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 broadly encompasses all animated media. Outside Japan, however, “anime” specifically refers to animations produced in Japan or styles heavily associated with Japanese culture, often characterized by vibrant graphics, dynamic characters, and fantastical themes. This broader cultural interpretation allows for the possibility of anime created outside Japan, albeit often with Japanese influence.
The history of Japanese animation dates back to at least 1917 with its earliest commercial productions. A distinctive artistic style began to emerge in the 1960s through the influential works of Osamu Tezuka, which helped popularize anime both domestically and internationally by the latter half of the 20th century. Anime is widely distributed through various channels including theatrical releases, television broadcasts, direct-to-home media such as DVDs and Blu-rays, and the internet.
In addition to original content, many anime series and films are adaptations of other Japanese media, such as manga (comics), light novels, or video games. Over time, production techniques and technologies have evolved, enhancing the visual and narrative quality of anime. As a multimedia art form, anime combines various creative elements including detailed graphic art, character development, cinematography, and innovative filming techniques. Notably, anime production often emphasizes detailed backgrounds and realistic settings, utilizing camera effects like panning, zooming, and dynamic angles to enhance storytelling.
Anime features a wide array of artistic styles, with character designs that can range from exaggerated, to highly realistic, and often include distinctive large or expressive eyes. The genre spans numerous categories aimed at both broad and niche audiences, accommodating a variety of tastes and interests.
In the United States, terms such as “wapanese” have been used to describe white individuals who are deeply interested in Japanese culture and anime, evolving later into terms like “weeaboo,” which refer to individuals who exhibit a strong obsession with Japanese anime and related subcultures.
