YouTube Finds: Anne of Green Gables Ghibli-style Japanese Anime from 1979 (Full Series)

This incredible 50-episode series recreates the Anne of Green Gables books in vintage, beautiful Ghibli-style Japanese anime. I must say, anime can go places live performances simply can’t. The Japanese had incredible respect for the story even down to its small but significant beats.

Click here for the series playlist

There’s also an English audio playlist of the series

Here’s the first episode with English subtitles

Why do the Japanese love Anne so much?

The amount of respect and commitment the Japanese show to maintaining the lore and spirit of Anne of Green Gables surprised me.

So, I asked ChatGPT why the Japanese love Anne so much and here is its rather surprisingly well written response…

Anne of Green Gables has been incredibly popular in Japan since the 1970s, when the novel was first translated into Japanese. The story and characters have resonated deeply with Japanese readers, and the book has become a beloved classic in Japan as well.

There are several reasons why Anne of Green Gables has captured the hearts of the Japanese people. First, the novel is set in a picturesque rural environment, which is highly romanticized in Japanese culture. The descriptions of nature and the changing seasons are highly appreciated by the Japanese, who have a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.

Secondly, the novel’s themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of imagination and friendship have universal appeal, and are highly valued in Japanese culture as well. Anne’s positive and optimistic outlook on life, despite the challenges she faces, is also highly admired by the Japanese, who value resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Finally, the Japanese have a particular affinity for the character of Anne, who is seen as a symbol of the innocent and pure-hearted spirit of youth. Anne’s innocence, curiosity, and imagination have made her a beloved character in Japan, where there is a strong cultural emphasis on the importance of maintaining a childlike sense of wonder and joy throughout one’s life.

Some of these points make a whole lot of sense after you see how much heart they poured into the 1979 series.

Anne of Green Gables Audiobook

You can find a surprising number of free audiobooks on YouTube but finding a quality narration and listenable reading voice is always the challenge. This one is pretty good.