The Little Prince and the Eight-Headed Dragon

Synopsis

This anime film follows the story of the god Susanoo, depicted as a cute boy, whose mother Izanami has passed away. He is deeply affected by her loss, but his father Izanagi tells him that after death, she went to the heavens. Despite his father's warnings, Susanoo eventually embarks on a journey to find her. Along with his companions Akahana, a small talking rabbit, and Taitanbo, a strong yet kind giant from the Land of Fire, Susanoo overcomes every obstacle during his long and wondrous voyage. He eventually arrives in the Izumo Province, where he meets a little girl named Princess Kushinada and becomes friends with her. He also thinks she is so beautiful that she resembles his mother Izanami. Kushinada's family tells Susanoo that their other seven daughters were sacrificed to the terrifying eight-headed serpent, the Orochi. So infatuated with Kushinada, Susanoo decides to help her family protect her and slay the Orochi once and for all, as he, Akahana, and Taitanbo prepare for the spectacular showdown . . .

Background

Winner of the 1963 Oofuji Noburou Award.