Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest work Big Hero 6 will release in Japan on Saturday, Dec. 20. The movie is an emotional adventure about a young genius scientist called Hiro and a healthcare robot left by his late brother Tadashi, who was killed in an accident, called Baymax.

Big Hero 6 was screened as the opening work of the currently ongoing 27th Tokyo International Film Festival, and in attendance were directors Don Hall and Chris Williams, producer Roy Conli, and Walt Disney Animation Studios Executive Vice President Andrew Milstein in addition to Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter. Because the work is called a “love letter from Disney to Japan” and a “repayment for Japanese culture,” the group of Disney VIPs were exceptionally well received. Without spoiling anything, I’d like to introduce the highlights of this film that carries the major themes in Disney movies of having amazing visuals and an amazing story.

Big Hero Six is a Story About the “Birth of a Hero”



First, I must confess. I now feel embarrassed that I wondered for a moment if Disney, who had created quite a hurdle for itself after the astoundingly huge hit Frozen, would be able to pull off the work that followed it. This film as well is a masterpiece that dispelled all doubts. Disney is in its element here, and because it differs from the so-called “Disney Princess” formula there is no need for comparison. Personally, though, it’s become a film I love even more than Frozen.

To say it plainly, the story is about the birth of a hero. This is by no means a spoiler, as shown from the title of the movie, Big Hero 6. Furthermore, the story has an element of mystery as boy genius Hiro, whose beloved older brother Tadashi was killed in a mysterious accident, searches for the truth surrounding his brother’s death along with a healthcare robot created by Tadashi to protect humans called Baymax. But, of course, it’s also an exciting, heart-throbbing adventure.

The hero is the protagonist, and there is, of course, also a villain. It’s interesting that Baymax is an overly gentle robot who has zero fighting ability. Hiro, a scientific genius who can’t protect himself, and Baymax, who is incapable of harming humans, use various K.U.F.U. to confront formidable enemies superior to them in power. The theme of the film is “Can we save the world with kindness?” Though the film also includes a component of “science” that the main characters excel at due to their ideas and scientific knowledge, it goes without saying that in the end what surprised us was the fantasy world Disney is so known for.

Hiro, who had lived without using his gifts for humanity, meets Baymax and finds his purpose for living, and I reflexively cried the moment when he was reborn a hero. The catharsis when they fight against powerful enemies through scientific wisdom and kindness is amazing! By the way, you’re probably curious about what the “6” in Big Hero 6 means, right? Well, look forward to finding out when you see the film.

Disney’s Love for Japan is Complete!



The setting of the film, pictures of which have previously released, is San Fransokyo, a portmanteau of San Francisco and Tokyo. This cityscape that is fully articulated down to the tiniest detail makes the film enjoyable just to look at, regardless of the story. There are also scenes of Hiro flying all over San Fransokyo while riding Baymax, and it’s thought that 3D effects will likely be used in these scenes.

I recognized some parts of the city and found myself thinking “Is that Shinbashi?” and “Is that Shinjuku?”, and in the city there are boards written in Japanese, telephone polls and vending machines, and cars and buses driving by that appeared to have a “made in Japan” vibe. Many times, signs will be rewritten in Japanese for the Japanese dubbed version of animated films, but the version I saw was the subtitled version. Basically, from here on out people all over the world will see Disney’s love of Japan. Jealous?

Of course, the Japanese feel doesn’t end with the cityscape of San Fransokyo. This may touch on a few stereotypes, but, talking about Baymax’s kindness (and possibly form?), the director has commented on the diligence of the main character in working hard to achieve his goals and his unique idea that could also be called a waste of talent. In any case, while enjoying the film, I was awash in droves of love letters to all of us from Disney, messages that almost didn’t make it in time. It is a privilege that Japanese people are able to experience the film on this deeper level!

Finally, to say the least, Baymax is super cute! He has round eyes and a fluffy, squishy body you’ll want to reflexively hug. On the one hand, he is a robot that talks mechanically using dialogue he was programmed with, but on the other hand, I couldn’t help but wonder if he could feel emotions, that is until the unexpected moments when he shows an expression or acts kindly. Disney has created many hugely popular characters over the years, but this is the birth of a new character (hero) whose name has been marvelously engraved on Disney’s history. Which reminds me, the movie even ends in a way that makes a sequel seem likely.

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