Tale of the Earth (1984)
A 1984 Japanese animated sci-fi film from Tatsunoko Production about a young rebel who intercepts a mysterious telepathic signal from outer space.
Tale of the Earth - Movie Information
- Original Title: 地球物語 ―テレパス2500―
- Release Year: 1984
- Directed by: Shigeyuki Yamane
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 4, 1984 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Chikyuu Monogatari: Telepath 2500 (JP)
- Production Companies: Shochiku, Victor Musical Industries, Inc., Tatsunoko Production
- Production Countries: Japan
Tale of the Earth - Plot
A youngster, Wil had a dissatisfaction to the society which the computer controls the total life of a person. One day he catches a strange telepathy from outer space.
Where to Watch Tale of the Earth
Looking for where to watch Tale of the Earth?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Tale of the Earth - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Shigeyuki Yamane
Main Cast
- Yu Mizushima
- Kiyoshi Kobayashi
- Rokuro Naya
- Kohei Miyauchi
- Toku Nishio
- Iemasa Kayumi
- Shūsei Nakamura
- Yo Inoue
- Yuko Mita
- Masako Katsuki
Writers
- Yoshimi Shinozaki
Producers
- Gentaro Takenawa
- Katsunori Ichikawa
- Akira Inoue
- Akihito Ooi
Tale of the Earth - FAQs
What is Tale of the Earth about?
Tale of the Earth follows Wil, a restless young man chafing against a society where computers dictate every aspect of human life. His world shifts dramatically when he begins receiving mysterious telepathic signals from deep space, setting him on a journey that challenges the rigid order around him.
Is Tale of the Earth a classic anime film?
Yes, it's a notable piece of early 1980s Japanese animation. Produced by Tatsunoko Production and released in 1984, the film reflects the era's fascination with dystopian futures and telepathy. It remains a curiosity for fans of vintage anime science fiction, though it is rarely screened outside Japan.
Who directed Tale of the Earth?
Shigeyuki Yamane directed the film. Released through Shochiku in 1984, it was produced by Tatsunoko Production, the legendary Japanese animation studio known for classics like Science Ninja Team Gatchaman and Casshern.
What themes does Tale of the Earth explore?
The film digs into ideas of technological control, individual freedom, and human connection across the cosmos. Wil's rebellion against a computer-managed society echoes broader anxieties of the early 1980s about automation and the loss of personal agency, wrapped inside a classic sci-fi adventure framework.
Who are the main voice actors in Tale of the Earth?
The voice cast features Yu Mizushima as the lead character Will, alongside Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Rokuro Naya, Kohei Miyauchi, and Toku Nishio. Iemasa Kayumi and Shūsei Nakamura, both veteran voice actors with long careers in Japanese animation, also appear in key roles.
What are some movies similar to Tale of the Earth?
If you enjoyed Tale of the Earth, you might also like Space Adventure Cobra: The Movie (1982), Royal Space Force ‑ The Wings of Honneamise (1987), and Origin: Spirits of the Past (2006). All three share that blend of imaginative world-building and animated sci-fi storytelling that defined the era.
When and where was Tale of the Earth released?
The film premiered in Japan on August 4, 1984. It was distributed by Shochiku and produced with support from Victor Musical Industries. It does not appear to have received a wide international theatrical release, making it a relatively rare title outside its home country.
Is Tale of the Earth based on a book or manga?
The film was written by Yoshimi Shinozaki as an original screenplay rather than an adaptation of a pre-existing manga or novel. Its story of a telepathy-gifted youth in a computer-controlled future appears to have been conceived specifically for this animated feature production.
More About Tale of the Earth
Explore further details about Tale of the Earth on these authoritative resources.