The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

When a young girl named Dorothy moves to her grandparents' farm, a violent tornado lifts the house and drops it into a strange, colorful land far from home. The house lands on a wicked witch, and a kindly sorceress tells Dorothy that a powerful magician in the Emerald Capital might be able to send her back. To reach that city she walks through curious regions, meeting a scarecrow who longs for thought, a metal man who seeks a heart, and a lion who needs courage. Together they face odd dangers, uncanny towns, and moral choices as they press on toward the Emerald City.

Released in 1986, this animated television adaptation was directed by Hiroshi Saito and credits L. Frank Baum as its original author, with Katsu Denka and Hiro Obayashi involved in the series creation. It presents Baum's story through a Japanese animation lens and a serialized TV format.

The show did not collect major international awards, and there are no widely reported Emmy or Golden Globe wins. Its recognition has been more modest, found in fan communities and niche retrospectives rather than mainstream prize lists.

As an anime take on an American children's classic, the series helped introduce Baum's characters to viewers who knew them through different media. Memorable voice performances include Sumi Shimamoto as Dorothy and Masako Nozawa in dual roles, which helped the show stand out among 1980s family animation in Japan and abroad.

Audience reaction has been generally positive, reflected in a vote average of 8.232 out of 10 from viewers who rate it on fan platforms. Critics and fans note its emphasis on themes like friendship, identity, and the meaning of bravery, and they often praise the warm character dynamics and imaginative settings. The pacing and episodic adventures make it family friendly, aimed at children but with enough personality to hold older viewers' interest.