Anime, previously known as Japanese cartoons, has gained worldwide recognition in recent times. Despite its long history, its sudden surge in fame is a recent occurrence. However, this rise is the result of a journey that has spanned decades.
At first, the medium was associated with a negative connotation and was often considered to be intended only for children. This reputation was heavily influenced by Western animated media, commonly known as “Western Cartoons,”which primarily catered to a younger audience. This can be seen in popular shows like Mickey Mouse, Tom & Jerry, Popeye the Sailor, and others.
Despite initially facing limited viewership and struggling to gain widespread acceptance, public opinion towards Japanese animation has undergone a drastic shift in recent years. It has broken free from its early stereotypes and emerged as a highly popular topic of discussion and a mainstream form of entertainment enjoyed by individuals of all ages.
This article examines the evolution of anime throughout the years, discussing its rise from facing negative stereotypes to becoming a prominent element of pop culture. It delves into the potential influences that played a role in shifting public perception and the legitimization of anime as a highly regarded source of entertainment.
Please note that all views expressed in this article are personal and only represent the writer’s point of view.
The Evolution of Anime: From Japanese Cartoon to Global Phenomenon
Taking a Look at the Evolution of Anime and Its Popularity: The Origins of the Term Japanese Cartoon
Despite its current widespread recognition, animated works from Japan were initially referred to as Japanese Cartoons before the term “Anime”gained popularity. The term “Anime”is derived from “Animation”, which refers to a series or show created using animated media. In contrast, “Cartoons”were commonly used to describe Western animated media shows that were popular globally.
Before the rise in global popularity of Japanese animation, animated media content was mainly classified as Cartoons, aimed at a young audience. At first, the reach of Japanese animation was primarily limited to Japan and had not yet made a significant impact on international viewers.
The Beginning of Anime’s Journey
The origins of Japanese animation can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century. The earliest known examples, which were in the form of short films, were released in 1917. These included titles like Namakura Gatana (The Dull Sword) by Junichi Kōuchi and Dekobo Shingachō: Meian no Shippai (Bumpy New Picture Book: Failure of a Great Plan) by Seitaro Kitayama, who are often recognized as the pioneers of anime.
Before the 1950s, pioneering works in the genre of Japanese animation, such as Namakura Gatana, Urashima Tarō, Kyoiku Otogimanga Usagi to Kame, and Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka, were released. In 1960, the first anime to be broadcast on TV was Mittsu no Hanashi (Three Tales), which aired as a short film with a 30-minute runtime.
In 1961, one year later, Japan’s first animated television series, Instant History (Otogi Manga Calendar), was released, although it did not consist entirely of animation. These initial productions established the groundwork for the development of a distinctive and influential animation style.
The 80s and 90s: A Time of Iconic Old-Gen Anime
In the latter part of the 20th century, anime started to gain recognition in the worldwide market with the airing of its most beloved series. Popular shows such as Doraemon (1979), Ninja Hattori (1981), Perman (1983), Dragon Ball (1989), Shinchan (1992), Sailor Moon (1992), Yu Yu Hakusho (1992), Chibi Maruko-chan (1995), Pokemon (1997), Digimon (1999), One Piece (1999), and others gained widespread fame.
Despite their worldwide popularity, these series often reinforced the stereotype of “Japanese Cartoons,”particularly because they were mainly aimed at children. Along with their TV series, Studio Ghibli’s films also gained widespread recognition internationally.
Some of the most well-known titles like My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Grave of the Fireflies (1988), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), and others, gained widespread recognition from audiences around the world. Despite their immense popularity, these films, which were primarily rated G and PG, were often referred to as “Japanese Cartoons.”
Despite the critical role these works played in elevating Japanese animation to a global level and expanding its fanbase, they were still often referred to as “Japanese Cartoons”due to their connection to children’s entertainment and the existing stigma and perceptions surrounding animated media. This prevented them from fully breaking into the international market and gaining the recognition they deserved.
Despite being released during this time, acclaimed series such as Fist of the North Star (1984), JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (1993), Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995), Berserk (1997), Cowboy Bebop (1998), Hunter x Hunter (1999), and others did not gain the same widespread recognition among international viewers as they do now.
During the beginning of the 21st century, numerous renowned and impactful series embarked on their journeys, such as the Big Three and other beloved shows among fans.
During this time period, numerous titles were released, including Naruto (2002), Fullmetal Alchemist (2003, Brotherhood 2009), Monster (2004), Bleach (2004), Gintama (2006), Death Note (2006), Code Geass (2006), Fate/Stay Night (2006), Fairy Tail (2009), Hunter x Hunter 2011, Steins;Gate (2011), Sword Art Online (2012), JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (2012), Attack on Titan (2013), Tokyo Ghoul (2014), Haikyuu!! (2014), and many others, all of which made a significant impact.
Despite being popular and highly praised, anime still faced stigma as being exclusively for children or seen as simply cartoons. Nevertheless, these prominent titles played a vital role in elevating the medium’s status and gaining widespread recognition across the world.
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During this era, a number of highly acclaimed series were introduced to audiences. Among them were fan favorites such as One Punch Man (2015), My Hero Academia (2016), Demon Slayer (2019), The Promised Neverland (2019), Dr. Stone (2019), Vinland Saga (2019), Jujutsu Kaisen (2020), Spy x Family (2022), Chainsaw Man (2022), and numerous others that first premiered as animated works during this period and continue to captivate audiences to this day.
During this period, Makoto Shinkai’s films gained iconic status, with titles such as Your Name (2016), Weathering with You (2019), and Suzume (2022) debuting to critical acclaim. Other notable movies, like A Silent Voice (2016) and The Boy and the Heron (2023), were also celebrated for their stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling.
This era served as a pivotal moment for the medium, as it successfully shed its negative connotations and solidified its position as an essential aspect of pop culture on a global scale. Despite appearing to occur abruptly, this change was propelled by numerous influential factors that were instrumental in its evolution. The following are key elements that greatly influenced anime’s ascent to becoming a widespread sensation.
How Anime Became a Cornerstone of Pop Culture: Key Elements that Fueled Its Popularity
The surge in popularity of anime can be attributed to various key factors. Particularly, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns played a significant role in accelerating its rise. As people were forced to stay at home, the Japanese animated medium became a preferred source of entertainment, resulting in a significant increase in its global audience.
In addition, the surge in manga and anime adaptations, increased accessibility through streaming services, and the global spread and growing influence of Japanese culture were all crucial factors in its rise to global prominence. Furthermore, many other elements also played significant roles, which we will explore in detail.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Lockdowns on the Growth of Medium’s Popularity
The COVID-19 pandemic, which started in the beginning of 2020 and continued for a few years, was a significant factor in the increased popularity of anime. With the implementation of lockdowns and restrictions on outdoor activities, individuals were confined to their homes.
Due to the limitations and increased amount of time spent indoors, individuals turned to the internet for amusement. This rise in online engagement resulted in numerous people discovering and delving into the world of Japanese animation.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, while the pandemic caused significant declines in box office sales of 80 percent in the US and 45 percent in Japan’s theatrical market, Japan’s anime industry only experienced a 3.5 percent contraction.
The anime film Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train was released in October 2020 and has been deemed the highest-grossing theatrical hit and blockbuster of the year. It generated an impressive $48 million in North America, $365 million in Japan, and a worldwide total of $504 million.
As its charm captivated more and more people, they took to social media to share their newfound interests, ultimately increasing its popularity. This rise in interest played a significant role in expanding its global audience and solidifying its position as a prominent element of modern pop culture.
The Impact of Decreasing Western Media Standards and Increasing Anime Quality on Global Viewership
During the lockdowns, numerous individuals resorted to the internet for amusement. Nonetheless, there were reports of people growing tired of the repetitive nature of Western media and the monotony of their everyday routines. In search of something different, they started to explore other alternatives, and anime proved to be a welcome and rejuvenating choice.
Despite initially being labeled as “just cartoons”or “just for children,”Japanese animation eventually won over audiences with its unique appeal. Its top-notch quality and stunning animation set it apart, offering viewers a fresh and captivating experience.
The stunning graphics and captivating environments quickly captivated audiences, resulting in a notable shift in viewership patterns and a surge in its fame.
The Expansion of Streaming Services: Making Anime More Accessible
As individuals increasingly relied on the internet for amusement during the lockdown, there was a notable increase in the utilization of streaming platforms and websites. In response to the growing demand for anime, major streaming companies such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others began to broaden their collections to feature Japanese animated series.
The medium became more accessible and convenient to stream for a diverse audience worldwide, thanks to this change. The expanded availability of these platforms played a significant role in elevating it to a more mainstream and universally recognized source of entertainment.
Growing numbers of manga and anime adaptations have amplified the appeal
The rise in manga and anime adaptations has been instrumental in the increasing appeal of Japanese animated series. With Japan diversifying its content to include a wider array of genres and storytelling techniques, it has captured the attention of a broader demographic.
As the number of shows catering to various preferences grew, a larger audience was able to connect with Japanese animation. This wider appeal played a significant role in expanding the reach of Japanese animation on a global level and further increasing its popularity.
How Age Demographics Have Contributed to the Popularity of Anime
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in anime among the younger generation. According to a survey conducted by Polygon, which included 4,000 Americans aged 18 and above, there has been a noticeable shift in the popularity of this medium in 2024. The results of the survey show that while only 3% of Boomers watch anime on a weekly basis, the numbers significantly increase to 42% for Gen Z, 25% for Millennials, and 12% for Gen X.
The survey additionally emphasizes the ways in which viewers interact with this particular type of entertainment. A significant majority, over three-quarters, watch it as a means of escaping, while more than two-thirds turn to it for comfort and resilience. Additionally, nearly half utilize it to increase their energy levels.
Furthermore, a majority (65%) of individuals who watch anime consider it to be more emotionally gripping compared to other forms of media such as live-action television shows and films. This perception is influenced by various factors, with a significant proportion (90%) highlighting the depth of characters, while 89% appreciate the emotional intensity and relationships between characters. Additionally, the animation style is favored by 87% of viewers, and 86% praise the quality of voice acting.
The impacts of Anime’s rise
As anime began to gain popularity around the world, it brought with it distinctive storytelling techniques, cultural nuances, and artistic styles that were unlike those found in Western cartoons. This gradual recognition and appreciation for its unique qualities resulted in the term “Anime”becoming increasingly widespread and popular, distinguishing it from Western cartoons.
Currently, the medium is globally recognized and praised, captivating a diverse range of viewers from all generations and breaking through cultural barriers, solidifying its position as a prominent and impactful source of amusement.
Renowned anime content creator Joseph Tetsuro Bizinger, also known as Joey the Anime Man on YouTube, discussed the increasing recognition of the genre, expressing:
“Over the past five to 10 years, in Japan and in the West, there’s almost been this anime renaissance that has happened, where it went from being this thing you would get bullied for liking to being something all kinds of people want to talk about.”
The Medium’s increasing popularity and influence on worldwide pop culture can be seen in a variety of ways. Cosplays, anime conventions, and fan art have all become popular forms of expressing fandom, uniting communities of passionate fans from around the world.
The impact also spreads to other forms of media, as Western animation and live-action films and series continue to incorporate elements from its unique visual aesthetic and storytelling methods.
Popular Japanese animation shows are being adapted into live-action series by Western media houses, including the highly anticipated One Piece live-action (2023) and the upcoming Naruto live-action. As its reach and influence continue to expand, it is shaping various aspects of entertainment worldwide.
Despite not being a recent development, the rising popularity of the medium has also had an impact on video games. While anime-styled games used to only be successful in certain parts of Asia, they are now gaining recognition among gamers around the world. Numerous games with Japanese animation-style visuals have achieved immense success on a global scale.
Some notable examples are Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, and Wuthering Waves, which have gained considerable recognition among the global gaming community, expanding their impact across the globe.
The former Japanese cartoon has gained widespread popularity and its influence has grown to the point where it is now impacting Western animation. This has caused a shift in roles, with many Western cartoons and animated media now identifying themselves as “Anime.”
New animated series such as Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (2024), Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023), and Blood of Zeus (2020) showcase examples of adopting Japanese animation’s unique style and storytelling methods by Western studios.
Castlevania (2017) is a noteworthy instance of a Western production that embraces anime aesthetics, as it is adapted from the Japanese video game Castlevania/Akumajō Dracula (1986).
Moreover, despite their Western origins, the American animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) and its sequel, The Legend of Korra (2012), have gained recognition for their use of Japanese production styles.
Final Thoughts
From the observed trends, it is clear that the increasing impact of what was once known as Japanese Cartoons is now expanding beyond cultural barriers, greatly transforming the worldwide animation scene.
The inclusion of anime’s elements in Western productions not only enhances its appeal, but also blurs the lines between traditional Western cartoons and Japanese animation. This fusion promotes a more unified and diverse animation industry as a whole.
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