WOWOW's 1994 'Planet Zero'—Do you remember that elusive short animation that traveled with the finest Blue Note sound?
1994, a strange world unfolding beyond the television screen
In the mid-1990s, a short animation titled 'Planet Zero' (directed by Emi Tarusaki) was broadcast quietly but with a powerful presence during WOWOW's non-scrambled programming block.
Despite being only a few minutes long, the shock I felt when I witnessed it in front of the TV back then is still vividly burned into my memory.
(*The main visual for this heading is something I drew based on my memories from that time.)
The protagonist, drawn with simple lines like a pictogram, stripped of any unnecessary ornamentation.
And the 'Sun,' with its colorful, elegant, and gentle face, accompanying the protagonist as if leading the way.
With a visual composition that is extremely simple and modern, reminiscent of design artwork, it was an overwhelmingly sophisticated piece of 'moving modern art' that stood completely apart from the terrestrial anime of the time. It depicted a strange and wonderful journey, guided by a sun that stretched out colorful flames within a minimalist, white-based world.
The moment when the sounds of the 60s and 70s sounded like cutting-edge modern music
And above all, what I cannot forget are the superb pieces of music that played in the background of those visuals.
What was playing there was soul jazz, rare groove, and jazz funk, centered on Blue Note records from the 1960s and 1970s.
Even though more than 20 years had passed since their production, these tracks, when combined with the inorganic and artistic visuals, didn't sound like retro nostalgia, but rather flew into my ears as 'brand new modern sounds delivered from the future.'
Captivated by the perfect marriage of visuals and music, I still remember searching for the songs immediately after the broadcast and rushing to CD shops in a frenzy to find the original tracks.
Below is the list of songs used in 'Planet Zero' that I was able to identify after researching them at the time. Out of the 25 times it was broadcast, these are the only 6 songs I have been able to identify, including the opening and ending themes.
For those familiar with this scene of rare groove, I think these are all undisputed masterpieces, but around 1993, a bible-like compilation called 'Blue Break Beats' was released, which conveniently collected the masterpieces sampled by producers from the dawn of hip-hop through the 90s. Since some of them were included there, I will introduce them with links and compilation information, filled with my own personal attachment. Since 'Blue Break Beats' has many series in addition to Vol. 1-4, there is a possibility that some of the songs used might be hidden among them.
Opening
Richard "Groove" Holmes / Groovin' for Mr. G (1971)
Ending
Gene Harris / Higga-Boom (1974)
Main Part 1
George Braith / The Man I Love (1963)
Main Part 2
Moacir Santos / Luanne (1972)
Main Part 3
Bobbi Humphrey / Jasper Country Man (1973)
Main Part 4
Big John Patton / Latona (1965)
So, what did you think?
Every single song is a masterpiece that possesses both a rich groove and intelligence, far beyond mere background music. Looking back now, I can only take my hat off to the sharp sense of the selection staff at the time.
[Request for Information] Does anyone know the rest of the tracklist?
There is almost no organized record of 'Planet of Zero' left on the internet, and I feel it is a great shame that such a wonderful fusion of music and art should remain buried.
Those who have tapes recorded at the time or notes on the music selection
Those who remember, 'This was the song that played in this episode'
Those who were involved in the production or music selection at the time
If anyone knows even a little about the music from the remaining episodes, could you please let me know in the comments section?
I would be happy if I could revive this 'phantom playlist' into its complete form together with all of you who were captivated by that sophisticated world in the same era.
Postscript.
I found one more song from the rack. This is also a hard-hitting organ track, but it was definitely used. Including the above, there are 5 songs in the main story, but in the actual broadcast, only a little over the first 2 minutes were used. These 2 minutes are a condensed version of the best parts, which makes me appreciate its quality even more.
Main story 5
Lonnie Smith / Spinning Wheel (1970)
That makes a total of 7 songs. (Since there are 5 songs in the main story, that's 5/25)
To those who have read this article (I assume those who know are likely in their late 40s to 50s...), I ask again that if you have any information at all, please leave a comment.