History of Anime

Anime: The Beginning

The journey of anime took place in the early 20th century. Japanese artists began experimenting with animation in the 1910s and 1920s Influenced by Western animation.

The earliest known Japanese animated film is Namakura Gatana (“The Dull Sword”), created in 1917 by Jun’ichi Kōuchi. It was made using chalk. The duration of the anime is 4 minutes 18 seconds . This less than 5 minutes silent short film is considered one of the first steps toward what would eventually evolve into modern anime.

By the 1930s, Japan’s animation industry grew, but the focus was primarily on short films and propaganda during World War II. A major turning point in the animation industry came after World War II, In the 1950s when Osamu Tezuka revolutionized the field who is now known as “The God of Manga and Anime”

Tezuka’s work on the manga “Astro Boy” in 1952 led to its adaptation into the first successful Japanese television anime series in 1963. He is credited with pioneering the aesthetic of modern anime, including large expressive eyes, which allowed for more emotional depth in characters.Tezuka’s style became the template for future anime, and his work helped shift the focus from short films to longer television series.

Image by Mazaroh

Rise of the Anime Industry in Japan

Many believe the 1960’s is the golden age of anime.It was a time of great creativity and innovation in the industry, the first anime television series, “Astro Boy,” was broadcast in 1963 and became a huge success, paving the way for other anime series to follow.

The 1970s and 1980s saw the anime industry expand significantly. The rise of studios like Toei Animation and Sunrise contributed to the development of new genres. Mecha anime, centered on giant robots, became incredibly popular, with series like “Mobile Suit Gundam” (1979) defining the genre.

During this period, anime also began to cater to a wider variety of audiences, moving beyond children’s programming. Shows with more mature themes, including “Akira” (1988), directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, helped establish anime as a medium capable of handling adult themes and complex narratives.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Studio Ghibli, co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, brought anime to international attention with films like “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988), “Princess Mononoke” (1997), and the Academy Award-winning “Spirited Away” (2001).

The Bond Between Manga and Anime

Manga has had a profound impact on anime, with many anime series being adaptations of popular manga. Manga is often serialized in magazines, allowing creators to tell longer, more detailed stories. If a manga becomes successful, it is likely to be adapted into an anime series, and in some cases, multiple adaptations are created over time.

While the two media are distinct, the boundary between them is often blurred, with anime adaptations often closely following the plot and style of their manga counterparts. Popular series like “Naruto,” “Dragon Ball,” “One Piece,” and “Attack on Titan” all began as manga.

The Evolution of Anime Genres

Now let’s discuss Anime genres!

Anime spans many genres, catering to diverse audiences. Some of the most prominent genres include:

Shonen: Targeted at a younger male audience, often featuring action-packed stories of growth and friendship. Popular examples include “Naruto”, “Dragon Ball Z”, and “One Piece”.

Shojo: Aimed at young females, typically focusing on romance, relationships, and emotional development. Series like “Sailor Moon” and “Cardcaptor Sakura” are iconic examples.

Seinen: Geared towards adult men, offering more mature themes, often darker and more complex. Series like “Berserk”, “Cowboy Bebop”, and “Ghost in the Shell” fall under this category.

Josei: Similar to Shojo but aimed at adult women, dealing with more nuanced and realistic relationships, as seen in “Nana” or “Honey and Clover”.

Mecha: Focusing on giant robots, mecha anime like “Gundam”, “Neon Genesis Evangelion”, and “Code Geass” delve into the intersection of technology, war, and humanity.

Isekai: Meaning “different world,” this genre has exploded in popularity in recent years, often involving characters transported to or reincarnated in fantasy worlds. Series like “Sword Art Online” and “Re:Zero” exemplify this genre.

Even though every genre has its own targeted audience, a large number of viewers enjoy every genre.

Global Popularity of Anime

Anime’s global popularity began in the late 20th century, largely thanks to the proliferation of home video technologies and later, the internet. Shows like “Pokémon,” “Dragon Ball Z,” and “Sailor Moon” reached multiple countries, introducing anime to new audiences worldwide.

By the early 2000s, the availability of fan-subtitled anime episodes online (fansubs) and the rise of official streaming services like Crunchyroll and Funimation accelerated the growth of anime’s international fanbase. Today, anime is a major part of global pop culture, with massive fanbases in North America, Europe, and beyond.

Major anime films, particularly from Studio Ghibli and creators like Makoto Shinkai (known for “Your Name”) and Mamoru Hosoda (known for “Wolf Children”), played significant roles in the international growth and success.

The Modern Anime Industry

The anime industry continues to grow, driven by both domestic and international demand. In 2022, the Japanese animation industry was estimated to be worth over $20 billion. Studios like MAPPA, Ufotable, and Kyoto Animation have produced visually stunning and narratively rich works in recent years, including shows like “Demon Slayer”, “Jujutsu Kaisen”, and “Attack on Titan”.

Streaming platforms have also revolutionized anime distribution, with Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime producing and distributing original anime series.

Conclusion

Anime has evolved from a niche Japanese art form to a global cultural force, encompassing a wide range of genres, themes, and styles. Its influence on pop culture, both in Japan and abroad, cannot be overstated. From its humble beginnings with hand-drawn short films in the early 20th century to its status as a multi-billion dollar industry today, anime’s journey reflects the creativity and passion of its creators and fans alike.

Whether through traditional series, films, or the rise of streaming platforms, anime continues to capture the imaginations of audiences around the world. Its cultural impact, from fan conventions to cosplay, is a testament to its enduring appeal and the vibrant community that surrounds it.

KEY POINTS :

Timeline of major events in Anime history:

1917: The first anime film was created.

1963: The first anime television series, “Astro Boy,” broadcast.

1970s: Science fiction anime emerges, with series such as “Space Battleship Yamato” and “Mobile Suit Gundam.”

1980s: Romantic comedy anime emerges, with series such as “Urusei Yatsura” and “Ranma 1/2.”

1990s: Anime becomes more widely available in the West, with the emergence of companies such as Funimation and Viz Media.

2000s: The rise of streaming services makes it easier for fans to access and enjoy anime from around the world.

2010s: Anime experienced a global boom, with mainstream platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu streaming series, introducing new audiences worldwide. Iconic series like Attack on Titan, One Punch Man, and My Hero Academia reach massive popularity, contributing to anime’s growth in Western pop culture.

Notable studios:

Notable creators:

Osamu Tezuka
Hayao Miyazaki
Akira Toriyama
Eiichiro Oda
Masashi Kishimoto