Kogane No Yama
| Kogane No Yama | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Moses Yacub |
| Screenplay by | Moses Yacub |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Elliott Wheeler |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
Release date |
|
Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | United States Japan Austrilia |
| Language | English Japanese |
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Kogane No Yama is a 2007 Japanese-Australian-American animated musical-comedy film directed and written by Moses Yacub.
Plot
Voice Cast
Main Characters:
- Kyla Goodey as Sakura Kogane Age: 21 | Role: The older sister – smart, empathetic, and adventurous. A student of dance and culture, she becomes the emotional anchor of the film.
- Patricia Rodriguez as Lila Kogane Age: 8 | Role: The protagonist – curious and vibrant, on a heartfelt journey to discover her cultural identity.
- Nina Bulsara as Okemia Oota Role: Tokyo’s cultural ambassador. Initially stern and competitive, but undergoes a touching arc to become a family ally. Final performance by Nina Bulsara (daughter of Freddie Mercury).
Supporting Cast:
- Gina Joplin as Patrick Kogane / Lila’s Cousins (Multiple cousin roles)
- Bruce Lanoil as:
- Ty Kogane (Lila’s father)
- Lila’s Cousins
- Uncles: George, Steve, Takeshi, Benjamin, Timmy, and Wyatt Kogane
- Susan Garland as:
- Joanna Kogane (Lila’s mother)
- Lila’s Cousins
- Rachel, Misaki, Adora, Melissa, Emily Kogane
- Jeremy Scrivener as Noah Kogane / Lila’s Cousins
Soundtrack
(Performed by the cast and special guest artists)
- Dreams of Our Generation – (Sakura and Lila and their family sing while preparing for their trip to Japan at the airport.)
- Ojamanga Yamada – (Sakura and Lila watches a fun, classic animated movie on the in-flight entertainment.)
- Last Train with Red Lamp – (Their Uncle sings about the long journey ahead as they near Tokyo.)
- Do You Love This Kind of Thing – (Excited to arrive in Tokyo, the Kogane family sings about their first impressions.)
- Firefly – (Lila and Sakura learns about Japanese traditions and history, guided by Okemia Oota.)
- God Will (Music Score) – (A touching instrumental theme as the Kogane family moves into their rented apartment.)
- I Can’t Wait for You – (Timmy Kogane sings to Lila about the exciting ballroom tour coming up the next day.)
- I’m Not Alone – (The Kogane family celebrates at the Japanese Festival Parade.)
- Majin Kaiser – (A dramatic choral song showcasing the growing rivalry between Sakura and Anna Nicole.)
- Space Warrior Baldios – (Lila and her father, Ty, share a bonding moment watching a Japanese basketball game on TV.)
- I Feel Fine – (Joanna Kogane sings as a waitress working at a traditional Japanese diner.)
- Soon the Woman Will Be Beautiful – (Okemia, Sakura and Lila sings about their thoughts on the Japanese Festival Ballroom.)
- Ganbare Genki – (A lively festival number where everyone dances, until Okemia Oota steps in for a challenge.)
- Fatal Blooms in Moon (Music Score) – (Okemia and Anna Nicole engage in an epic dance battle, leading to a moment of understanding.)
- Tatsujin Mint Tears – (Lila and Sakura the group sing a song with Okemia Oota.)
- I Love You My Kun – (A feel-good finale where everyone joins in a dance at the Festival Ballroom.)
- Tokimeki No Monogatari – (Sakura, Lila and their family board their flight back home, while Okemia moves to the U.S. to start a new chapter.)
Impact & Legacy
Kogane No Yama is a groundbreaking international co-production, blending Japanese, Australian, and American animation styles. It set the foundation for The Kogane Family animated series, which premiered since on July 19, 2008, and ran for multiple seasons, exploring the Kogane family’s adventures in Puzzle Mega City, USA.
Over the years, the film became a cult favorite, praised for its cultural representation, humor, and catchy musical numbers. It was released worldwide between 2007–2019, with various DVD and streaming releases, keeping it alive for generations of fans.
