Anime

Anime is a type of animation from Japan. When we say "anime" in English, it usually means animation made in Japan. But in Japan, "anime" can describe any animated work, no matter where it comes from. Over time, many animated shows and movies with a style similar to Japanese animation have been made outside of Japan. Sometimes, video games also feature art and themes that people call anime.

The first commercial Japanese animation started in 1917. A special art style for anime began in the 1960s thanks to a cartoonist named Osamu Tezuka and became popular over the years. Anime can be watched in theaters, on television, directly to home media, and over the Internet. Many anime stories come from Japanese comics called manga, light novels, or video games. There are many different types of anime, called genres, that appeal to many people.

Anime is a creative way of making shows. It often focuses on detailed backgrounds and creative "camera effects" like zooming and different angles. The art styles in anime can look very different, and characters often have large, expressive eyes. The anime industry has many production companies, including famous studios like Studio Ghibli, Kyoto Animation, and Toei Animation. Since the 1980s, anime has become popular around the world, especially with dubbed and subtitled versions, and even more so with streaming services. Today, anime is one of the fastest-growing types of content globally, influencing media and culture everywhere.

Etymology

Anime is a type of animation, which is like moving drawings that tell stories. In Japan, the word "anime" is used for all kinds of animated works, no matter where they come from. But when people talk about anime in English, they usually mean animation that comes from Japan.

The word "anime" comes from the English word "animation." In Japanese, "animation" is written as アニメーション, and the shorter form is アニメ, which we say as "anime." Before many people used the word "anime," it was common to say "Japanimation," a mix of the words "Japan" and "animation." But today, we mostly use "anime" instead.

History

Main articles: History of anime and History of anime in the United States

Long before animation, Japan had moving pictures. Emakimono was popular in the 11th century. Storytellers told tales while unrolling painted scrolls. Shadow plays called kage-e, influenced by China, were also common. Later, paper plays named kamishibai and puppet shows like Bunraku added more ways to tell stories.

Anime began in the early 1900s. Japanese filmmakers tried new animation styles. Some of the first animated films were made then. By the 1930s, animation became a regular way to make shows and movies. Animators kept improving. The 1950s brought animated ads on television.

The 1960s saw a big change with manga artist Osamu Tezuka. He made animation simpler and cheaper. His style shaped much of anime today. The first anime TV series appeared, and Astro Boy_ became very popular. The 1970s and 1980s brought new kinds of stories. By the 1990s, anime was loved around the world. Big hits like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Sailor Moon drew fans from many countries. Today, anime continues to grow.

Attributes

Anime is different from other cartoons because of its art styles, methods, and how it is made. It often uses special art styles, with characters that have large, oval eyes and bright colors. The animation can be simple, with fewer movements, which helps save time and money.

Anime is made using different ways. Modern anime often uses computers to make the process faster. In the past, artists drew pictures on blackboards or used paper cutouts. Today, many anime shows use digital tools to create their scenes. The stories can be very detailed, and the backgrounds might look like real places. Anime is filmed like a movie, with camera moves such as zooming and panning, which makes it feel more real.

Characters in anime often have realistic body sizes, but sometimes they are drawn in a funny, small way for comedy. Eyes are usually very large to show emotions clearly. Hair can be colorful and move in big ways to show what the character is feeling. Anime uses special symbols to show emotions, like sweat drops for nervousness or red veins for anger.

Music in anime often includes popular Japanese songs that match the story. These songs are used at the beginning or end of episodes and sometimes during important scenes. In recent years, anime songs have become very popular around the world, with some even topping international music charts.

Anime can be for different age groups, such as children, teens, or adults. Some anime includes more complex stories for older viewers. There are many different types of anime, including science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, and they often mix these styles in interesting ways. Anime can be watched in theaters, on television, or online, and the way stories are told can be different from traditional TV shows, with some stories continuing over many episodes.

Industry

See also: List of anime companies and List of Japanese animation studios

The anime industry has many companies. Some big studios are Toei Animation, Madhouse, Gonzo, Sunrise, Bones, TMS Entertainment, Nippon Animation, P.A. Works, Studio Pierrot, Production I.G, Ufotable, and Studio Ghibli. These studios sometimes work together to make shows. Making one episode of anime can cost a lot of money.

Anime is popular all over the world. It is shown on television and sold on DVDs. Some shows are made for older viewers and are less popular outside Japan.

Anime needs to be licensed by companies in other countries before it can be shown there. Licensing can cost a lot of money.

The anime market has grown a lot over the years. The industry keeps getting bigger.

Markets

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) found that the anime market in Japan was worth a lot of money in 2005. In the United States, the market was also worth a lot of money that same year. By 2017, the anime market in China was worth even more and was expected to grow. In Europe, the market was worth about $950 million and is expected to grow.

Globally, the anime market has grown a lot and is expected to keep growing.

Awards

The anime industry gives out awards each year to honor the best works. In Japan, some of these awards include the Ōfuji Noburō Award, the Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film, the Animation Kobe Awards, the Japan Media Arts Festival animation awards, the Seiyu Awards for voice actors, the Tokyo Anime Award, and the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year. Internationally, anime is also recognized in awards like the Crunchyroll Anime Awards and The Astra Awards. Anime has even won awards not specifically for anime, such as the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the Golden Bear.

Working conditions

There have been concerns about working conditions in the anime industry. Some animators work very long hours and do not earn enough money. The Japanese government has promised to improve these conditions. Some studios have started to make changes to help their workers. The government is working to support the anime industry and help it grow while making sure workers are treated fairly.

Global popularity and cultural impact

See also: Japanese pop culture in the United States, History of anime in the United States, Japanese influence on Chinese culture, Japanese influence on Korean culture, Anime in hip hop, and List of highest-grossing anime films

Anime is very popular and successful all over the world. Early shows like Astro Boy and Speed Racer introduced anime to people in other countries in the 1960s. By the 1990s, more people in the United States liked anime because of series like Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z. Today, services like Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu make it easy for everyone to watch anime.

Anime has influenced many parts of life, such as fashion and movies. It has also helped Japan build better relationships with other countries. Many people worldwide enjoy watching anime and talking about it online.

Fan response

See also: Anime and manga fandom, Anime and manga fandom in Poland, ACG (subculture), and List of anime conventions

Fans of anime often meet at special events called conventions. At these events, people can dress up as characters (cosplay) and watch talks about anime. Anime has also inspired fans to make their own stories and art. Some fans visit places that appear in their favorite shows, called "anime pilgrimages."

Anime style

Anime often talks about ideas that are more complex than just children’s stories. Over time, anime’s style has inspired animations from other countries. Some shows, like Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, use an anime style but were not made in Japan. These are called "anime-influenced animation."

Media franchises

Further information: Media mix and List of highest-grossing media franchises

In Japan, creators often tell their stories in many different ways, like TV shows, games, toys, and more. This is called a "media mix." Popular franchises like Pokémon, Dragon Ball, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba have become successful all around the world.