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,” but within Japan, it encompasses all types of animated media. Outside Japan, however, “anime” specifically refers to animated works from Japan or those influenced by Japanese animation styles, which are often characterized by vivid graphics, dynamic characters, and fantastical themes. This broader cultural interpretation allows for the possibility that anime produced outside Japan might also be included under this term.
The history of Japanese animation dates back to 1917 with its earliest commercial productions. A distinctive art style began to emerge in the 1960s through the work of Osamu Tezuka and gained widespread popularity in the latter half of the 20th century, fostering a large audience both domestically and internationally. Anime is distributed through various channels, including theatrical releases, television broadcasts, direct-to-home media, and online streaming.
In addition to original stories, many anime are adaptations of manga (Japanese comics), light novels, or video games. Over time, anime production techniques have evolved alongside technological advancements. As a multimedia art form, anime blends visual art, storytelling, cinematography, and various creative methods. Often, anime emphasizes detailed settings and employs camera effects like panning, zooming, and angling to enhance storytelling, sometimes placing less emphasis on the fluidity of movement.
The art styles in anime are diverse, with character designs ranging from exaggerated features—such as large, expressive eyes—to more realistic proportions. Anime targets a wide range of audiences through numerous genres, catering to both general and niche tastes.
Additionally, in the United States, terms like “wapanese” have emerged to describe white fans who desire to emulate Japanese culture, and “weeaboo” is a term used to denote individuals with a strong obsession with Japanese anime and related subculture.
