THE ANIME CULTURE OF JAPAN: GENESIS, EVOLUTION, AND GLOBAL INFLUENCE

Tushar Kiran Moodgal on International Conference - Tokyo , Japan

Spellbinding ninjas, treasure-hunting pirates, dissident soul reapers with soul-piercing blades, battle robots, evil giants, demon hunters, and magical alternate realities—if all of that hits close to home, then chances are you’re quite familiar with the world of anime, a vibrant and versatile form of art and storytelling which has become a defining feature of Japan’s cultural export to the world. Rooted in the history of Japanese animation, anime has transcended national boundaries to influence global pop culture, from cosplay to cinema. Today, it is a multi-billion-dollar industry with a passionate fan base spanning continents. This article delves into the genesis and history of anime, its cultural and global impact, its contribution to the rise of cosplay culture, and its growth in India, offering a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon.

Genesis and Historical Evolution of Anime
Anime, short for “animation” in Japanese, began its journey in the early 20th century. It was influenced by Western animation pioneers such as Walt Disney. Japan’s first known animated work is attributed to Jun’ichi Kōuchi whose Namakura Gatana(Dull Sword/Blunt Sword) dated back to 1917, marked the beginning of Japanese animation. Much of the earliest animated films were lost in the aftermath of the devastating Tokyo earthquake of 1923. Like much of Japan’s cultural production during the early 20th century, animation from this period reflects an effort by artists to blend traditional stories and motifs with a modern artistic medium.

Another early example of Japanese animation is Oira no Yaku (Our Baseball Game, 1931), which depicts rabbits and tanukis (raccoon dogs) engaging in a game of baseball. The short film is a straightforward slapstick comedy, presented with clean and simple artwork. While rabbits and tanukis are prominent figures in Japanese folklore, this animation integrates them into a modern context by showcasing a sport introduced to Japan in the 1870s. Like many silent Japanese films of that era, it relied on a benshi—a live narrator who stood by the screen to explain the story to the audience. Interestingly, in those days, audiences were often more drawn to the benshi than to the film itself. Notably, the elder brother of legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa was a renowned benshi. However, the advent of sound cinema led to the decline of this profession, and many benshis, including Kurosawa’s brother, tragically ended their lives due to the loss of their livelihoods.

Another notable example of early Japanese animation is the 1929 adaptation of the folktale Kobu-tori, which tells the story of a woodsman with a large growth on his jaw who encounters magical creatures. Another pioneering work is Ugokie Kori no Tatehiki (1931), which translates to “The Moving Picture Fight of the Fox and the Possum.” Directed by Ikuo Oishi, this 11-minute short follows a fox disguised as a samurai who spends the night in an abandoned temple inhabited by tanukis. The animation captures the eerie and fantastical elements of Japanese folklore, with visuals reminiscent of the works of Max Fleischer and Otto Messmer.

Additionally, a peculiar piece of early propaganda from 1936 stands out. It depicts a squadron of flying Mickey Mouse-like figures attacking an island populated by Felix the Cat and other poorly-rendered cartoon characters. The chaotic scenario takes a dramatic turn when figures from Japanese history and mythology arrive to save the day. This short reflects Japan’s militaristic narrative at the time, which positioned the country as liberating Asia from Western colonialism. In its unsettling yet symbolic manner, the animation reinforces this message.

However, anime as we know it today emerged during the post-war period. Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the “God of Manga,” revolutionized the industry with Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom) in 1963. His innovative storytelling, cinematic techniques, and stylized character designs laid the foundation for modern anime.

The 1970s saw the rise of giant robot (mecha) series, such as Mazinger Z and Mobile Suit Gundam. These works introduced complex narratives, delving into themes of war and human resilience. By the 1980s, anime expanded its horizons, with classics like Akira (1988) and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), which showcased the medium’s potential for mature, thought-provoking content. Studio Ghibli, co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, became synonymous with high-quality animation and storytelling, producing masterpieces like My Neighbour Totoro (1988) and Spirited Away (2001), the latter winning an Academy Award.

The 1990s marked the global boom of anime, fueled by shows like Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and Pokémon. These series appealed to both children and adults, establishing anime as a mainstream entertainment form worldwide. The later years saw the emergence of what is now dubbed as the original “Big Three” – One Piece, Naruto and Bleach, one of the most commercially successful animes of all time along with Dragon Ball Z

Cultural Impact of Anime in Japan


Anime is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture, reflecting societal values, traditions, and aspirations. Shows like Inuyasha and Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) draw heavily from Japanese folklore, while shows like Toriko and Shokugeki no Soma explore the nation’s culinary arts. Anime serves as a mirror to Japan’s technological advancements (Ghost in the Shell), historical narratives (Rurouni Kenshin), and philosophical questions about humanity (Neon Genesis Evangelion).

Moreover, anime has revitalized tourism in Japan. Locations featured in popular shows, such as the Your Name (Kimi no Na Wa) pilgrimage sites, attract fans eager to connect with the settings of their favourite stories.

Anime Tourism
Anime travel motivations can be categorized into four primary realms: entertainment, education, escape, and aesthetics. These realms collectively shape the anime tourism experience, providing diverse avenues for engagement. The entertainment realm serves as a platform where audiences passively consume anime through mediums like film and television. This initial interaction with anime often sparks the imagination, allowing individuals to visualize and anticipate the places, characters, and narratives they have encountered onscreen. Such film imaginaries can play a pivotal role in inspiring anime-themed travels, as tourists seek to connect with the worlds they have admired from afar.

Anime tourism companies can capitalize on this by curating experiences that align with these preconceptions and by effectively communicating where and how travelers can explore anime-related destinations. By offering immersive experiences that bring fictional worlds to life, these companies cater to tourists’ expectations while fostering deeper connections with the anime culture.

Additionally, anime serves as a form of soft power for Japan, with the government leveraging its popular culture to enhance the country’s global image. Events like anime conventions (anime-cons), cosplay gatherings, and competitions have gained immense popularity, flourishing internationally as significant cultural phenomena. These events not only celebrate anime but also act as gateways to Japanese culture, enticing participants to explore the broader aspects of Japanese heritage, lifestyle, and products.

The impact of anime-cons and cosplay extends beyond cultural appreciation; they have also become powerful economic forces. Though it might seem unconventional, such conventions function as promotional platforms for Japan, effectively introducing global audiences to the country’s cultural and creative industries. Participants often develop a deeper interest in Japan, leading to increased consumption of Japanese products, foods, and other cultural exports. In this way, anime-cons and cosplay gatherings serve as dynamic business cards for Japan, drawing international attention and fostering economic growth.

By examining the scope and scale of these gatherings, it becomes evident that anime and its associated subcultures are more than just forms of entertainment. They are tools of influence, shaping perceptions of Japan on a global stage. As a result, anime tourism becomes an intersection of cultural fascination and economic opportunity, with its reach extending far beyond traditional travel motivations. Through the interplay of entertainment, education, escape, and aesthetics, anime tourism creates a unique and meaningful experience that resonates with fans worldwide, ultimately positioning Japan as a leading force in global cultural tourism.

Global Impact and the Rise of Cosplay Culture


The global reach of anime has led to the creation of dedicated fan communities, conventions, and subcultures. One of the most prominent offshoots is cosplay, a term derived from “costume play.” Originating in Japan during the 1980s, cosplay involves dressing up as characters from anime, manga, video games, and films.

Anime like Naruto, One Piece, and Attack on Titan have provided endless inspiration for cosplayers. Iconic characters such as Goku (Dragon Ball Z), Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan), and Sailor Moon have become staples in cosplay events globally. Major conventions, such as Anime Expo in the United States and Comiket in Japan, serve as hubs for cosplayers, fostering creativity and community spirit.

Cosplay has evolved into an art form, blending craftsmanship, performance, and storytelling. It has also become a professional industry, with cosplayers gaining sponsorships and international recognition.

Anime’s Influence on Global Media
Anime has left an indelible mark on global entertainment. Filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro and James Cameron have cited anime as a major influence. Hollywood adaptations of anime, such as Ghost in the Shell (2017) and Alita: Battle Angel (2019), underscore its cultural impact, though such adaptations often spark debates on authenticity and representation.

Streaming platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll have further expanded anime’s accessibility. Original productions like Castlevania and collaborations such as Yasuke demonstrate the fusion of anime aesthetics with global storytelling.

Anime’s Growth in India
India’s relationship with anime began in the early 2000s, with television channels like Cartoon Network and Animax airing shows like Dragon Ball Z, Cardcaptor Sakura, Ninja Robots, Naruto, and Shinchan. These series introduced Indian audiences to the medium, fostering a loyal fan base.

In recent years, streaming platforms have played a pivotal role in anime’s resurgence in India. Platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime offer a vast library of anime titles, catering to diverse tastes. Events like Comic Con India and AnimeCon further highlight the growing enthusiasm for anime and related subcultures, including cosplay.

The rise of anime-inspired merchandise, fan art, and social media communities reflects its increasing integration into Indian pop culture. Indian creators have also begun exploring anime-style storytelling, blending it with local narratives to create a unique fusion.

Conclusion
Anime is more than just a form of entertainment; it is a cultural phenomenon that bridges gaps between nations and generations. Its ability to convey universal themes through visually compelling narratives makes it a powerful medium for storytelling.

As anime continues to evolve, its influence on global culture, including the rise of cosplay and the growth of fan communities in countries like India, underscores its enduring appeal. Writers, scholars, and creators can look to anime as a source of inspiration, drawing from its rich history and innovative spirit to explore new horizons.

References
Cavallaro, Dani. Japanese Aesthetics and Anime. McFarland Publishing, 2024.
Napier, Susan J. Anime from Akira to Howl’s Moving Castle: Experiencing Contemporary Japanese Animation. Palgrave Macmillan, 2005.
Poitras, Gilles. The Anime Companion: What’s Japanese in Japanese Animation? Stone Bridge Press, 1999.
Clements, Jonathan, McCarthy, Helen. The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917. Stone Bridge Press, 2015.
Okamotu, Takeshi. “Otaku tourism and the anime pilgrimage phenomenon in Japan.” Japan Forum, Routledge, 2015.
Sudevan, Praveen. “Donning your inner avatar: The rise of cosplay community in India.” The Hindu, 2023.
Onemu, Uyoyo. “The Economies of Anime: Anime as a soft power, a cultural product and a (trans)national medium.” Screen Media Research, Brunel University, London, 2020.

Subscribe to our Newsletter