What is anime?
Anime refers to animated series and movies produced in Japan. The term is short for the Japanese word animēshon (derived from the English word animation). In Japan, anime is a term used for all kinds of animated works, not just Japanese productions. Most animes are adaptations of manga (Japanese comics) or light novels (novellas), though some are original creations without prior source material.
A brief history of anime
The origins of anime are controversial, but one of the earliest examples is a three-second animation from 1907. The first feature-length anime film, “Momotarō: Umi no Shinpei” (“Momotarō: Sacred Sailors”), was released in 1945 as a propaganda movie. After World War II, Japan’s anime industry struggled due to the country’s poor economic state and increasing competition from Western studios like Disney. However, rather than seeing it only as competition, Japanese animators also viewed Western animation as a source of inspiration, leading to iconic series such as “Astro Boy” (1963) and “Lupin III” (1967). In the 1970s, there were numerous collaborations with German, French, and American studios, producing beloved children’s series like “Heidi, Girl of the Alps”, “Barbapapa”, and “Vicky the Viking”. However, anime only truly gained widespread popularity in the 1980s with hits like “Dragon Ball”, “Gundam”, and “Space Battleship Yamato”. During this time, genres like shōjo and magical girl also emerged, putting female characters at the forefront. Anime’s international success grew significantly in the 1990s and 2000s with films like “Akira” (1988), Studio Ghibli masterpieces like “Princess Mononoke” (1997) and “Spirited Away” (2001), and iconic series such as “Sailor Moon” (1992), “One Piece” (1999), and “Naruto” (2002). Today, anime continues to enjoy growing global popularity.
The anime community: A hub for networking and creativity
The anime and manga community spans the globe, offering more than just entertainment—it’s a platform for connecting and creative expression. Conventions such as DoKomi in Düsseldorf, Japan Expo in Paris, and Anime Expo in Los Angeles bring anime and manga enthusiasts together to celebrate their favorite series, attend panels and workshops, and discover the latest releases. A particular highlight is cosplay, where fans dress up as their favorite characters and slip into their roles.
Online, numerous forums and communities allow fans to discuss their favorite shows, create or enjoy fan art and fan fiction, and connect with like-minded individuals. These communities are especially valuable for young people, providing a space to meet others who share their interests.
Popular themes and genres in anime
Anime covers a wide range of genres and themes, offering something for everyone. One of anime’s strengths is its ability to tell complex, multifaceted stories that often dive deep into character development. Genres in anime are typically categorized by target audience and content. Here are some of the most popular and well-known genres:
By audience:
- Kodomo anime: for children (e.g. Heidi, Pokémon)
- Shōnen anime: for boys (e.g. Dragon Ball)
- Shōjo anime: for girls (e.g. Fruits Basket)
- Seine anime: for young men (e.g. Tokyo Ghoul)
- Josei anime: for young women (e.g. NANA)
By content:
- Magical Girl / Mahō Shōjo: The main characters are girls with magical powers (e.g. Sailor Moon)
- Mecha: Focuses on giant robots (e.g. Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Sentai / Super Sentai: It’s about a team of superheroes (e.g. One Punch Man)
- Sports: Centered around a specific sport (e.g. Haikyuu!!)
- Gourmet: Stories about cooking and eating (e.g. Food Wars!
Shokugeki no Soma ) - Music: Here the focus is on music, bands and/or instruments (e.g. K-ON!, Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso: seconds in minor)
- Boys’ Love / Girls’ Love: Focuses on romantic relationships between male or female characters (e.g. Given, I’m in Love with the Villainess)
- Isekai (engl. “other world”): Characters are transported to fantasy or video game worlds (e.g. Re:ZERO, Sword Art Online)
Anime recommendations for newbies and connoisseurs
Now that you know more about the background of anime, you might be wondering where to start or what to watch next. We’ve gathered some recommendations for anime newcomers and must-watch titles for seasoned fans to ensure your evenings are well-filled.
The best anime for newbies:
Spy x Family (2022)
Tells the story of a master spy who has to create a fake family to complete a secret mission, unaware that his “wife” is an assassin and his adopted daughter is a telepath. This leads to both humorous and heartwarming moments.
Available on: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Demon Slayer (2019)
Follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is murdered and his sister is turned into a demon. Determined to save his sister and defeat the demons, he embarks on a dangerous journey full of intense battles and emotional challenges.
Available on: Crunchyroll, Netflix
One Punch Man (2015)
Centers on Saitama, a hero so powerful he can defeat any enemy with a single punch. Bored by his overwhelming strength, he searches for a worthy opponent while navigating the oddities of everyday life.
Available on: Crunchyroll
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
Tells the story of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who lose part or all of their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. To restore their bodies, they embark on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, uncovering dark secrets and facing powerful enemies along the way.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Must-watch animes:
One Piece (1999)
Follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with the ability to stretch his body like rubber, as he sails the seas with his crew in search of the legendary treasure “One Piece” and the title of Pirate King.
Available on: Crunchyroll
Attack on Titan (2013)
Set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, the story follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the military to fight the Titans and uncover the mysteries behind their existence.
Available on: Crunchyroll
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)
Follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who is thrust into the world of Jujutsu sorcery after swallowing a cursed object. To protect humanity from dangerous curses, he trains at a special school and battles evil supernatural forces.
Available on: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Follows a group of bounty hunters traveling through the solar system aboard their spaceship, the Bebop, in 2071. The series blends action-packed adventures with deep emotional stories and a unique jazz soundtrack, as the crew members confront their pasts.
Available on: Netflix
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