What is this film? Japanimation longshot.

[Pete B6K]

Theres an animated film I used to watch when i was little, and forgot its name long ago. It was made in that japanese style with the big round mouths (only way i can describe it), set in ancient japan, little ninja kid on a quest with a big fat guy helping him. I remember a river-crossing scene being significant and a nightmare scene where the boy is attacked by a big group of evil samurai. And i seem to remember them eating rice-cake things quite a lot. Would make my day if someone could tell me what  it was, but i wouldnt be surprised if noones got a clue what im on about.

[Akira Tubo]

Try an IMDB keyword search.

[Squishy]

No dice on the IMDB. However, I might have found something on Google...

Check this quick! Is Ninja The Wonder Boy the character you're looking for?
http://page.auctions.shopping.yahoo.com/uk/auction/55175184?aucview=0x10

There was also a comedic anime series featuring a kid in a black ninja outfit; very simple animation with completely round, Doraemon-type eyes on the characters. Unfortunately, I don't know the title and can't find it online...

[Squishy]

Also, there is Manga Sarutobi Sasuke--

http://www.comune.modena.it/glamazonia/mij/cronologie/p-z/sasuke.htm

...even older that Ninja The Wonder Boy from the looks of it, and his companion is big and ugly. Damn, these are hard to find with pics!!

[Cullen]

You could try thumbing through "The Anime Encyclopedia,” assuming you can find it at your local bookstore (or, maybe, library.)  I've found several "japanimation" shows I watched as a kid in it.  (Pictures are, unfortunately, quite scarce in the book, due to rights issues, as I recall.)

[Pete B6K]

Thanks a lot guys. I'm almost 100% sure that Ninja the Wonder Boy is the right one. :)