Dog of Flanders (TV series)

 is a 1975 Japanese animated television series adaptation of Ouida's 1872 novel of the same name, produced by Nippon Animation. 52 episodes were produced. A film version was released in 1997.
The series represents the bond between a boy and his ever so faithful dog living in 19th century Belgium. The emotional story shows the boys struggles in life as his grandfather dies and leaves him with his dog. It shows how the hopes of becoming a great classical painter have been seemingly crushed by his grandfather's passing and the way he takes after that tragedy.
Production.
The animators conducted extensive research on 19th century Flanders. Although it has to be said that a lot of features in the series are not Flemish but typically Dutch (the girl's hat and the tulips for example). The buildings depicted in the series were modeled after the Bokrijk open-air museum.. Although there have been some changes from the original story by Marie Louise de la Ramée, it has been faithful in keeping the storyline accurate.
"Dog of Flanders" aired on Fuji TV between January 5, 1975 and December 28, 1975. It was repeated daily in early mornings in 2012.
Film.
A film, titled was released in March 1997. It was distributed by Shochiku. It grossed ¥243,543,645 at the box office. The film was released on VHS in 1999 and later released on DVD in March 2000.
Cast.
Voices for orphan children provided by Jessica Evans, Dylan Hart, Sophie Lechken, Alex Mandelberg, Bryce Papenbrook.
References in other media.
The main opening theme song "Yoake-no Michi" (よあけのみち) has always been popular in Japan since the series' debut. It was featured in a daydream sequence in the live action adaptation of "Nodame Cantabile", starring "Juri Ueno" and "Hiroshi Tamaki", with the character of Nodame singing the song while taking a bath. It was also used in the anime adaptation of "" as protagonist Subaru Natsuki's ringtone.