What is Anime?

Japanese animation refers to animation productions from Japan. These range from movies and television shows created using animation techniques. While most japanese animation productions originate from Japan, the popularity and influence of japanese animation have expanded worldwide with various international productions also considered japanese animation.

Origins of Anime

The earliest known japanese animation productions date back to the early 1900s with works like Namakura Gatana. However, japanese animation began emerging as a distinct art form in the late 1950s inspired by American animation. Osamu Tezuka, known as the "Godfather of Manga," created iconic titles like Astro Boy that pushed the boundaries of animation. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, japanese animation grew in popularity addressing more mature themes. This paved the way for television series and films targeting both children and adults.

Main Japanese animation Genres

There are various genres within the japanese animation medium catering to different tastes:

Shonen - Targeted towards young boys and teens, shonen japanese animation are action-packed with fighting and adventure-inspired stories like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, One Piece.

Shoujo - Developed for young girls, shoujo japanese animation focus more on romance, school life, drama with titles like Sailor Moon, Ouran High School Host Club.

Seinen - Created for older male audiences, seinen japanese animation have more complex plots, drama with graphic violence at times exemplified by Attack on Titan, Monster, Black Lagoon.

Josei - Meant for adult women, josei japanese animation explore more mature slice-of-life, drama, romance through shows like Nana, Paradise Kiss.

Mecha - Centered on giant robots, mecha japanese Anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gundam utilize futuristic robot technology for action and storytelling.

Sports - Dedicated to various sports, this genre is represented by japanese animation such as Haikyuu!!, Kuroko's Basketball, Initial D focusing on volleyball, basketball and car racing respectively.

Beyond TV Programming and Movies

Japanese animation has expanded beyond the small screen and into other mediums and industries:

Manga - Japanese comics that japanese animation is often based on with manga sales fueling further japanese animation adaptations.

Light Novels - Novelized manga/japanese animation stories that became a key source for many popular shows.

Games - Video and mobile games based on popular series extending the franchises.

Music - Soundtracks and J-pop/J-rock theme songs further enhancing the japanese animation experience.

Merchandise - From figurines to clothing to collectables, huge merchandise industries sustain many properties.

Fan Communities & Conventions - Global gatherings celebrate various titles through cosplay, panels, screenings and more.

Influence on Pop Culture

Japanese animation's compelling stories, characters and art styles have significantly influenced pop culture worldwide:

Animation - Pioneering japanese animation techniques influenced Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks and more mainstream animations.

Live-Action Films - Hollywood adapting japanese animation titles like Death Note, Alita: Battle Angel, Ghost in the Shell with varied success.

International Productions - Non-Japanese studios now produce japanese animation-style shows set abroad like Castlevania on Netflix.

Fashion - Signature japanese animation aesthetics found their way into streetwear, cosmetics and other industries.

Music Videos - Incorporating japanese animation tropes and payining homage to classics through MVs.

Video Games - Blending japanese animation art with gameplay becoming a major force through titles on all platforms.

with its diverse appealing genres and boundless creativity, japanese animation has captivated audiences globally and left an indelible mark on pop culture with no signs of slowing down. Its vibrant worlds and characters continue enthralling new generations of fans.

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About Author:

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)