The Whale Hunt(2001)

Kujira-tori

A short film only screened at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. This animated short film is based on a story piece included in a longtime classic and awards-winning children's book "Iya Iya En" by Rieko Nakagawa.

Shigeru is a little boy who goes to the Tulip Nursery School. One morning at school, Shigeru sees the boys a year older building a ship with blocks. He wants to join in too. The completed ship is named the Elephant and Lion. Soon, the children realize the surroundings have transformed into a sea, and even fishes are swimming. The boys load fishing rods and ropes onto the Elephant and Lion, and set out on a whale hunt.

(Source: Ghibli Museum, edited)