Disclaimer: While I have strived to be as accurate and unbiased as possible, years of computer gaming, late-night anime marathons, and non-stop web surfing have taken their toll on my already battered mind. Everything written in these pages are my own caffein-induced opinions, and as such are definitely not the stuff that professional reports are made of. The intended purpose is for general information only; no more, no less.
What's Anime?
Anime (ah-nee-may) is short for Japanese Animation. In other words, cartoons from Japan, but we anime fans would prefer to give our hobby a more dignified name. So if it's from Japan, it must be anime. :)
History
The Japanese artists and animators started producing anime in the early 1900's, with titles like Momotaro and Chikaru to Onna no Yononaka. It was only after World War II, and with the limitless energy of Osamu Tezuka, that the industry received the attention it deserved. While there was definitely Western influences, it gradually assumed unique qualities of its own; like the "giant robot" shows of the 60's.
Most shows were derived from manga, or Japanese comics. The 60's Tetsuwan Atom (Astroboy), for example, first started out in comic book form in 1952. Tezuka's other works at the time included Jungle Taitei (Kimba the White Lion) and Ribon no Kishi (Princess Knight).
The 70's fueled a curiosity for space travel, with titles like Space Battleship Yamato, Captain Harlock, Gatchaman, and Mobile Suit Gundam. This continued to the 80's, with added emphasis on giant robots, or mechas, especially the transforming ones. Notable titles include Mazinger Z, Hyaku-o Go-Lion (Voltron) and Super Dimensional Fortress Macross. There were also spy-adventure flicks like City Hunter and Lupin; and domestic soap operas like Touch, Maison Ikkoku, and Kimagure Orange Road.
Anime also made its way to other countries, mostly with the help of loyal fans and those willing to take a chance on this new medium. But while it was quickly embraced in Asia, it gradually penetrated Europe and America, where it is currently gaining rapid acceptance. Shows like Akira, Ranma 1/2, Dragonball and Sailor Moon spearheaded this popularity thrust, paving the way for other shows to reach foreign shores.
Glossary
Recommended Readings
Links