What is Anime?
Anime (Japanese: アニメ, pronounced [aɲime]) is a distinctive form of animation originating in Japan, encompassing both hand-drawn and computer-animated works. The term “anime” itself is derived from the English word “animation,” but in Japan, it refers to all types of animated content, regardless of origin. However, outside of Japan, anime is widely understood as Japanese animation specifically, characterized by unique art styles and storytelling techniques. For animations produced outside of Japan that mimic these styles, the term “anime-influenced animation” is used.
Origins of Anime
Anime’s roots trace back to the early 20th century, with the first commercial Japanese animations appearing around 1917. Osamu Tezuka, often regarded as the “God of Manga,” revolutionized the art form in the 1960s with an art style that emphasized dynamic character expressions and engaging storytelling, a style that became foundational for modern anime. Since then, anime has grown into a massive industry, captivating audiences both domestically and internationally through a variety of distribution channels, including theaters, television broadcasts, home media, and online streaming platforms.
Popular Adaptations and Story Sources
Many anime series and films are adaptations of other Japanese media, most notably manga (Japanese comics), light novels, and video games. This adaptation process allows anime to cover a wide array of genres and themes, catering to both broad and niche audiences. From action-packed series to emotional dramas, anime offers something for every viewer.
Unique Production Styles in Anime
Anime stands out for its distinctive production methods and stylization. Unlike Western animation, which often emphasizes fluid character movement, anime often focuses on detailed backgrounds and strategic “camera effects” like panning, zooming, and creative angle shots. The diversity of art styles within anime is vast; however, a signature feature of many anime characters is their large, expressive eyes, intended to convey a range of emotions vividly.
The Global Anime Industry
The anime industry comprises over 430 production companies, including globally recognized studios like Studio Ghibli, Sunrise, Ufotable, CoMix Wave Films, and Toei Animation. Since the 1980s, anime has achieved widespread international success, with many series and films being dubbed or subtitled for global audiences. Today, the expansion of streaming services has only further boosted the popularity of anime worldwide. By 2016, Japanese anime accounted for around 60% of the world’s animated television content.
Anime’s Financial Impact Worldwide
The demand for anime has grown steadily, and this growth is evident in financial terms. In 2019, the annual overseas exports of Japanese animation surpassed $10 billion for the first time, underscoring anime’s influence as a major cultural export from Japan to the rest of the world.
Anime is a powerful storytelling medium, blending artistic techniques with narrative depth to captivate audiences globally. Whether you’re new to anime or a long-time fan, exploring its diverse genres, vibrant community, and iconic studios offers endless opportunities to connect with this rich and ever-evolving world of Japanese animation.