Reksio and the Value of Children’s Media
Rediscovering the quiet magic of childhood cartoons.
Cover photo: Image still from Reksio (1967-1990). Via Audycje Kulturalne (cropped).
Intro
As an English teacher in Japan, I spend a lot of time talking about cartoons. My students are always eager to talk about popular anime and their favorite characters. Immersed in the culture of Japanese animation, I had nearly forgotten the cartoons of my own childhood.
Growing up in Poland, I was enamored by the nightly show known as Dobranocka (Good Night Program) or Wieczorynka (Evening Program). Each evening around 19:00 (7:00 PM), the show featured a single episode chosen from a rotation of different cartoons.
Reksio
My personal favorite was Reksio, starring the titular dog Reksio (Polish for Rex). The series followed the friendly canine’s adventures, exploring various roles like “Athlete” (Sportowiec), “Lifeguard” (Ratownik), or “Nurse” (Pielęgniarz).
The character of Reksio was created by animation pioneer Lechosław Marszałek and the series was produced by Studio Filmów Rysunkowych (The Animated Film Studio) in Bielsko-Biała — the team was also behind the classic cartoon Bolek i Lolek. Reksio first aired from 1967 to 1990, yet the beloved dog endures through stamps and books, as well as a mural and bronze statue.
Reksio episodes balanced the fantastical and mundane. There’s no dialogue, allowing children of all ages (and nationalities) to enjoy the films easily. The music and sound design was especially delightful. But Reksio was more than entertainment; it modelled values of kindness, athleticism, and curiosity.
Children’s Media
Media — and especially children’s media — is profoundly influential. Helena Filek-Marszałek, the wife of Reksio’s creator, says, “My husband always tried to incorporate sports themes into his films to encourage children to participate.” In Japan, the hit anime Haikyu!! is credited with reversing a decline in boys’ volleyball participation.
On a global scale, media is also a form of soft power. It was Japanese media like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! that first interested me in the nation. During his visit to Japan in 2015, U.S. President Barack Obama thanked the country for manga and anime. That same year, the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage adopted Studio Filmów Rysunkowych as a state cultural institution.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., public broadcasting has been under attack. After decades of Republican threats, President Trump moved to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) — a stark contrast to Japan and Poland, where children’s animation is celebrated as cultural heritage.
Slow TV
Rewatching Reksio today, I noted the relaxed pacing. Compared to the infinite scroll of TikTok, watching these old cartoons feels like a meditative experience. In fact, a new generation of parents is rediscovering the benefits of “Slow TV.”
“[Fast-paced programming] may lead to shorter attention spans, heightened irritability and impulsive behaviors,” warns child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Zabina Bhasin.
Conclusion
Children’s media carries immense power. These stories shape our values, our hobbies, and our understanding of the world. That’s why Reksio still matters.
