The Song of Tentomushi (1974)
A touching 1974 Japanese animated series about seven orphaned siblings who face hardship together, earning their community's admiration through courage and love.
The Song of Tentomushi - Series Information
- Original Title: てんとう虫の歌
- First Air Year: 1974
- Last Air Year: 1975
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 104
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Production Companies: Tatsunoko Production
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: The Song of Tentomushi (US), Tentoumushi no Uta (JP), Coccinella (IT)
The Song of Tentomushi - Plot
There are seven young brothers and sisters who grow up peacefully supported by the love and care of their parents. As a token of gratitude, the children present a trip to the couple on their wedding anniversary. This heartfelt deed, however, causes a terrible misfortune as their parents are killed while on their travels. Though it is certainly a shocking tragedy to the youngsters, they cannot be left in sorrow for a long time. Rather they have to make efforts to stand on their own feet in a body without depending on anybody else. So, their strenuous and daring living starts anew helping one another with brotherly affection, and their sincere attitude and lively activities gradually win admiration and encouragement from people of the community.
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The Song of Tentomushi - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Yoneko Matsukane
- Hiroshi Otake
- Hiroshi Masuoka
- Noriko Tsukase
- Takuzō Kamiyama
- Hiroko Maruyama
- Minori Matsushima
- Mari Okamoto
- Keisuke Yamashita
- Yoshiko Yamamoto
The Song of Tentomushi - FAQs
What is The Song of Tentomushi about?
The series follows seven young siblings whose parents are tragically killed during a trip the children gifted them for their wedding anniversary. Left to fend for themselves, the brothers and sisters band together, supporting one another through hardship and gradually winning the admiration of their community.
Is The Song of Tentomushi based on a true story?
The Song of Tentomushi is not based on a specific true story. It is an original animated drama produced by Tatsunoko Production, crafted to explore themes of family resilience, mutual support, and growing up in the face of sudden loss — universal experiences that gave the series its emotional resonance.
Who produced The Song of Tentomushi?
The series was produced by Tatsunoko Production, the legendary Japanese animation studio behind numerous beloved titles. It aired on Fuji TV in Japan between 1974 and 1975, running for a single season of 104 episodes — a substantial run that reflects the show's popularity with family audiences.
Where can you watch The Song of Tentomushi?
Streaming availability for The Song of Tentomushi is limited given its age and regional origins. Your best option is to check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your region, as availability can vary significantly depending on your country and local licensing agreements.
How many episodes does The Song of Tentomushi have?
The Song of Tentomushi ran for 104 episodes across a single season, airing from 1974 to 1975. That episode count is notably generous for the era, giving the story ample room to develop each sibling's personality and chart the family's gradual journey from grief toward community belonging.
What makes The Song of Tentomushi unique among 1970s anime?
Unlike the action-driven or comedic anime that dominated the 1970s, The Song of Tentomushi leaned into emotional realism and family drama. Its premise — seven children rebuilding their lives after losing both parents — was unusually poignant for the genre, setting it apart as a heartfelt character-driven series.
Who are the voice actors in The Song of Tentomushi?
The cast includes Yoneko Matsukane, Hiroshi Otake, Hiroshi Masuoka, Noriko Tsukase, Takuzō Kamiyama, Hiroko Maruyama, Minori Matsushima, Mari Okamoto, Keisuke Yamashita, and Yoshiko Yamamoto, with Yoshito Yasuhara and Kazuya Tatekabe in supporting roles.
What are similar shows to The Song of Tentomushi?
Fans of The Song of Tentomushi may enjoy Romeo's Blue Skies (1995) and Ikkyū-san (1975) for their similarly warm, character-driven storytelling. A Place Further than the Universe (2018) offers a modern take on youthful resilience, while All Grown Up! (2003) and The Weekenders (2000) share its family-friendly spirit.
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