The Evolution Of Japanese Anime Research Paper Examples

Introduction

The type of film that in Japanese animation that follows the style or aesthetic of a manga (comics) is known as anime. Anime follows the language of manga. This type of animation film does not represent all the animated film types that are produced in Japan. Through the years from its establishment, anime has rapidly evolved into different genres. The legacy of anime is mainly about fictional stories which rely on subjectivity, participation, and motion. These aspects are observable in manga with the exception of motion. The innovations in the art of film making helped in establishing and enhancing the cinematic potential of manga – thus, the birth of Anime.
Beyond the concept of Japanese Animation (Japanimation), anime depicts the different norms and behavioural patterns of the Japanese citizens. Levi, as cited by Elias in his book The Anime Galaxy, believes that anime is a form of escapism set at a higher level. He stated that the concept of anime was designed based on providing the Japanese society a wide range of imaginary realms where they can fulfil their dreams and where they can fully express themselves – without the societal restrictions. The existence of anime has also helped in establishing the identity of Japan when it comes to artistry. Historically, Japan is more pictocentric compared to Western countries and this is shown with the usage of ideograms or characters in their films. The pictocentric culture of Japan makes it easier for them to accept the establishment of this film genre. Elias stated that anime has played a huge role towards internationalization and acceptance of one’s culture. Despite the rejection of this film genre from other countries before, anime eventually got accepted and has become a huge success due to its continuous evolution. This paper will show how the anime evolved from its establishment up to the present time. The ups and downs of the anime genre as well as the popular anime in their respective years will be covered by this paper as well.

Early Beginning of Animated Films

Animated films were started to produce in Japan during the age of silent films (Yasuo). Film makers during this time adapted the animation techniques from countries like United States and France. Trial and error sketching and animating cut-outs are the major techniques back then. The production of manga-based films was a difficult path for the film makers because, though it was highly anticipated, of budget issues for production of Japanese anime since it is more expensive compared to Western animated films. Fortunately, with the support of public institutions in Japan, the domestic production of anime was able to build its own foundation. However, the Great Kanto Earthquake which happened in 1923 hindered the growing foundation of anime which eventually lead to this industry starting from scratch again.
The struggle of the anime industry continued due to not being able to ride the waves towards innovations in film making. It was when Noburo Ofuji’s The Thief of Baguda Castle (Bagudajo no Tozoku) won an international acclaim that the anime industry made its mark outside Japan. The film was made from the cut-and-paste technique using colored papers (Yasuo). This inspired the appearance of other promising anime artists. However, the genre of anime became militaristic due to the upcoming war. The propagandistic film, Momotaro: Umi no shinpei, which was produced by the navy was shown before the end of the war period and was used to fuel the morale and commitment of the Japanese citizens.

First Generation of Anime

There were only a few Japanese animated films that were retrieved from the early beginning of the anime industry. One of the known cartoonist and caricaturist during this time is Oten Shimokawa who worked for Tokyo Puck and then hired by the Tenkatsu. During his time with Tenkatsu, he was able to work on five movies. Junichi Kouchi, another well-known animator, was hired by Kobayashi Shokai as an animation artist during 1916. He was able to work on approximately 15 movies. Kouichi, during his era, is considered as the animator who is most technical advanced. His techniques are water-color based. Another animator, Seitaro Kitayama, used the chalkboard technique in his animated works. He formed in own studio which was founded as the Kitayama Eiga Seisakujo. Later on, he was able to utilize other techniques such as animation using paper. His company eventually closed due to lack of market since the anime industry is still struggling during this time. Junichi Kouchi’s Namakura-gatana (1917) and Seitaro Kitayama’s Urashima Taro (1918) were considered as the earliest Japanese animated films (Beck).

Second Generation of Anime (Pre-war Period)

Kitayama Seitaro, the owner of the Kitayama Eiga Seisakujo, trained other animators including Noburo Ofuji, Sanae Yamamoto and Yasuji Murata. The Kitayama studio was greatly affected by the Great Kanto earthquake which happened in 1923. This catastrophe halted the activities of the Kitayama studio which further resulted to founding of new studios by the animators.
The animators during this period went through hard times in establishing the anime industry. Competitors such as foreign producers like Disney were already popular and have greatly influenced the audience as well as the animators and producers (Yamaguchi and Yasashi). Though they were inspired by the competitors to work harder, budget issues is one of the hindrances the producers have faced. The Japanese animators have to work hard since there are only a few employees. But despite the efforts they exert, they have to receive a salary that does not fully compensate their efforts. Also, the quality in terms of color and sound of the anime produced during this time cannot directly compete with internationally produced animated films.
The year 1930s was a promotion for cultural nationalism (Coutte). The government has enforced laws regarding strict censorship of the media being publish. Until the mid-1930s, the usage of cut-out animation is predominant. The cut-out technique has a flat animation and does not have much detail (Yamaguchi and Yasashi). An alternative technique is known as the cel animation. However, this is not generally used due to cost issues. On the other hand, Kenzo Masaoka and Mitsuyo Seo attempted to improve the quality of anime produce by applying cel animation and a technology comparable to a multiplane camera. The first anime made from cel animation was produced by Masaoka in 1934 and is entitled The Dance of the Chagamas. Masaoka also created Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka which is the first anime with sound. Another breakthrough was made by Seo upon the release of Ari-chan which utilized a multiplane camera during its production period. These breakthroughs and innovations during the prewar period were funded through sponsorships from companies, government and military. An example of this is the support of the Ministry of Education towards anime offering life and educational values. Through the promotions made by the anime industry, Japanese animation has proved its usefulness towards industrial, educational and government use.
Military-themed anime become prominent during the 1940s. In 1943, the navy assist the Geijutsu Eigasa in the production of Mitsuyo Seo’s Momotaro’s Sea Eagles. Furthermore, the year 1945 was another breakthrough in the anime industry as Seo’s Momotaro: Umi no Shinpei, the first Japanese feature length animated film, has been released. The Japan Animated Films, an animation studio, was also established during this period in 1948 (Coutte).

The Rise of Toei Doga (Toei Animation)

The founder of Toei film company, Okawa Hiroshi, got overwhelmed with the amazing quality of Disney’s Snow White. He was entranced by the distinct coloring of the scenes in the film. Being influence by international film making scene, the anime industry during 1950s was predominantly about Disney-themed films (Coutte). As Okawa aims to reach the same level of artistry achieved in the film by Disney, he established a modern studio – the Toei Doga (Toei Animation). He wanted the studio to be named as the “Disney of the East” (Yasuo). As part of its expansion in the anime industry, Toei Doga purchased the Japan Animated Films (Coutte). In 1958, the first colored animated film, Hakujaden (The Legend of the White Snake) was produced by Toei Doga. In order to be at par with Disney films, Toei Doga sent a group of researchers and animators to the United States to study their techniques and improved their skills in animation. Members of this team were able to master the “assembly-line production” of Disney studios. The film Hakujaden was widely referred to as the first modern anime. Four years after the Japan released date, it was also released in the US under the title Panda and the Magic Serpent.
Also, the company had help in offering jobs especially to those who are unemployed due to the previous war. They were also able to build an outstanding team fuelled by passion towards animation. The members of this team are willing to work with low salaries despite working for a labor intensive company. However, challenges were faced by Toei Doga. The mandatory increase in the wage of the laborers has sent the company into financial troubles. Moreover, the attendees of the World Masterpiece Fairy tale Anime Series, a mini-festival, have experienced a drop – another financial struggle for Toei Doga. Some of the popular animators who worked for this company are Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao – both became founders of another animation studio, Studio Ghibli (Yasuo). Osamu Tezuka also worked under Toei Doga in which he later founded the Mushi Production.
The style of Toei animators involved bringing fresh ideas of their own to the production. Takahata’s Hols: Prince of the Sun, produced in 1968, mark the beginning of progressive anime type. This anime genre was also adapted by directors Oshii Mamoru and Miyazaki Hayao. Toei’s major contribution to the evolution of anime is the technique called “money shot”. It is a cost-cutting method for producers which put more emphasis on the significant scenes and limiting the animation on the other parts of the film. By 1980s, Toei Doga has offered its help to other animation studios by sending some of its talents.

The Beginning of the Anime Series

The year 1960 marked the beginnings of the anime series as shown in televisions. In May 1, 1961, the Otogi Manga Calender was the first anime series that has been broadcasted. The major breakthrough in the anime industry is the premiere of Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy), directed by Osamu Tezuka, in January 1, 1963. It became the first popular anime series that was highly accepted worlwide. It started the anime boom and has created a massive competition for TV audiences. Despite the success of this anime, the studio involved in the production of this series received only low franchise fees. Thus, they needed to resort to cost-cutting method. They lessen the number of drawings and utilized limited or still animation. Also, they hasten the storyline. To make the movements more realistic, they simulated ways to achieved it together with the sound to dialogues. Aside from owning Mushi Production, Tezuka also invested in manga publishing. He is also known as the “god of manga” (Yasuo).
More breakthroughs in anime industry happened in the period of 1960s. The first robot series Tetsuji 28-go was released in October 20, 1963. December 5, 1966 marked the released of the first mahou shoujo (magical girl) anime, Sally the Witch (Coutte). Most popular genres during this time are based on science fiction and space and then mahou shoujo. In 1968, Kyojin no hoshi (Star of the Giants), a baseball-themed anime started airing. The longest running anime series Sazae-san, a family-themed anime, started airing in 1969 (Yasuo).

The Rise of the Mecha Genre

With the continuous success of anime series in televisions, the Japanese film market has experienced a setback. In 1970s, the anime genre Mecha that focuses on robots or machines which are being controlled by humans from the inside has gained popularity. The first real robot anime Mobile Suit Gundam aired on April 7, 1979 (Coutte). Other early mecha works include Space Battleship Yamato, and Mazinger Z.
There are many remarkable anime series produced in the 1970s. The boxing-based anime Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow’s Joe) gained popularity as a sports anime upon its release on April 1, 1970. The popular series Lupin III begin airing on October 24, 1971. In 1974, the realistic drama anime Heidi (Girl of the Alps) became a massive hit among children. It was directed by Isao Takahata. It has also gained success in the international scene. The success of Heidi pushed Miyazaki and Takahata to start another genre of anime – the literary-based anime. The highly acclaimed productions of Miyazaki during the 1970s include Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro and Future Boy Conan (Coutte).

The Golden Age of Anime

Theatrical versions of Mobile Suit Gundam and Space Batttleship Yamato marked the beginnings of the Golden Age of Anime. This also marked the Second Golden Age of Japanese Films (Kehr). The success of mecha genre shifted to the Super Robot genre to Real Robot genre. The rise of the otaku culture also had its beginnings during this time. The adaptation of Urusei Yatsura by Rumiko Takahashi helped in gaining popularity for the otaku culture as well as for Takahashi.
Since the 1980s is the considered the Golden Age of Anime, many series were produced during this time. Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, sequal to Mobile Suit Gundam, became the most successful Real Robot series in Japan. The Macross series also began which was divided into three separate anime titles. Miyazaki Hayao’s Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind release in 1984 became the most influential anime of all time. It leads to the establishment of Studio Ghibli by Miyazaki and Takahata. The first film under Studio Ghibli to Laputa: Castle in the Sky. The popular anime Dragon Ball aired its first series in 1984 and it has greatly influenced the martial arts genre. Original Video Animation (OVA) was first established during the 1980s as well. The combination of anime and video games also started in 1980s. Sports anime gained popularity during this period as well with Captain Tsubasa as the leading name in this genre (Coutte).

The Appearance of More Anime Genres

The highly controversial anime Neon Genesis Evangelion was produced in the 1990s. Despite being controversial, it gained popularity among anime fans and has received a lot of attention from the media. As a way to revive the declining anime industry, many genres were experimented on in order to look for the genre that can appeal to the target audience. Experimental anime films such as Ghost in the Shell have marked its breakthrough in the cyberpunk genre. Super Robot genre was also revived during the late 1990s with series such as Brave. Real Robot genre experienced declined in 1990s as well. It was until 2002 that this genre regained its strength with the release of the anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. The popular game series Pokemon was also made in anime television show. The other anime that are popular locally and internationally that are released in 1990s are Digimon, Sailor Moon, and Dragonball Z. Additionally, the success of Gundam Seed was the followed by Code Geass in 2006 and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion in 2008. Experimental late night animes such as Gantz were also established. The year 2000s covers the success of genres such as harem, slice of life and romance. Visual novels turned to anime like Kanon (2002), Clannad (2008) and Fate/Stay Night were also produced. Many manga and light novels were turned into anime including the popular Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and the highly acclaimed Death Note.

Conclusion

The evolution of anime has gone through a lot of challenges such as lack of animators, quality of color and sound, technology issues, popular genre that can appeal to the audience, and financial struggles in production. Despite these hardships, the anime industry was able to establish its name in the field of art. It has greatly influenced many people in terms of life decisions and outlooks. As an art, it has evolved into something beautiful and advanced and it does not lack innovations that can make it more highly accepted. The anime has reached its goal of being successful in the worldwide scene.

Works Cited

Beck, Jerry. “Earliest Anime found.” Cartoon Brew. 28 Mar. 2008. Web. 23. Apr. 2015. <http://www.cartoonbrew.com/anime/earliest-anime-found-5348.html>
Coutte, Alice. “The History of Anime.” Online SFSU. 18 Dec. 2013. Web. 23 Apr. 2015. < http://online.sfsu.edu/rapidviz/523_2013/coutte_anime_timeline_poster_2013.pdf>
Elias, Herlander. The Anime Galaxy: Japanese Animation as New Media. LabCom Books. 2012.
Kehr, Dave. “Anime, Japanese Cinema’s Second Golden Age.” The New York Time. 2002. Jan. 20. Web. 23 Apr. 2015. <http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/20/movies/film-anime-japanese-cinema-s-second-golden-age.html >
Yasuo, Yamaguchi. “The Evolution of the Japanese Anime Industry.” Nippon. 20 Dec. 2013. Web. 23 Apr. 2015. <http://www.nippon.com/en/features/h00043/>
Yamaguchi, Katsunori and Yasushi Watanabe. Nihon animeshon eigashi. Yubunsha. 1977.