An Introduction to Anime
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Transcript An Introduction to Anime
An Introduction to Anime
Presented by Karen Stapleton
English Consultant, AISNSW
[email protected]
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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”
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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)
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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!
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
How anime evolved – 1980s
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
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
How anime evolved – 1990s
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
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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!
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW
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