Anime, also known as Japanimation, is a form of hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. The term “anime” is derived from the English word “animation,” and within Japan, it encompasses all types of animated media. However, outside Japan, “anime” typically refers specifically to animation produced in Japan or style-influenced Japanese cartoons characterized by vibrant visuals, expressive characters, and fantastical themes. This broader interpretation allows for the possibility of anime created outside Japan that adopts similar stylistic elements.
The history of Japanese animation dates back to 1917, marking its roots in early commercial production. A distinctive artistic style emerged in the 1960s, pioneered by Osamu Tezuka, and gained popularity throughout the latter half of the 20th century, attracting large domestic and international audiences. Anime can be distributed through various channels, including theatrical screenings, television broadcasts, direct-to-home media, and online streaming platforms.
Many anime works are original productions, but a significant portion are adaptations of other media such as manga (Japanese comics), light novels, or video games. Over time, animation techniques and production methods have evolved in response to technological advancements. As a multimedia art form, anime integrates graphic art, storytelling, cinematography, and other creative techniques. Production often emphasizes detailed backgrounds and realistic settings over fluid motion, employing camera effects like panning, zooming, and dynamic angles to enhance visual storytelling.
Diverse artistic styles are prevalent in anime, with character designs ranging from exaggerated, large eyes to more realistic depictions. Anime spans numerous genres, catering to both broad and niche audiences.
In the United States, a term that emerged within anime fandom is “wapanese,” referring to white individuals who aspire to embody Japanese culture. Later, the term “weeaboo” became common to describe fans who exhibit a strong obsession with Japanese anime and related subcultures.
