An Introduction to Anime

An Introduction to Anime Presented by Karen Stapleton

English Consultant, AISNSW

[email protected]

What is anime?

Anime: (pronounced ah-nee-may)

The term broadly refers to the shortened Japanese interpretation of the word Animation referring to animated moving-image films. More specifically Anime (which itself draws heavily on the Japanese printed comic tradition known as Manga) refers to a very specific style of Japanese cartoon-like animation. Anime emphasizes particular stylistic accents predominantly in relation to the depiction of human characters.

Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW

Anime

Has become THE major way in which non-Japanese are exposed to Japanese culture

“Otaku” = fan anime films are NOT cartoons.

Appeal to a broad audience now – note range of anime film classifications: PG R

Sophisticated and complex films


What’s great about anime

Intricate plots and storylines

Wide variety of topics, genres and styles

strong emotive appeal – meant to ‘fire up’ emotions, responses

importance of values in anime films eg sincerity, courage and perseverance.

Quality of Artwork – concentrate on detail (rather than fluidity of motion); cinematic effects in artwork.

Combines artistic expression and powerful entertainment


Formats of anime

TV episodes/ series

OAV or OVA Original Animation Video: released as direct videos/DVDs for home rentals

Full length feature films for cinema/theatre release


How Anime evolved: The early, pre-TV era: 1917- 62

Originally based on fairy tales (Japanese + Western)

Used same animation techniques as elsewhere in the world

1930s and during WW2 studios controlled and censored only able to produce propaganda or militaristic pieces

Post war decade: industry in decline; lack of infrastructure/buildings etc growth of manga industry (cheaper)

1950s – revival of Japanese movie industry; “studio system”


How Anime evolved - 1960s, a landmark decade for anime! Alakazam the Great (1960) - based on Osamu Tezuki’s comic

book adaptation of ancient Monkey King legend; movie used his plot and visual style.

Tezuki – most popular comic book artist (eg Astro Boy); regarded as having invented Japan’s modern ‘manga’ industry; pioneered many innovations in style and form and genre;incorporated many of the stylistic forms of film into his work

TV animation studio, Mushi Productions founded by Osamu Tezuki in 1962. First TV anime, Astro Boy, released (preceded by a live-action show in 1959)


How Anime evolved

Tezuka’s influence: Popularity of TV animation

Established the attitude that ‘cartooning’ was an acceptable form of storytelling for any age group

Created sophisticated adult animation in a range of genres

Pioneered artwork styles and techniques

Productions represented the links: Manga live-action TV feature films


How anime evolved – 1970s

Flood of giant robot stories and toy-promotional features eg Tetsujin 28-GO TV series (in US “Gigantor”) – machine transformations; sci-fi genre

Appearance, costumes etc influenced by samurai and Japanese martial arts traditions and hand-to-hand combat

Great heroes and epic stories became prominent; more ‘theatrical releases’ based on Leiji Matsumoto’s manga tales of heroism, courage, humanity set against vast panorama of space and strange worlds Space operas!



Cinema/theatre anime challenges dominance of TV anime

Development of anime storylines as well as expansion in genre and new ‘talents’

1983 – release of the first OVA , Dallos, directed by Mamoru Oshii – his rise to fame!

OVAs – led to new development in anime – the sexually explicit, erotic story (had long existed in manga).

Popularity of films by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata: success of anime film, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984) led to their establishment of Studio Ghibli

Akira – 1988; set in dystopian Tokyo in 2019; huge impact on American audiences



Rise in anime production companies & greater global distribution

As original viewers matured demanded more complex narratives and higher quality product

Development of OVA/TV/movie crossover series

Increased popularity of shojo anime (many based on CLAMP’s manga)

Greater use of computers in animation


TraditionalTop 5 Anime Studios & creators

Studio Ghibli - Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke)

Production IG – Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (Ghost in the Shell, Kill Bill anime sequence)

Gonzo - (Chrono Crusade, Last Exile, Hellsin, Final Fantasy)

Gainax – Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Sunrise (Cowboy Bebop, Mobile Suit Gundam) - giant robots!


Key elements in anime

Manga is a major source for anime stories

Distinctive character and background aesthetics that visually set it apart from other forms of animation

Pacing and rhythm of the action; timing and editing

Framing; camera & other cinematic effects used in the animation

Visual structuring of the action/ detailed backgrounds

Use of music; music can play a major role in the plot


Key elements in anime

Anime filmed and then voices are added

Long narrative structures + twists and unpredictability of plot / endings / fate of characters etc.

Characters (chara) are complex and multidimensional; their feelings are important in anime and shape their actions

Inclusion of Japanese cultural details

Use of comedy


Main “chara” traits & visual conventions

Chara are usually of mixed ancestry/race – don’t look Japanese even if action is set in Japan

Hair – colour, shades, styles and movement.

Waists – often slim, small, tiny for females and males, although some variation for men.

Eyes – big, large, giant, non-Asian eyes are common

Female breasts = often large, pert, bouncy - “defy gravity”

Key thematic motifs = doll with a soul and/or cybernetic humans; giant robots


Documents

An Introduction to Anime