The oldest extant Japanese animation tells the comical tale of a samurai who makes a bad purchase. Rediscovered in 2008 in an Osaka antique store, “The Dull Sword,” or “Namakura Gatana,” centers on its protagonist’s failed attempts to use his new, dull weapon, providing many humorous moments throughout its two-minute run (including a lot of goofy, rolling eyeballs). The short was produced in 1917 by anime pioneer Jun’ichi Kouchi, and to celebrate its centennial, the National Film Center of Japan’s National Museum of Modern Art recently uploaded over 60 vintage, animated film classics on one website, all made between 1917 and 1941.
[hyperallergic.com]