This rendition of Pinocchio recounts the tale of an exceedingly gullible, innocent and morally ambiguous wooden puppet awakened by a mysterious azure fairy. Pinocchio (Mokku) is depicted with numerous character flaws that he must conquer to earn the right of becoming human. These shortcomings include selfishness, rudeness, insensitivity, laziness, obstinacy, excessive trust, self‑pity, stupidity, disobedience, compulsive lying, arrogance, greed, cowardice, recklessness, cruelty, foolishness and an inability to learn from errors.
Throughout the entire series Pinocchio (Mokku), largely because of his own misconduct and repeated disobedience, must endure further costly trials of hardship and suffering in which he is constantly tormented, persecuted, bullied, humiliated, deceived, mocked, ostracized, beaten, oppressed and subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment. Its stark portrayal of the grim reality of being literally subhuman while growing up amid danger and hardship exemplifies traditional Japanese tales that impart moral lessons through rigorous endurance. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale that reminds audiences of the importance of integrity, perseverance and empathy in overcoming adversity deeply sincerely.
Tatsunoko Japan