Anime, also known as Japanimation, refers to hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. The term “anime” is derived from the English word “animation” and, within Japan, it broadly denotes all forms of animated media. However, outside Japan, “anime” specifically pertains to Japanese-produced animation or animation influenced by Japanese stylistic elements, often distinguished by vivid graphics, lively characters, and fantastical themes. This culturally nuanced interpretation allows for the possibility that anime may be produced in countries other than Japan. The earliest known commercial Japanese animation dates back to 1917. A distinctive artistic style emerged in the 1960s through the works of Osamu Tezuka and gained widespread popularity in the latter half of the 20th century, cultivating a significant domestic and international fanbase.
Anime can be distributed through various channels, including movie theaters, television broadcasts, direct-to-home media, and online streaming platforms. Many anime are original creations, but a substantial portion are adaptations of Japanese manga (comics), light novels, or video games. Over time, production techniques and technologies have evolved, reflecting advancements in the industry. As a multimedia art form, anime integrates graphic art, character design, cinematography, and other creative methods. The focus of animation tends to emphasize detailed backgrounds and cinematic camera effects—such as panning, zooming, and strategic angle shots—over solely emphasizing the fluidity of movement. A wide array of artistic styles is employed, with character proportions varying from exaggerated, large eyes to more realistic features, often used to express emotion. Anime encompasses numerous genres aimed at both general and niche audiences.
Additionally, in the United States, terms like “wapanese” and “weeaboo” have emerged to describe fans who are white individuals with a strong interest in Japanese anime culture—often viewed with some cultural critique or humor.
