This week, I focused on exploring the history of Japanese anime.
An examination of the history of Japanese animation reveals the characteristics of each era, as well as the differences and characteristics between Japan and other countries.
Japanese animation began in the 19th century through the mutual influence of technical and artistic knowledge between Japan, Europe, and America. Against the backdrop of this cultural and technological exchange, a uniquely Japanese form of animation gradually developed.
Prior to the 1960s, Japanese animation consisted primarily of short films. The earliest representative feature-length animated film is “The Legend of the White Snake” (1958). At the time, films were typically in black and white and aimed primarily at children. This is thought to be due in part to the influence of Japan’s long-standing kamishibai (picture storytelling) culture. Even after the social turmoil of the postwar period, anime culture did not decline; rather, it gradually expanded.
In the 1960s, television was the medium with the greatest influence on Japanese animation. The rapid spread of television led to the emergence of 30-minute children’s series, and the broadcast of shows such as “Astro Boy,” “Tetsujin 28-go,” and “8-Man” established the basic format of television anime.
In the 1970s, the target demographic for anime expanded from elementary school students to junior high school students, and giant robot series continued to be popular. Meanwhile, television anime became closely linked to the sale of robot toys, emphasizing its commercial aspects. During this period, anime clearly established itself as an entertainment industry.
In the 1980s, anime expanded to older audiences, including high school and college students. This was due in part to creators from the generation that grew up watching anime becoming core producers and the rise of small, independent studios.
In the 1990s, despite the effects of the recession caused by the collapse of the bubble economy, demand for anime as affordable entertainment actually increased. Furthermore, with the introduction of computers, digital anime began to emerge.
In the 2000s, the works of Studio Ghibli, including those directed by Hayao Miyazaki, received high praise overseas, further increasing the international acclaim of Japanese animation. At the same time, the increase in digital animation works led to a diversification of the range of expression and genres.