Anime, also known as Japanimation, refers to hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. The word “anime” is derived from the English term “animation,” and within Japan, it generally encompasses all forms of animated media. However, outside Japan, “anime” specifically denotes animation produced in Japan or those stylistic features associated with Japanese animation—characterized by vivid graphics, expressive characters, and fantastical storytelling. This broad semantic scope has led to the occasional use of “anime” to describe animated works created in other countries that adopt similar stylistic elements.
The roots of Japanese animation trace back to 1917 with some of the earliest commercially produced works. The distinctive visual style familiar today began to take shape in the 1960s through the influential works of Osamu Tezuka and gained widespread popularity in both Japan and internationally during the latter half of the 20th century. Anime is typically distributed through multiple channels, including theatrical screenings, television broadcasts, direct-to-home media, and online streaming platforms. It frequently features adaptations of manga (Japanese comics), light novels, or video games, alongside original creations.
Over time, anime production has evolved by integrating emerging technologies, blending various artistic techniques and multimedia elements—such as graphic art, storytelling, cinematography, and special effects. Unlike conventional animation that emphasizes movement, anime often prioritizes realistic backgrounds, detailed settings, and innovative camera effects like panning, zooming, and dynamic angles. The art styles within anime are highly diverse, with character proportions ranging from exaggerated, large eyes to more realistic features, often emphasizing emotional expressiveness.
Anime covers a wide array of genres designed to appeal to both mainstream and specialized audiences. Additionally, within the United States, terms like “wapanese” have emerged to describe individuals—typically white fans—who exhibit an intense fascination with Japanese culture, especially anime. This term evolved into “weeaboo,” which refers to fans overly obsessed with Japanese media and culture, sometimes adopting Japanese language and customs to an exaggerated degree.
