http://animaniajapan.livedoor.biz/archives/29415199.html According to
Asahi.com, an animation film which seems to have been made in Meiji period was found at the personal residence of an old family in Kyoto.
Matsumoto, adjunct instructor of Osaka University of Arts, estimated the period by the technique it was made by. The technique is called “kappa-ban”which used to be used on a lantern slide in Meji period (1868 - 1912).
If it is verified, it will break the record of Japan’s oldest animation film, 芋川椋三 玄関番の巻 (Imokawa Ryouzou Genkan-ban no maki) made in 1917.
The newly discovered film is 35mm wide and it consists of 50 frames, making itself a three-second show. In the film, a boy in the sailor uniform turns around with the letters 活動写真 (cinematograph) in the background. Along with the film, an old projector and several imported films are found at the house.
Tsuken, the collaborator of Matsumoto, says “However the question whether we should regard it as one of modern animation films or not remains*, it is an outstanding discovery that there was an animation film in the Meiji period.”
They will continue their investigation to specify the date it was printed and will publish a paper.