Anime is a 20th-century global phenomenon that has millions of admirers. It has been translated into numerous languages as a result.
The demand from overseas audiences, which accounted for a substantial portion of the $19.8 billion in revenue in 2017. Anime produces very varied stories with very recognizable characters.
In recent years, sales of animated films and television shows to Amazon and Netflix have tripled. This surge in popularity has so far shown no indications of slowing down.
Anime has been growing in popularity steadily for ten years, and now it is widely available in America.
In this article, we will delve into why anime has become so popular all over the world.
History Of Anime
A multimedia art form with strong roots in Japan is known as anime. This is inspired from the English term “animation.”
It has been a common term for all forms of animated media, from computer-animated to hand-drawn, used by the Japanese for a very long time.
On the other hand, anime is generally thought of by non-Japanese people as Japanese-made or Japanese-styled cartoons.
Animation combines graphic design, character development, cinematography, and other artistic techniques. In 1917, the first Japanese animated film was released as a commercial.
However, it wasn’t until Osamu Tezuka’s works arrived in the US in the 1960s that the distinctive anime art style became well-known there. You can watch anime in movie theaters, on television, on your phones, or online.
According to statistics, Japan is home to about 430 anime production studios. Gainax, Studio Ghibli, and Toei Animation are a few well-known names in the anime world.
Despite the mature themes described above, a lot of people really enjoy watching this kind of animation!
With the emergence of foreign-dubbed and subtitled programs, anime has seen a surge in the global market since the 1980s.
60% of animated television programs in the world as of 2016 were anime. The majority of broadcasts nowadays, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, feature anime.
Why Is Anime Popular?
There are quite a few different reasons as to why anime has become so popular. Below we have put together some of the most popular reasons.
It’s Different
The first reason why anime is so popular is that it’s different.
In contrast to Western or American animated series like “Family Guys” or “Marvel Avengers,” anime creates a fantastic universe with a psychological depth and accompanying graphics.
It stands out because of the variety of subject matter, and storytelling techniques. As well as the cultural attributes that the characters display.
People don’t frequently witness giant robots, giggly magic users, or post-apocalyptic pandemonium coming from Hollywood. Above all, anime serves as a reminder of who we are and a distraction from reality.
Diverse Stories
Everybody has a different favorite anime narrative, genre, and style.
Horror, mystery/suspense, action/adventure, humor, and romance are just a handful of the various genres that anime storylines might explore. Therefore, you could start with a topic that interests you.
Different types of tales can be found in anime series. There are numerous opportunities for the artist to use their imagination to develop fresh stories. Due to this, each anime program can appeal to diverse tastes.
Real Topics And Relatable Characters
Despite being a series of animated films, anime can also depict events that actually take place. It does not only discuss positive things like joy and laughter.
Additionally, anime can depict darker themes like despair and depression.
Anime differs from traditional American cartoons. Although more serious, anime series are also attractive and colorful.
They may touch on issues like mental illness, PTSD, the struggle to survive, and the inability to identify one’s purpose in life.
Not just kids watch anime. It can be watched by everyone, from teens to fully grown adults.
The main appeal of anime is how skillfully the plot and message are weaved together. The meaning must be discovered through closer examination and understanding.
Connections To The Video Game World
Since the turn of the 20th century, anime-themed video games have become more and more popular.
While the popularity of anime in other countries may be attributed to films like Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away and television programs like Sailor Moon. Video games have also significantly contributed to that rise.
The games certainly include a lot of the elements that anime fans adore. Such as rich and fascinating mythology and fascinating, endearing characters that players become emotionally attached to.
Players can experience what it’s like to be the main character of their own anime series. By playing games that are inspired by anime shows, films and series.
Insight Into Japanese Culture
Anime is a great entry point into the very varied lifestyle that Japanese people lead. Anime frequently alludes to Japanese customs, folklore and culture.
From historical people to Japanese stories and legends. Anime has managed to make Japanese culture and customs appealing to western viewers.
It’s a remarkably original and fascinating method to discover more about Japan. It intrigues and entices viewers to understand more about the show’s message.
This is because it differs greatly from what many individuals from the west are used to.
More Accessible
It is worth noting that anime has become much more accessible in recent years.
The number of streaming platforms and companies on the western side of the industry has increased. This is in response to the problem of piracy and to provide fans with a legal means of watching subbed anime.
For a modest monthly fee, anime lovers can access a plethora of streaming websites.
Some of which even allow simultaneous streaming. Thus, fans can watch the most recent episodes completely translated as they air in Japan.
Amazon and Nextlifx have recently added anime to their services. In fact, Netflix now has an anime category where you can view popular and new anime series or films.
This allows anyone to watch and discover anime more easily.
Anime’s Popularity Around The World
Since the 2000s, anime has received international attention. Not only in the US, but also in other Western nations like France and Germany, anime is very popular.
Commercially, it brought in $17.7 billion for the Japanese film industry in 2016. From which 40% came from the Asian market, 12% from North America, and 26% from Europe.
There are anime fan clubs as well, all over the world. Where those who share a similar love for anime or a particular show or film can interact. Hence, anime’s popularity is worldwide.
Conclusion
More anime series are debuting on various platforms every day. As you can see, there are several factors contributing to anime’s popularity.
Due to its approachable characters, colorful settings, and insight into Japanese history and culture. It is a genre of cinema and TV that more and more people are discovering and watching.
We hope this article has been helpful. Now you should have a clearer idea on why anime is so popular.
