Anime, Special Series

Nezumikozō Jirokichi

鼠小僧次郎吉

Directed by: Rintarō
2023 / 23 minutes / Unclassified all ages

“Let every big wig in Edo know – there is a bounty on his head!”

In the shadowy alleys of Edo, folk hero Nezumikozō Jirokichi, known as the Rat, steals from wealthy elites to aid the poor. When Orin, a widowed mother with personal ties to Jirokichi, is threatened by ruthless yakuza determined to uncover his true identity, the Rat responds with his trademark wit and flair. Unfazed by the bounty on his head, Jirokichi boldly confronts his enemies, becoming a living symbol of defiance and hope for the local townspeople.  

Based on the lost film by legendary 1930s director Sadao Yamanaka, this 23‑minute animated short is an homage to silent-­era filmmaking brought to life by renowned anime director, Rintarō (Metropolis, 2001). Known for his humanist directorial approach, Yamanaka remains a pivotal figure in Japanese cinema, despite his promising career being tragically cut short, when he died at just 28. This rollicking adaptation is a tribute to his vision, blending traditional storytelling formats like benshi narration and silent film intertitles with noir-style visuals and modern animation. With stirring music by Toshiyuki Honda and exquisite character designs by Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira, 1988) and Yoshinori Kanemori (Pluto, 2023), the vibrant streets of Edo burst to life in this dynamic France-Japan co-production. 

Special Screenings

Nezumikozō Jirokichi will be screened as a special feature prior to select Special Series film screenings. Tickets to this special feature are included as part of the conjunct Special Series film ticket.