
However, despite its powerful message,Border 1939never made it past the planning stage. Just months after Tahakata outlined the project, political tensions flared with the Chinese government’s violent suppression of protests in Tiananmen Square. Japanese public opinion on China turned bitter, and thus, Studio Ghibli’s distributor deemed the project to be too risky considering the circumstances.
Hayao Miyazaki’s First Studio Ghibli Movie May Have Inspired the Biggest One Piece Mystery But That’s Not the Only Link
Thus, these abrupt political tensions eventually led to Border 1939’s cancellation. Takahata’s outlined draft remained the only surviving piece of the project, reprinted in his bookThoughts While Making Movies.
Border 1939still remains a what-if in the history of Studio Ghibli; a story that could have opened up difficult conversations about identity, history, and accountability. Although it was never completed, its themes and ambitions highlightIsao Takahata‘s courage as a filmmaker. He was unafraid to tackle Japan’s darkest moments, even when it meant challenging societal norms and risking controversy.
Studio Ghibli films are currently available to watch on Netflix.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :930
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
