Anime

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

The first commercial Japanese animation dates back to 1917. A special art style for anime began in the 1960s thanks to a cartoonist named Osamu Tezuka and grew popular over the next decades. 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 all kinds of audiences.

Anime is a varied and creative way of making shows. It often focuses more on detailed backgrounds and creative "camera effects" like zooming and different angles, rather than lots of fast movement. The art styles in anime can look very different from each other, 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." Some people think the word might have come from a French phrase meaning "animated drawing," but this idea might just come from how popular anime became in France a long time ago.

When we speak English, we usually use "anime" like we use words such as "water" or "sand"—we can say things like "Do you watch 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 modern animation, Japan had forms of moving pictures. Emakimono was a popular entertainment in the 11th century, where storytellers would tell tales while unrolling a painted scroll. 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 as we know it began in the early 1900s. Early Japanese filmmakers tried out new animation styles from other countries. Some of the first animated films were made around this time. By the 1930s, animation became a regular way to make shows and movies. Even with challenges, animators kept improving their skills. The 1950s brought animated ads on television.

The 1960s saw a big change with manga artist Osamu Tezuka, who 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, like robot battles and big, exciting films. By the 1990s, anime was loved around the world. Big hits like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Sailor Moon drew fans from many countries. Even today, anime continues to grow, with new shows becoming worldwide favorites.

Attributes

Anime is different from other types of animation because of its art styles, methods, and production process. It often uses unique 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 techniques. Modern anime often uses computer help 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 exaggerated 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 adult themes or 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 includes more than 430 companies. Some of the biggest 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 often join together to create more expensive and complex shows. Making one episode of anime can cost between US$100,000 and US$300,000.

Anime has become very popular around the world. In Japan, anime made up 7% of the film market in 2001. The success of anime is also seen in the sales of DVDs, which bring in a lot of money. Anime is also popular on television, especially shows that air late at night. Some of these shows are more 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. This practice started in the 1960s and became common in the United States in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Licensing can be expensive, with costs ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single series or movie.

The anime market in the United States was worth about $2.74 billion in 2009. By 2019, the global anime industry was worth $24 billion a year, with much of that money coming from outside Japan. The industry was expected to grow even more, reaching about $30 billion by 2025.

Markets

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) found that the anime market in Japan was worth ¥2.4 trillion ($24 billion) in 2005. In the United States, the market was worth about ¥520 billion ($5.2 billion) in the same year. By 2017, the anime market in China was $21 billion and was expected to grow to $31 billion by 2020. In Europe, the market was worth about $950 million and is expected to grow to over $2 billion by 2030.

Globally, the anime market was valued at $26.055 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $47.14 billion by 2028. In 2023, the industry made $19.8 billion worldwide, with $5.5 billion from streaming and $14.3 billion from merchandise. By 2030, the market is expected to be $48.3 billion.

Awards

The anime industry gives out several 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

In recent years, there have been concerns about the working conditions in the anime industry. Reports have mentioned that some animators work very long hours and do not earn enough money. In response, the Japanese government has promised to improve these conditions. Some studios, like MAPPA, have started to make changes to help their workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a small increase in salaries and production costs. In 2023, a new group called the Nippon Anime Film Culture Association was formed to help solve problems in the industry, including improving working conditions. 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 has become very popular and profitable around the world. Early shows like Astro Boy and Speed Racer helped introduce anime to Western audiences in the 1960s. By the 1990s, anime gained more fans in the United States through series like Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z. Today, streaming services such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu make anime easily accessible worldwide.

Anime has influenced many areas of life, including fashion and movies. It has also helped improve Japan’s relationships with other countries. Many people around the world enjoy watching anime and discussing 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 gather at special events called conventions. These events include activities like dressing up as characters (cosplay) and watching panels. Anime has also inspired fans to create their own stories and art. Many fans visit places that appear in their favorite shows, known as "anime pilgrimages."

Anime style

Anime often explores themes that go beyond children’s stories, including more complex ideas. Over time, anime’s style has inspired other animations around the world. Some shows, like Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, use an anime style but are 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 spread their stories across many different forms, 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 worldwide successes.