Japanese Cartoon Animation Takes the World by Storm
by Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@animationschoolreview.com
Animation School Review Columnist
Dragonball Z. Yu-gi-oh. If you’re not sure what these words mean, then you must have missed the Japanese cartoon animation boat. Anime is the cartoon world on steroids. And it’s garnered a massive following throughout the world.
Just what is it about Japanese anime cartoons that is so compelling? According to Ho Lin, Brown University student and anime expert, “Japanese animation is not as encumbered by preconceptions and stereotypes as its counterpart across the Pacific.” While American cartoon animation is preoccupied with sticking to traditional values and contemporary narratives, Japanese cartoon animation is more prone to break the boundaries of what you’d expect from a cartoon. Here are some of the sticking points of Japanese anime and a hint as to why it is so wildly popular.
The Japanese Cartoon Animation Rage
- Dedicated Channels. With the development of dish broadcasting and video on demand, Japanese cartoon animation can be seen on dedicated channels around the clock.
- Character Change. While animals used to be the main subjects of traditional cartoon animation, Japanese anime uses half human half robot creations as the primary role players.
- A Revival. With the wane of popularity experienced by traditional cartoon animation forms, Japanese anime has breathed life back into the art with real world circumstances and characters you can identify with.
Not only has Japanese cartoon animation created a buzz on television and in the movies, the anime art form has spurred changes in the way Japan markets its creation to the outside world.
Japanese Cartoon Animation on Tour
- The Culture of Anime. Anime has been a traditional part of Japanese cartoon animation since the 1070s and a source of national pride, as well. Anime exports include video games, DVDs, and fashion wear.
- US Tourists. Special tours are available for American anime fans that take them through production studios, museums, and merchandising shops.
- Promoting Anime. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is cashing in on the anime cartoon sensation by developing areas along the anime tour routes that caters to fans.
The unbridled realism and emotion of Japanese cartoon animation has spawned a worldwide following of the art form. The anime infrastructure will only continue to grow in the coming decade.
Sources
CARTOON TOURISM
Japanese Animation - A Trend In Cartoon Shows
Japanese Cartoon and Animation Art
About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.
Posted on December 23, 2006 at 9:50 AM
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