TAIPEI — The Japanese animated movie "Hatta Yoichi" was given wide theatrical release Friday in Taiwan, but few moviegoers here are likely to grasp its political significance.

Purely as "anime" entertainment, the film has much to offer young Taiwanese unconcerned with politics. But it is also a historical biography, and the significance has not been lost on President Ma Ying-jeou, who attended a special showing Nov. 4 in southern Taiwan before the general release.

With bodyguards and dignitaries in tow, Ma made a point of traveling to Tainan to attend the two-hour local premiere. For Ma, the film crystallizes his vision for even-keeled Taiwan-Japan relations.