What is Hyokkori Gourd Island?
This TV puppet show was broadcast 1,224 times (excluding special programs and reruns) on NHK General TV from 5:45 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for five years from 1964 (Showa 39) to 1969 (Showa 44). The story was co-written by Inoue Hisashi and Yamamoto Morihisa, the puppets were operated by Hitomi-za, the music was by Uno Seiichiro, the opening animation was by Kuri Yoji, and the puppet design was by Kataoka Masaru. A remake was produced from 1991 (Heisei 3), and it is still loved by many people today.
story
One day, Teacher Sunday and his five students go on a field trip to Hyotan Island. Suddenly, the Hyotan Volcano erupts, destroying the bridge connecting the island to the mainland. To their surprise, Hyotan Island begins to drift across the ocean. A group of eccentric adults also arrive: Dandy, a gangster who escapes from a plane being transported as a prisoner; Torahige, a pirate who washes ashore on a raft; and Don Gabacho, a politician who falls off the TV screen after being questioned by a reporter. The group ends up living on Hyotan Island, encountering people from various countries and encountering difficulties, but drifting on with wisdom and courage.
character
Don Gabacho
The president of Gourd Island. A talkative man who likes to give speeches whenever he gets the chance. He graduated from Oxbridge and Cambridge University. His graduation thesis was "On the influence of caramel crust on international politics." His conclusion was "There is no connection, and there shouldn't be." His special skill is being able to say "good morning" in 57 languages. He is also skilled in animal language. He is particularly fluent in Japanese, apparently because his father served as ambassador to Japan. His hobbies include writing novels and biographies, and writing "Donga Bacho Memoirs" has become his life's work.
signature campaign
I want to see Hyotan Island again!
We have started a petition calling for the rebroadcast of the many TV puppet shows, including the remake of Hyokkori Hyotanjima, and for them to be available to watch on NHK On Demand.
For the future of children and adults alike
