Koro no Daisanpo (Japanese: コロの大さんぽ, Koro's Big Day Out) is a 2002 Japanese animated short film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. The film follows the adventures of a playful puppy named Koro, who wanders away from his mistress and explores the town before being joyfully reunited with his owner.
Plot
The story begins with Koro, a spirited puppy, living with his young mistress in a quiet Japanese neighborhood. One day, while playing outside, Koro slips away and begins wandering the town. As he explores, he encounters various friendly and curious townsfolk, including shopkeepers and children, who share small moments with him.
During his adventure, Koro experiences the bustling sights and sounds of the town, but also moments of danger, such as getting caught in a busy street. Despite his misadventures, Koro's cheerful and curious nature wins the hearts of those he meets. Eventually, his worried young mistress finds him, and Koro happily returns home, bringing his adventure to a joyful conclusion.
Release
Koro's Big Day Out was created as an exclusive short film for the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. It is part of a collection of short films shown exclusively at the museum's Saturn Theater. The film is also screened at the Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture as part of the park's immersive experience.
Production
The film was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the acclaimed director known for his work on Studio Ghibli's feature-length films, including My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. Koro's Big Day Out reflects Miyazaki's signature style of storytelling, with an emphasis on simple, heartfelt narratives and vibrant, hand-drawn animation.
Reception
As an exclusive offering at the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park, Koro's Big Day Out has been praised for its charming simplicity and its appeal to both children and adults. It is often highlighted as an example of Miyazaki's ability to tell meaningful stories in a short format.