Anime, Japan’s unique animation style, is loved worldwide today. But anime’s roots go way back. Its history is rich and stretches over centuries. This journey started with simple drawings and evolved into the colourful, detailed animations we know today. Let’s explore how anime began and developed into a global phenomenon.
Early Beginnings: Emakimono and Ukiyo-e
Anime’s roots can be traced back to ancient Japanese art forms. One of the earliest examples is makimono, or picture scrolls. These scrolls, famous around the twelfth century, featured long, horizontal drawings. They told stories using images in sequence, a bit like a modern-day comic strip. The scenes in Emakimono were lively and helped people understand events without needing many words.
Another early influence on anime was ukiyo-e, a woodblock printing style from the Edo period (1603–1868). These prints featured beautiful images of nature, city life, and people. Ukiyo-e artists developed techniques for creating vibrant images that captured movement and emotion. Their work influenced Japanese culture profoundly and shaped the following art forms, including anime. In these ways, makimono and ukiyo-e laid the foundation for anime’s storytelling and visual style.
The Dawn of Japanese Animation (1900s)
In the early 1900s, Japan saw the first signs of animation. Filmmakers were inspired by Western cartoons, which were gaining popularity then. Japan’s first recorded animation, Namakura Gatana (The Dull Sword), appeared in 1917. This short film, by Jun’ichi Kōuchi, showed humour and action in a simple, hand-drawn style. Although brief, it gave audiences a taste of what animation could do.
During this period, Japanese animators began experimenting. They wanted to tell unique stories that reflected Japanese culture. Early Japanese animations were more severe than Western cartoons, which often focused on humour. They included samurai tales, folk stories, and historical events. This focus on Japanese themes became an essential characteristic of anime as it evolved.
Influence of World War II
World War II had a significant impact on Japanese animation. During the war, the government saw the power of animation for propaganda. They used animation to spread patriotic messages. Animators were encouraged to make films that supported Japan’s military. This period was difficult for artists, as their work was tightly controlled. However, it was also a time when animation skills and technology improved.
One of the most famous animations from this time was Momotaro: Sacred Sailors (1945). Mitsuyo Seo directed this feature film about a Japanese folk hero, Momotaro. The story showed Japan’s military as brave and strong. While it was propaganda, the film used advanced techniques for that time. It is often remembered as Japan’s first feature-length anime film. Despite its purpose, Momotaro laid the technical groundwork for the anime industry.
The Post-War Boom and Birth of “Modern” Anime
After World War II, Japan’s animation industry grew. In the 1960s, Osamu Tezuka, a manga artist, changed anime forever. Tezuka is often called the “God of Manga” and was crucial in shaping anime’s style. He created Astro Boy, a science-fiction series that aired in 1963. It was Japan’s first successful TV anime series. Astro Boy was loved for its unique characters and emotional stories. Tezuka’s animation style, with large eyes and expressive faces, became a key feature of anime.
Tezuka also introduced “limited animation.” In this style, animators reused frames to save time and money, allowing studios to produce more episodes quickly. Limited animation became common in anime and is still used today.
The Golden Age of Anime: 1970s to 1980s
In the 1970s, anime continued to evolve. Mecha, or giant robot, anime became popular. Shows like Mazinger Z and Mobile Suit Gundam attracted large audiences. These series featured complex stories and characters that appealed to children and adults. Do you love betting? You can bet on anime-themed casino games today.
