The History And Evolution of Anime

Anime is a term coined from the word "animation." When you say anime, it simply means a form or subset of animation that originated in Japan. In English usage, anime is a term that usually refers to the type of animation made in Japan; but when in Japan, anime is a general term for animation. Although some anime can be rooted from various manga, not all anime have a manga version as its origin. As I've mentioned in my previous post regarding anime, some anime were created after popular video games or live-action TV series. And some manga(s) were made out of its corresponding anime.

It is during the 20th century when anime began to flourish. Japanese filmmakers experimented with their techniques and combined some techniques that influenced them from various countries like Russia, France, Germany and the United States. 

In the past, anime were usually hand-drawn; but ever since the introduction of computer-assisted drawing techniques and computer-generated images, the production of anime has become faster, easier and more artistic. Anime caters to all genres of fiction; so basically, anime is not necessarily childish as a lot of series were made to catch the interests of both male and female adults. 

Osamu Tezuka is perhaps the most recognized precursor to both manga and anime. Disney's early animation influenced him so much as well as the works of the Flesicher Brothers. Osamu Tezuka made it all possible to introduce and expand the growth of anime and manga. 

Tezuka was the first to make a novel-length drawn story or graphic novel in 1947 with the title of "Shintakarajima", or "New Treasure Island." Astro Boy or "Testuwan Atom" was also Tezuka's creation which was said to be the first internationally-acclaimed animation. Along with Toei Animation (which Tezuka had worked with as a character designer), Tezuka's Mushi Productions was among the first in Japanese animation studios. 

The oldest known anime in existence was first screened in 1917 – a two-minute clip of a samurai trying to test a new sword on his target, only to suffer defeat. The first talkie (sound film) anime was Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka, produced by Masaoka in 1933. The first feature-length animated film was Momotaro's Divine Sea Warriors directed by Seo in 1945.

Anime started to separate itself from the influence of western animation during the 1970s. It progressed so advance that it caught the interest of many in just a matter of time. Unique genres were added such as Mecha or the use of giant robots. Notable shows in this period include Lupin III and Mazinger Z. This was also the reigning perod of Hayao Miyazaki and Mamoru Oshii.

Step Into The World Of Anime

I have always been fascinated with anime ever since I was a kid. Aside from those super heroes and other fantasy-based characters or cartoons shown in television (of course, the Internet was still not popular or not yet around during my younger days), anime has also captured my heart. Actually, it has already become a “slight addiction” or a “controllable obsession.” LOL. When I was a kid, my brothers and I would try to play the roles of our favourite super hero or anime character like Gokou from Dragon Ball Z. We would buy stuff like stickers and posters of anime; just like the rest of average anime fans. 

Anyway, many (old and can’t-relate people think that watching anime is just a waste of time. Though it may be true that anime is one way to escape reality, you can actually learn a lot of sensible and inspirational things. The wisdom that some anime can give is even more worth your time than digging those typical television shows, especially drama-based ones. You can certainly find anime with more mature storyline. Anime is not just for kids or teens and young-at-heart folks, it can cater to anyone’s inclination to fantasy and art.

Looking at the way anime is drawn or created, wouldn’t you find yourself admiring its beauty? Most anime characters are, depending on the style of the creator, drawn according to perfection. Their physical attributes would leave teen girls sighing or giggling with admiration; while boys are likely to get inspired from the virility of male anime characters or dream that anime girls would turn into reality. For me, anime is indeed a work of art. It can aid in improving your imagination; which I think is also an important part of our being. Anime is also a good stress-reliever and not just some mere way to pass your time – works well for me. :D

For those who are still not aware, cartoons and anime are not entirely the same. Although they are both a form of animation, anime is mainly a product of Japan or the Japanese animation. One can easily distinguish anime from cartoons whether it’s the traditional or modern adaptation. But considering its popularity, especially now that you can find loads of sources online, Western countries and other parts of the world have also made it possible to produce their own “anime”. Avatar: The Last Airbender is perhaps the most popular Western TV series created based on the concepts of anime. 

Furthermore, those who are familiar with anime may have also heard about “manga”. In fact, most anime fanatics now are also into reading a manga; either they would read a manga version of their favourite anime or an anime version of their much-loved manga. However, not all anime are made out of its manga or a manga version turned into anime. Some anime are based on video games and even television drama series. There are also live-action series and movies based on anime such as the Dragon Ball Z and many more.

I will be sharing to you some more comprehensive information regarding anime and stuff on my future posts. Watch out for them as you will surely learn a lot of cool and fun facts revolving in the world of anime and manga. Whether you are an anime fan or not, it sure is fun to gain knowledge of that a lot of people are very much fond of. Maybe someday, you will find these things useful and fascinating, too.