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.

Your Purpose In Life

Do you know what your purpose in life is? Have you already realize the point of your existence in this world? Do you know why we are here? What is our purpose? Why were you born? Don’t you think there is a unique reason why you are brought into this world? Why were you given life? Is there something that you can do for the benefit of many?

Perhaps you have also found yourself asking these questions. Or maybe, your teacher, friend or even a stranger made this inquiry to you. Do you have a concrete and confident answer? Many people say that a life without cause is a life without effect. If you don’t know what your purpose in living, then you are likely to live a dull kind of life. Though that may be true, I think it still depends on the way you live your life whether you know your purpose or not. 

I myself, is like a directionless sail or a lost lamb. I can always find myself wondering why the hell I am here. And until now, I still don’t know the real answer. What I know is that I live for today. And though I may be looking forward to another day, what matters to me the most is that I am able to enjoy each day. Live without regrets. Live life to the fullest. Find joy even in the smallest and simplest of things. Dream and laugh as much as you can.

Becoming a blessing to other people, especially to those who are in need, is perhaps one of our responsibilities while we are living in this world. To be of assistance to others may be one of our purposes. To enhance the world’s natural resources and not fully destroy it as well as to do things which can benefit both the humankind and Mother Earth – these are the most neglected acts that all of us ought to do.

You are not here simply to quench your thirst for fun. Your job or businesses and your money are not the only things you greatly need, especially now that a lot of calamites are making people all over the world suffer. While you are busy worrying where to spend your money, some people are shedding their blood and sweat just to be able to feed their families a single meal. So no matter how little you have, always be contented and feel grateful about it. Compare your situation with others before you go asking for more.

It seems like I’m not really hitting the point. But these are my thoughts for today. I am getting disturbed, worried and afraid of all the things happening in this world right now. Yet, I still don’t know what my purpose is. I want to help those who are terribly suffering yet I cant even fulfil even the simplest of things. I know I am way too much blessed than other people; so maybe that’s why I feel guilty. It’s never easy to define anyone’s purpose in this world. For me, it doesn’t really matter, as long as you try to live without bringing forth harm to other people, you deserve to live.