In the Beginning: The Bible Stories
Encyclopedia
is an anime
television series based on The Bible's Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) created by Osamu Tezuka
. The series was a coproduction between Nippon TV, Tezuka's Tezuka Productions
, and Italy
's government-owned broadcaster, Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI). Although the series was in production during a period of several years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was not aired in Japan until 1997, on the satellite channel WOWOW
. The series has also been aired on TV in the United States (on the Catholic-oriented Eternal Word Television Network
), Italy, and Germany.
In the Beginning marked the fourth time Bible stories formed the basis of a Japanese-animated television series, following the two Superbook
series and The Flying House
, which were made for Pat Robertson
's Christian Broadcasting Network
by Tatsunoko Production
in the early 1980s.
In the Beginning features episodes devoted to most of the major Bible stories of the Old Testament, including the stories of the Creation, Cain and Abel
, Noah's Ark
, Abraham
and Isaac
, Joseph, Moses
, David, and Solomon
, with the final episode featuring the birth of Jesus Christ. As with the second Superbook series, some stories were stretched out over several episodes. Unlike Superbook and The Flying House, however, no contemporary characters from modern times were inserted into the stories, save for the series mascot and viewpoint character, Roco the fox.
Tezuka's manga work frequently included religious themes, and because of his long-running manga Buddha
, he is sometimes perceived as having been a devout Buddhist
, but in fact, Tezuka was largely agnostic
.
by way of RAI in 1984, requesting that Tezuka produce an animated version of the Old Testament. Tezuka spent two years working on a pilot film for the project based on the story of Noah's Ark, both writing the scenario for the film and working in the production of the animation itself. However, Tezuka died in 1989 before the film was finished. The remainder of the production for the pilot film and the subsequent 26-episode television series was supervised by director Osamu Dezaki
.
^-This episode contains uncensored nudity involving the Creation.
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
television series based on The Bible's Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) created by Osamu Tezuka
Osamu Tezuka
was a Japanese cartoonist, manga artist, animator, producer, activist and medical doctor, although he never practiced medicine. Born in Osaka Prefecture, he is best known as the creator of Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion and Black Jack...
. The series was a coproduction between Nippon TV, Tezuka's Tezuka Productions
Tezuka Productions
Tezuka Productions is a company created by Osamu Tezuka. His son, Makoto Tezuka has the goal to extend Tezuka's manga series with new issues and publish posthumous works...
, and Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
's government-owned broadcaster, Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI). Although the series was in production during a period of several years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was not aired in Japan until 1997, on the satellite channel WOWOW
WOWOW
WOWOW was the first private satellite broadcasting and pay TV station in Japan. It has its headquarters on the 21st floor of the Akasaka Park Building in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo...
. The series has also been aired on TV in the United States (on the Catholic-oriented Eternal Word Television Network
Eternal Word Television Network
The Eternal Word Television Network is an American cable television network which presents Catholic-themed programming. It was founded in 1980 by Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, PCPA...
), Italy, and Germany.
In the Beginning marked the fourth time Bible stories formed the basis of a Japanese-animated television series, following the two Superbook
Superbook
Superbook, also known as , is an anime television series produced by Tatsunoko Productions in Japan in conjunction with the Christian Broadcasting Network in the United States....
series and The Flying House
The Flying House
The Flying House, full title , is a 52 episodes anime series produced by Tatsunoko Productions broadcast between April 1982 and March 1983 on TV Tokyo, and distributed by the Christian Broadcasting Network in the United States. In 2010, the Christian Broadcasting Network made the 52 episodes...
, which were made for Pat Robertson
Pat Robertson
Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson is a media mogul, television evangelist, ex-Baptist minister and businessman who is politically aligned with the Christian Right in the United States....
's Christian Broadcasting Network
Christian Broadcasting Network
The Christian Broadcasting Network, or CBN, is a fundamentalist Christian television broadcasting network in the United States. Its headquarters and main studios are in Virginia Beach, Virginia.-Background:...
by Tatsunoko Production
Tatsunoko Production
, often shortened to , is a Japanese animation company. Founded in October 1962 by acclaimed anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida along with his brothers Kenji and Toyoharu...
in the early 1980s.
In the Beginning features episodes devoted to most of the major Bible stories of the Old Testament, including the stories of the Creation, Cain and Abel
Cain and Abel
In the Hebrew Bible, Cain and Abel are two sons of Adam and Eve. The Qur'an mentions the story, calling them the two sons of Adam only....
, Noah's Ark
Noah's Ark
Noah's Ark is a vessel appearing in the Book of Genesis and the Quran . These narratives describe the construction of the ark by Noah at God's command to save himself, his family, and the world's animals from the worldwide deluge of the Great Flood.In the narrative of the ark, God sees the...
, Abraham
Abraham
Abraham , whose birth name was Abram, is the eponym of the Abrahamic religions, among which are Judaism, Christianity and Islam...
and Isaac
Isaac
Isaac as described in the Hebrew Bible, was the only son Abraham had with his wife Sarah, and was the father of Jacob and Esau. Isaac was one of the three patriarchs of the Israelites...
, Joseph, Moses
Moses
Moses was, according to the Hebrew Bible and Qur'an, a religious leader, lawgiver and prophet, to whom the authorship of the Torah is traditionally attributed...
, David, and Solomon
Solomon
Solomon , according to the Book of Kings and the Book of Chronicles, a King of Israel and according to the Talmud one of the 48 prophets, is identified as the son of David, also called Jedidiah in 2 Samuel 12:25, and is described as the third king of the United Monarchy, and the final king before...
, with the final episode featuring the birth of Jesus Christ. As with the second Superbook series, some stories were stretched out over several episodes. Unlike Superbook and The Flying House, however, no contemporary characters from modern times were inserted into the stories, save for the series mascot and viewpoint character, Roco the fox.
Tezuka's manga work frequently included religious themes, and because of his long-running manga Buddha
Buddha (manga)
is a manga drawn by Osamu Tezuka and is Tezuka's unique interpretation of the life of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The critically acclaimed series is often referred to as a gritty, even sexual, portrayal of the Buddha's life. Buddha received the 2004, 2005 Eisner Award...
, he is sometimes perceived as having been a devout Buddhist
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
, but in fact, Tezuka was largely agnostic
Agnosticism
Agnosticism is the view that the truth value of certain claims—especially claims about the existence or non-existence of any deity, but also other religious and metaphysical claims—is unknown or unknowable....
.
Background
In the Beginning grew out of a request that Osamu Tezuka received from the VaticanVatican City
Vatican City , or Vatican City State, in Italian officially Stato della Città del Vaticano , which translates literally as State of the City of the Vatican, is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, Italy. It has an area of...
by way of RAI in 1984, requesting that Tezuka produce an animated version of the Old Testament. Tezuka spent two years working on a pilot film for the project based on the story of Noah's Ark, both writing the scenario for the film and working in the production of the animation itself. However, Tezuka died in 1989 before the film was finished. The remainder of the production for the pilot film and the subsequent 26-episode television series was supervised by director Osamu Dezaki
Osamu Dezaki
, also known as , , or , was a Japanese director of anime born on November 18, 1943, in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan. His older brother, Satoshi Dezaki, is also an anime director....
.
Episode List
-
- The Creation^
- Cain and Abel
- The Story of Noah
- The Tower of Babel
- Abraham, the Forefather
- Sodom and Gomorrah
- Isaac and Ishmael
- Isaac's Destiny
- Jacob's Children
- Joseph's Triumph
- Moses the Egyptian
- The Fire in the Desert
- Moses and the Pharaoh
- The Exodus
- Laws Carved in Stone
- Israel's Treachery
- A New Alliance
- Jericho
- One King for Israel
- King Saul
- King David
- King Solomon
- The Exile of Israel
- Release from Bondage
- Prophets in the Desert
- The Birth of Jesus
^-This episode contains uncensored nudity involving the Creation.
Staff
- Director: Osamu Dezaki
- Screenplay: Osamu Tezuka/Tezuka Production Co., Ltd.
- Character Designs: Osamu Tezuka, Shinji Seya
- Animation Direction: Masaki Yoshimura, Akio Sugino, Junji Kobayashi, Hideaki Shimada
- Music: Katsuhisa Hattori
- Production: Tezuka Production Co., Ltd. / Nippon Television Network / Radiotelevisione Italiana
Cast
- Mayumi TanakaMayumi Tanakais a Japanese voice actress from Tokyo currently affiliated with Aoni Production.She is best known for the roles of Ryuunosuke Fujinami in Urusei Yatsura, Pazu in Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece, Krillin, Yajirobe and Uranai Baba in Dragon Ball...
as Roco
- Kinryu ArimotoKinryu Arimotois a Japanese voice actor formerly employed by Production Baobab and is a shodan in kenpo.-Anime:*Angel Heart *Baccano! *Bleach *Blue Submarine 6 *City Hunter...
as AdamAdamAdam is a figure in the Book of Genesis. According to the creation myth of Abrahamic religions, he is the first human. In the Genesis creation narratives, he was created by Yahweh-Elohim , and the first woman, Eve was formed from his rib... - Yorie TerauchiYorie Terauchiis a Japanese actress and a voice actress. She has dubbed over Divatox in the Japanese dub, which she was the main villain of Power Rangers: Turbo and Power Rangers in Space.-Anime roles:...
as EveEveEve is the first woman created by God in the Book of Genesis.Eve may also refer to:-People:*Eve , a common given name and surname*Eve , American recording artist and actress-Places:... - Katsuhiro Kitagawa as Cain
- Mitsuru MiyamotoMitsuru Miyamotois a Japanese voice actor.-Anime:*Air Gear *Aka-chan to Boku *Baccano *The Big O *Fancy Lala *Fruits Basket...
as Abel - Yuzuru Fujimoto as NoahNoahNoah was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the tenth and last of the antediluvian Patriarchs. The biblical story of Noah is contained in chapters 6–9 of the book of Genesis, where he saves his family and representatives of all animals from the flood by constructing an ark...
- Sho Saito as Noah's wife
- Seizō Katō as AbrahamAbrahamAbraham , whose birth name was Abram, is the eponym of the Abrahamic religions, among which are Judaism, Christianity and Islam...
- Junko Midori as SarahSarahSarah or Sara was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac as described in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. Her name was originally Sarai...
- Ryuji Nakagi as Lot
- Katsumi ToriumiKatsumi Toriumiis a Japanese seiyū from Saitama Prefecture. He works at Production Baobab. Toriumi performed with other seiyu on the album Everybody's Christmas.-Voice Roles:*Zack Taylor in the Japanese dub of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers...
as IshmaelIshmaelIshmael is a figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Qur'an, and was Abraham's first born child according to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Ishmael was born of Abraham's marriage to Sarah's handmaiden Hagar... - Tetsuya IwanagaTetsuya Iwanagais a Japanese voice actor. As of April 1, 2009, he is affiliated with maxmix.-Notable voice roles:*Kensuke Aida in Neon Genesis Evangelion*Makoto Mizuhara in El-Hazard*Imaichi in Fancy Lala*Tomite in Fushigi Yūgi...
as IsaacIsaacIsaac as described in the Hebrew Bible, was the only son Abraham had with his wife Sarah, and was the father of Jacob and Esau. Isaac was one of the three patriarchs of the Israelites... - Yonehiko KitagawaYonehiko Kitagawais a Japanese voice actor represented by Aoni Production. He was formerly credited as '. He is a graduate of Hosei University.-Notable Voice Work:*Azumanga Daioh is a Japanese voice actor represented by Aoni Production. He was formerly credited as '. He is a graduate of Hosei University.-Notable...
as JacobJacobJacob "heel" or "leg-puller"), also later known as Israel , as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud, the New Testament and the Qur'an was the third patriarch of the Hebrew people with whom God made a covenant, and ancestor of the tribes of Israel, which were named after his descendants.In the... - Hiroshi YanakaHiroshi Yanakais a Japanese actor and voice actor who is affiliated with Seinenza Theater Company.-TV Anime:*Avenger *Baby and Me *Battle Programmer Shirase *Chuka Ichiban...
as Joseph - Manabu Ino as MosesMosesMoses was, according to the Hebrew Bible and Qur'an, a religious leader, lawgiver and prophet, to whom the authorship of the Torah is traditionally attributed...
(Young) - Tessho GendaTessho Gendais a Japanese voice actor. He is employed by the talent management firm 81 Produce. When he debuted, he used his real name, . as artist name. Because he had experience with ballet, he was known by the nickname "Pirouette Genda."...
as Moses - Takeshi WatabeTakeshi Watabewas a Japanese voice actor. He was born in Kōchi Prefecture. He usually played villains and performed the voices for many anime characters and tokusatsu villains. He is most famous for voicing Kaminari in Doraemon...
as Pharaoh - Osamu SakaOsamu Sakais a Japanese voice actor who works for Aoni Production.He is most known for the roles of Wheeljack in the Japanese dub of , as well as Seitaro Sakaki , Jotaro Honma , and Daisuke Aramaki .-Anime:* Noah Van Hellsing in Blade* Dr...
as AaronAaronIn the Hebrew Bible and the Qur'an, Aaron : Ααρών ), who is often called "'Aaron the Priest"' and once Aaron the Levite , was the older brother of Moses, and a prophet of God. He represented the priestly functions of his tribe, becoming the first High Priest of the Israelites... - Mizuka Arima as Miriam
- Joji Nakata as JoshuaJoshuaJoshua , is a minor figure in the Torah, being one of the spies for Israel and in few passages as Moses's assistant. He turns to be the central character in the Hebrew Bible's Book of Joshua...
- Tomomichi NishimuraTomomichi Nishimurais a Japanese voice actor who works for Arts Vision. He is most known for the roles of the narrator of YuYu Hakusho, Anzai-sensei , Shibaraku Tsurugibe , and Jamitov Hymem...
as King of Jericho - Yurika HinoYurika Hino, real name Yukari Shimizu, is a Japanese voice actoress.-Anime:* Koram in A Tree of Palme* Sato in Ayakashi* Emi in Baki the Grappler* Sara in New Fist of the North Star* Kurogane in Bleach* Catherine in Submarine 707R* Mei Terumi in Naruto Shippuuden...
as RahabRahabRahab, was, according to the Book of Joshua, a woman who lived in Jericho in the Promised Land and assisted the Israelites in capturing the city... - Masato YamanouchiMasato YamanouchiMasato Yamanouchi was a seiyū who died on April 7, 2003 due to complications from lung cancer just four days after his 74th birthday.-Notable voice roles:...
as SamuelSamuelSamuel is a leader of ancient Israel in the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. He is also known as a prophet and is mentioned in the Qur'an.... - Hiro Yuuki as DavidDavidDavid was the second king of the united Kingdom of Israel according to the Hebrew Bible and, according to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, an ancestor of Jesus Christ through both Saint Joseph and Mary...
(Young) - Unsho Ishizuka as DavidDavidDavid was the second king of the united Kingdom of Israel according to the Hebrew Bible and, according to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, an ancestor of Jesus Christ through both Saint Joseph and Mary...
, AbimelechAbimelechAbimelech was a common name of the Philistine kings.Abimelech was most prominently the name of a king of Gerar who is mentioned in two of the three wife-sister narratives in Genesis...
, Cyrus - Yu ShimakaYu Shimakais a Japanese voice actor . He was born on May 6, 1949 in the Nagano Prefecture. He was formerly affiliated with Production Baobab, and is now affiliated with Production Aigumi.-Television animation:*Animaniacs...
as Goliath - Takaya HashiTakaya Hashiis a Japanese voice actor and actor affiliated with the Seinenza Theater Company. His real name is '.-Television animation:*Allison & Lillia *D.Gray-man *Elemental Gelade...
as SaulSaul-People:Saul is a given/first name in English, the Anglicized form of the Hebrew name Shaul from the Hebrew Bible:* Saul , including people with this given namein the Bible:* Saul , a king of Edom... - Akio OhtsukaAkio Ohtsukais a Japanese actor and voice actor from the Tokyo Metropolitan area. He is currently attached to Mausu Promotion.The astringent and calm quality of his voice has landed him many roles in films, dubbing, animation, and video games...
as EzekielEzekielEzekiel , "God will strengthen" , is the central protagonist of the Book of Ezekiel in the Hebrew Bible. In Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Ezekiel is acknowledged as a Hebrew prophet...
(young) - Tamio Ohki as Ezekiel(old)
- Ryuzaburo Ohtomo as NebuchadnezzarNebuchadnezzarNebuchadnezzar was the name of several kings of Babylonia.* Nebuchadnezzar I, who ruled the Babylonian Empire in the 12th century BC* Nebuchadnezzar II , the Babylonian ruler mentioned in the biblical Book of Daniel...
- Takeshi AonoTakeshi Aonois a Japanese voice actor and actor from Asahikawa, Hokkaidō affiliated with Aoni Production. He graduated from Hokkaidō Asahikawa Higashi High School....
as BelshazzarBelshazzarBelshazzar, or Balthazar , was a 6th century BC prince of Babylon, the son of Nabonidus and the last king of Babylon according to the Book of Daniel . Like his father, it is believed by many scholars that he was an Assyrian. In Daniel Belshazzar, or Balthazar , was a 6th century BC prince of... - Shin AomoriShin Aomoriis a Japanese voice actor who works for Sigma Seven. His real name is . He lives in Aomori Prefecture. With his distinctive grim voice, he is best known as the Japanese voice of Doctor Drakken in Kim Possible and Kibit in Dragon Ball Z....
as SolomonSolomonSolomon , according to the Book of Kings and the Book of Chronicles, a King of Israel and according to the Talmud one of the 48 prophets, is identified as the son of David, also called Jedidiah in 2 Samuel 12:25, and is described as the third king of the United Monarchy, and the final king before... - Motomu KiyokawaMotomu Kiyokawais a Japanese actor and seiyū from Kanagawa Prefecture. He is affiliated with the Tokyo Actor's Consumer's Cooperative Society.-Voice roles:*The Big O *BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger...
as Prophet - Hiroaki HirataHiroaki Hiratais a male seiyū from Tokyo. He stands at 175 centimeters , and is a member of Gekidan Subaru.He is most known for the roles of Sanji , Sha Gojyo , and the Narrator of Digimon Adventure...
as JosephSaint JosephSaint Joseph is a figure in the Gospels, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus Christ .... - Yuri AmanoYuri Amanois a Japanese voice actor. She was born .- Films :* Soreike! Anpanman: Baikinman no Gyakushuu , Akachanman* Mobile Suit Gundam F91 , Jessica* Tobé! Kujira no Peek...
as MaryMary (mother of Jesus)Mary , commonly referred to as "Saint Mary", "Mother Mary", the "Virgin Mary", the "Blessed Virgin Mary", or "Mary, Mother of God", was a Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee... - Sho Hayami as Messenger of God
- Hidekatsu ShibataHidekatsu Shibatais a Japanese voice actor from Asakusa, Tokyo who is affiliated with Aoni Production. He was a classmate of Yasuo Fukuda at Azabu High School. He is married to voice actress Akiko Sekine....
as God - Akira Kume as Narrator
- Lynn Eve Harris as Mary (English dub)