Crayon Shin-chan: Arashi wo Yobu Appare! Sengoku Daikassen

Released in 2002 as the tenth feature film in the Crayon Shin-chan franchise, Arashi wo Yobu Appare! Sengoku Daikassen was produced by Shin-Ei Animation and directed by Keiichi Hara. The film represents a significant departure from the series' typical irreverent comedy, shifting toward a poignant, historical drama set during the Sengoku period. This narrative pivot was a deliberate choice by Hara to explore themes of sacrifice and human connection, grounding the characters in a serious, period-accurate environment that challenged the established tone of the long-running franchise.

The film was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, frequently cited as the pinnacle of the Shin-chan filmography for its emotional depth and sophisticated storytelling. Its success led to a 2009 live-action adaptation titled Ballad, which retained the film's core narrative structure. The original animation is noted for its respectful depiction of historical themes, which earned it several accolades, including the Excellence Award in the Animation category at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival, cementing its legacy as a landmark work in Japanese animation.