Anime facts for kids
Anime (pronounced "AH-nee-may") is a special kind of animation that comes from Japan. It can be drawn by hand or made using computers. When people outside Japan talk about "anime," they usually mean animation made in Japan. But in Japan, the word "anime" is short for "animation" and means any animated show or movie, no matter where it's from!
The very first Japanese animation for people to watch was made in 1917. A unique art style for anime became popular in the 1960s. This was thanks to the work of a famous artist named Osamu Tezuka. Over time, more and more people in Japan started watching anime. Many anime stories come from Japanese comics called manga, or from light novels and video games. Anime has many different types of stories, called genres, for all kinds of viewers.
Making modern anime involves several steps. These include planning the story with storyboards, having voice actors speak the lines, designing the characters, and creating the animation frames. Since the 1990s, animators have used more computer animation to help make anime faster and better.
Popular anime and manga stories are often translated into other languages. This means the words are changed so people in different countries can understand and enjoy them.
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The Story of Anime
The history of anime began around 1900. At that time, Japanese filmmakers started trying out new ways to make animated movies. This was happening at the same time as filmmakers in places like the United States, Russia, Germany, and France.
Japanese filmmakers didn't have a lot of money or many places to film their movies. It was also hard to find actors for stories set in other parts of the world. Japanese people look different from people in other countries. Filmmakers liked animation because artists could draw any place or person they imagined. This allowed animators to be very creative with their cartoons.
During the 1970s, manga became very popular. Because of this, many anime shows started as manga stories. Animators would take the drawings and stories from a manga artist and turn them into an anime. During this time, Osamu Tezuka became super famous. People now call him a "legend" and the "god of manga." Tezuka and other early anime creators made many of the story types and styles we see in anime today.
For example, the giant robot genre, known as "mecha" outside Japan, started with Tezuka's ideas. Robot anime like Gundam and Macross became classic shows in the 1980s. Today, robot anime is still very popular in Japan and around the world. In the 1980s, anime became very popular in Japan, and more shows were made. (Though Manga is even more popular than anime in Japan!)
What Makes Anime Unique?
Anime is different from other types of animation because of its art styles and how it's made. Visually, anime shows have many different art styles. These styles change depending on the creators, artists, and studios. While there isn't one single art style for all anime, they do share some similar ways of animating and designing characters.
Anime often uses "limited animation." This means that not every single movement is drawn. Sometimes, characters might have flat expressions, or time might seem to pause. Anime also covers many different topics and stories. It can even include real historical figures. Anime stories often have complex plots.
A special part of anime is its unique drawing style. Characters often have large, oval eyes with clear lines. They also have bright colors and their mouths move very little when they talk.
How Anime is Made
Modern anime follows a common way of being produced. This includes creating storyboards (like a comic book version of the show), having voice acting, designing the characters, and making the animation frames. Since the 1990s, animators have used more computer animation to make the process faster.
Early anime was more experimental. It included drawings on blackboards, stop motion animation with paper cutouts, and silhouette animation. Later, "cel animation" became very popular. This is where drawings are made on clear plastic sheets called cels. In the 21st century, other animation methods are mostly used for independent short films.
Computers started being used in animation in the 1990s. Movies like Ghost in the Shell and Princess Mononoke mixed cel animation with computer-made images. When a big company stopped making cels, it made the industry switch to digital methods even faster.
Before computers, anime was made using traditional methods. Animators would draw key poses, and then fill in the movements between them. Most mainstream anime uses fewer main drawings and more "in-between" drawings.
Japanese animation studios were pioneers in using "limited animation" techniques. These techniques give anime its special look. Unlike Disney animation, which focuses a lot on smooth movement, anime often focuses on the quality of the art. Limited animation helps save time and can also be used as an artistic choice.
Anime scenes often try to look three-dimensional. The backgrounds are very important for creating the mood of the show. Sometimes, these backgrounds are not invented. They are based on real places, like in Howl's Moving Castle and The Mel melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.
Anime also uses cinematic effects, like a movie camera. This includes panning (moving the camera side to side), zooming in, and different camera angles. These dynamic shots would be hard to create in real life. In anime, the animation is usually finished before the voice acting is recorded. This is different from American animation, where voice acting often comes first.
Anime Characters
The human characters in anime usually have body shapes that look like real human bodies. Artists often use the height of the head as a basic measurement for body parts. Most anime characters are about seven to eight heads tall. However, anime artists sometimes change body shapes on purpose. They might make "super deformed" characters, who have very small bodies compared to their heads. Many super deformed characters are only two to four heads tall.
A common thing you'll see in anime character design is very large eyes.
Hair in anime is often super lively and colorful, or styled in unique ways.
Anime and manga artists often use common facial expressions to show feelings:
- A giant sweat drop on the side of a character's head indicates nervousness or embarrassment.
- A visible popping red vein symbol shows sudden frustration or anger.
- Red blush lines across the cheeks show shyness or romantic feelings.
- A character falling flat on the floor signals total disbelief or surprise at someone's silly behavior.
The Power of Anime Music
Music is an essential part of the anime experience. Opening and ending themes are performed by famous J-pop and J-rock musical artists. These catchy theme songs set the mood for each episode and frequently top international music charts.
In 2023, the hit theme song "Idol" by Yoasobi for the anime Oshi no Ko became a massive worldwide sensation. It topped the global music streaming charts, demonstrating the incredible international reach of modern anime soundtracks.
Global Cultural Impact and Media Franchises
Anime has become a central part of modern global pop culture. Millions of fans attend giant international conventions like Anime Expo in Los Angeles and Japan Expo in Paris. Many fans participate in cosplay, creating detailed handmade costumes to dress up as their favorite animated heroes.
Anime has also inspired Hollywood filmmakers, international video game developers, fashion designers, and musicians. Many Western animated series, such as Avatar: The Last Airbender and RWBY, show heavy inspiration from Japanese animation styles and storytelling.
Japanese companies pioneered the media mix strategy, where a single story is released as an anime, manga, video game, and toy line all at once. Several anime series rank among the highest-grossing media franchises in history.
- Pokémon: Created in 1996, it is the highest-grossing media franchise in history, generating over $100 billion in total worldwide sales across video games, anime series, trading cards, and toys.
- Dragon Ball: Created by Akira Toriyama, this legendary martial arts franchise inspired global anime culture and countless modern adventure series.
- Gundam: A multi-billion dollar robot franchise that popularized collectible plastic model building, known worldwide as "Gunpla."
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: A modern masterpiece that broke all-time box-office records and captivated millions with its dynamic sword fighting animation.
Anime has built an enduring bridge of friendship and cultural appreciation between Japan and countries across the world, inspiring creativity, artistic passion, and joy for millions of viewers.
Types of Anime
- Kodomo: Fun, educational shows made for young children, such as Doraemon and Pokémon.
- Shōnen: High-energy action and adventure stories aimed at young boys and teens, focusing on teamwork, hard work, and friendship. Famous examples include Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball Z.
- Shōjo: Emotionally rich stories focused on romance, drama, and personal growth, often featuring female protagonists. Famous titles include Sailor Moon and Fruits Basket.
- Seinen: Complex, mature stories aimed at older teens and young adults, featuring deeper philosophical themes and challenging storylines.
- Josei: Realistic slice-of-life and relationship stories designed for young adult women.
Exciting Story Genres
- Mecha: Science fiction stories featuring giant piloted robotic suits defending planets or fighting wars.
- Isekai: A wildly popular fantasy subgenre where normal characters are transported into a magical alternate universe or video game world.
- Magical girl: Stories where young heroines gain magical powers to battle evil forces and protect the world.
- Sports: Inspiring shows focused on athletic teamwork, competition, and dedication in sports like soccer, volleyball, and basketball.
- Fantasy and Adventure: Tales filled with legendary creatures, mythical magic, and epic quests through ancient worlds.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A frame from Namakura Gatana (1917), one of the oldest Japanese animated short films.
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A frame from the opening of Tezuka's 1963 TV series Astro Boy.
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Akihabara in Tokyo is a popular place for anime and manga fans.
See also
In Spanish: Anime para niños
