Contents
Introduction
Japanese Manga and Anime
History of Japanese Manga
History of Japanese Anime
Difference between American animation and Japanese Anime
Differences in Characters of Animation/Anime
Moe to Cosplay
Japanese Spirituality shown in Anime
Japanese Movies
The History of Japanese Movies
The Movies That Led to a Craze for Japan
Differences in the Movies of Japan and those of Hollywood
Features of Japanese Movies
Japanese Spiritually Found in Japanese Movies
Introduction
During our ‘Magical Trip’ tour, we are often surprised to find some foreign visitors who love Japanese culture as much as we do, or even more. What they are most enthusiastic about is Japanese entertainment forms such as manga, anime, and movies. The Japanese word ‘otaku’ has come to be acknowledged overseas, and some call themselves ‘otaku.’ Originally, this word had a negative connotation in the 2000s; it was used to refer to male middle-aged fans of PCs.
‘Aidoru’ (cute girl stars) and two-dimensional anime have now become so commonplace that the term ‘otaku’ has evolved to have a positive connotation—referring to someone deeply engrossed in a subject or possessing comprehensive knowledge in a specific area. Otaku culture has been reevaluated due to its enthusiastic popularity overseas with manga, anime, video games, and cosplay; this enthusiasm has greatly influenced Japanese culture.
These phenomena have spread through movies and the internet worldwide, with manga titles such as ‘Dragon Ball,’ ‘Naruto,’ and ‘Pokémon’ becoming major hits. Globally, many people regard Japan as a country synonymous with manga and anime. The terms ‘otaku,’ ‘anime,’ and ‘manga’ have been adopted into English vocabulary. According to certain surveys, many foreign tourists cite Japanese manga, anime, and films as their primary reasons for visiting Japan.
In the late 19th century, as in the present day, Japanese culture was admired overseas. The trend centering around ukiyo-e pictures was called “Japonism,” which is said to have begun to spread from the World’s Fair in Paris. Ukiyo-e made a great impact on Western art, admired by impressionists like Van Gogh and Monet. Katsushika Hokusai was highly valued, and his work, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” which depicts waves and Mt. Fuji, has been the most famous Japanese picture overseas. Ukiyo-e pictures were highly appreciated not only because they were beautiful, but also because they showed unique viewpoints different from the typical Western artistic methods of that time. Western artists tried to make their oil paintings as realistic as photographs, mainly painting portraits, religious subjects, and battlefields. On the other hand, ukiyo-e depicts the daily lives of commoners, townscapes, and natural views in the Edo period, in a distinctive style characterized by dynamic non-perspective and vivid colors overlaid in multi-block woodprints.
Now we move on to discuss what aspects of Japanese manga, anime, and movies attract people around the world. We would like to discuss it in more detail.
Japanese Manga and Anime
History of Japanese Manga
It is said that the oldest manga is “Choju-jinbutsu-giga” (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals), drawn about 900 years ago, in the late Heian period. It is also universally valued as the origin of manga and anime. When the Edo period came, manga became familiar to the public due to the development of wood-printing technology. Katsushika Hokusai created his ukiyo-e work “Hokusai Manga,” and the word “manga” became popular among the people. In the prewar period of the Showa Era, manga tended to be satirical and it was heavily censored, reflecting the dark age. However, after the war, when “Sazae-san” and “Astro Boy” were published, manga regained its popularity, along with Japan’s restoration. There were some developments in style in manga during this period: “cinematic expression” such as close-up and multiple viewpoints, “long-form manga” with a story, and “psychological description” of the characters. Among the manga artists of that time, Tezuka Osamu elevated manga to the level of art and is called the “God of Manga.” In 1963, “Weekly Shonen Jump” was first published. Under three principles, “Friendship, Effort, and Victory,” it has produced many nationally popular manga like “Dragon Ball,” “Slam Dunk,” “One Piece,” and “Rurouni Kenshin.”
Choju-jinbutsu-giga
History of Japanese Anime
Japanese anime dates back to 1896, when animated filmmaking techniques were first introduced in Japan. After the 1930s, it gradually developed, eventually leading to the establishment of animation cel methods, which became a foundational technique in many studios, including Studio Ghibli. This technique involves layering thin transparent painted sheets of celluloid, allowing for smooth and detailed animations. This technique was highly valued internationally.
In 1963, the first 30-minute-long anime series titled “Astro Boy” was broadcast on TV. Simultaneously, it aired in America, achieving high viewership ratings. As a result, Japanese anime became well-known internationally. In the 1990s, cable television became mainstream, and to fill the expanded programming slots, they aired Japanese anime like “Dragon Ball,” “Sailor Moon,” and “Captain Tsubasa.” These shows became big hits, leading to a global enthusiastic movement of anime fans. Even after that, Japanese anime never lost its popularity, with many productions such as Studio Ghibli’s works, “Pokémon” (1998), and “Your Name” (2016).
Astro Boy
Difference between American animation and Japanese Anime
What do you think are the differences between American comics, as represented by ‘Superman’ from DC Comics, and Japanese manga or anime? One characteristic of American comics is that they are often targeted towards a younger audience; as a result, many of the stories tend to be straightforward. In a lot of cases, stories often progress through the development of conflicts between heroes and villains and typically conclude with the heroes’ victory. On the other hand, Japanese manga and anime cater not only to children but also to adults. Thanks to Tezuka Osamu, since the early days of the genre, it has addressed social and universal issues and often featured complex storylines. Naturally, it has developed characters with detailed personalities and backgrounds. Additionally, Japanese manga and anime often depict natural scenery changing with the seasons and psychological dilemmas within the characters’ minds. It doesn’t tell a simple hero vs. villain story; instead, it often explores the mental growth of young protagonists like Nobita in “Doraemon” and Son Goku in “Dragon Ball.” For example, “Death Note” was a major success in both its original manga and anime adaptations. The main character, Light Yagami, is a boy with a strong sense of justice who happens to find the Death Note. This notebook can kill anyone whose name is written in it. He engages in complex mind games with the mysterious genius detective L. As he kills one criminal after another in the name of justice, he grapples with unanswerable questions such as “What is justice and punishment?” and “Can a human judge another?” Due to its depiction of his psychological struggles, it became a major hit.
Differences in Characters of Animation/Anime
The characters in animated films from each country reflect what the people tend to like and think. In particular, female characters are distinctive, with some small variations according to the characters’ ages or the ages of their audience. As for female characters in American comics and cartoons, they are often portrayed as slim and attractive, with eyes that are proportionally large compared to their faces. Their hair color typically matches the one common to their race. They are portrayed as smart and independent. On the other hand, female characters in Japanese manga and anime tend to have larger eyes and are often portrayed as cute rather than beautiful. Their hair color is often not black but other colors like blonde, brunette, and red. Compared to the smart and independent female characters in American comics, they are often childlike and “tennen boke” (a bit airheaded).
There are also some differences in male characters. American male characters are often macho heroes, very reliable and physically strong. Readers enjoy stories of heroes defeating villains. On the other hand, Japanese male characters are often boys who are innocent and a bit naive, like Son Goku and Luffy. They are called “Aisare Kyara” (beloved characters). They may appear naive in normal, peaceful situations, but they suddenly show their true abilities under certain circumstances or through strong emotions. Readers enjoy following their growth as they experience victories and defeats in duels or undergo rigorous training.
Moe to Cosplay
The tendency mentioned above gave rise to the ‘Moe’ subculture in Japan. ‘Moe’ originally meant ‘budding affection for adorable female characters.’ Now it encompasses love, commitment, passion for, and addiction to favorite characters. These enthusiastic emotions toward the characters have led to ‘Cosplay’ culture, which involves dressing up as anime and manga characters. This culture has spread worldwide. At ‘Comic-Con’ (comic book conventions) in America, France, Britain, and Taiwan, you can see many cosplayers with handmade costumes and props. Most cosplayers overseas dress up as Japanese manga/anime characters. This proves that they also have similar ‘Moe’ feelings for characters.
Japanese Spirituality shown in Anime
As mentioned above, Japanese anime puts more emphasis on “the growth of the main character” than on “the battles between good and evil.” This is not only because Japanese anime is produced for adults as well as for children, but also because it is deeply related to Japanese history and spirituality. Historically speaking, America and Japan have different viewpoints on wars. America has won almost all of the wars since its foundation, while Japan abolished its military forces under Article 9 of its Constitution after World War II and devoted itself to peace. Additionally, the two countries have different ways of engaging with nature and perceiving their surroundings. In America, many people practice Christianity, which is a monotheistic religion, while in Japan, multiple religions and ideologies coexist. The following are some important keywords in Japanese spirituality.
Musuhi: This is a Shinto belief that everything can be produced through connection. It is deeply connected to Japanese spirituality, especially in relation to craftsmanship. Musuhi is believed to significantly influence human relationships, including romantic compatibility. Incorporating this belief into narratives can lead to richer storytelling.
Kegare: This is a Shinto term for “impurity.” It is believed that the accumulation of dirty things may lead to disaster. Japanese stories often depict conflicts involving monsters or humans filled with Kegare, or Kegare itself.
Animism: This Shinto belief posits that everything in the world possesses a spirit. Japanese anime and manga often feature non-living things with spirits, such as forest spirits, Yokai monsters living like humans, cursed dolls, and Tsukumogami (spirits transformed from objects).
Yin-Yang Theory: This ancient Chinese belief posits that everything in the universe can be divided into two opposing forces, Yin and Yang, which influence each other. Human ethics, including concepts of good and evil, can be divided into Yin and Yang. The boundaries of this division may sometimes change, and thus, in Japanese manga or anime, villains often come to take the side of heroes.
Japanese Movies
The History of Japanese Movies
Like manga and anime, Japan has also produced many acclaimed movies with a worldwide reputation. Movie production began in Japan just two years after the first films were made in America and France. After World War II, cinema became one of the largest forms of entertainment for people. In 1950, Japanese cinema first gained international attention when ‘Rashomon,’ directed by Akira Kurosawa, won the top award at the Venice Film Festival. Subsequently, another film he directed, ‘Seven Samurai,’ won a prestigious award at the Festival, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest directors in the world. He greatly influenced popular directors like George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Francis Ford Coppola. In their movies, you may notice techniques reminiscent of Kurosawa’s style.
In the realm of animated films, Japan holds a significant reputation worldwide. With its beautiful depictions and vibrant colors, Japanese animation offers a distinct style compared to American animated films, which are mainly produced by digital processing. In 2003, ‘Spirited Away’ achieved record-breaking box office revenue, cementing its enduring popularity. It won the Academy Award for feature-length animated films for the first time in the history of Japanese animation. This award helped the production company ‘Studio Ghibli’ gain international recognition. Other popular works by Studio Ghibli include ‘Princess Mononoke,’ ‘Grave of the Fireflies,’ and ‘My Neighbor Totoro.’ While Ghibli was leading the Japanese animation industry, in 2016, ‘Your Name,’ directed by Makoto Shinkai, made a great hit and was screened in 135 countries internationally. Japanese animation continues to gain new fans.
The Movies That Led to a Craze for Japan
The most popular tourist spot among foreign visitors is Fushimi Inari Shrine, well known for its one-thousand Torii gates. ‘Sayuri,’ a movie, made the shrine popular. In the movie, the girl protagonist walked through the Torii gates, and this scene was so captivating with its otherworldly appearance that visiting shrines became a fad. Thus, many foreigners formed their impressions of Japan from films set in the country. The following are included: ‘The Last Samurai,’ ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi,’ ‘Lost in Translation,’ ‘Wasabi,’ and ‘Princess Mononoke.’
Differences in the Movies of Japan and those of Hollywood
The primary difference lies in the target audience of the movies. Japanese films target a domestic audience, whereas Hollywood films aim for a global audience. Therefore, Hollywood films should be easily understandable regardless of race, age, education level, or belief, and thus tend to have simple themes or storylines. Additionally, their budgets differ significantly. The budgets for Japanese movies are said to be 40 to 50 million yen on average, while those for Hollywood movies generally range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. Hollywood movies often employ extensive computer-generated imagery (CGI) techniques, making the films appear highly realistic.
Therefore, they excel in the genres of Sci-Fi and Action, although the storylines are often so simple that the endings can be easily predicted. On the other hand, Japanese movies, created to suit Japanese sensibilities, use many expressions that match their cultural nuances, such as “We read the atmosphere” or “We don’t say things directly to communicate.” It follows that Japanese movies may not be easy or interesting for those who are not familiar with Japanese sensibilities.
Features of Japanese Movies
One of the movies that is very popular among foreigners is ‘HANA・BI,’ directed by Takeshi Kitano and awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival. It tells the escape story of a pursued detective and his wife. The remarkable aspect of this movie is the impressive contrast between the quiet scenes and the violent ones. The movie depicts the couple’s silent communication and beautiful nature scenes, as well as gunfights and death scenes. The story unfolds subtly, implying death metaphorically and philosophically, under the impressive color palette known as ‘Kitano Blue.’ It is rich with themes of Japanese spirituality, such as the sense of impermanence and transience. Moreover, the camera angle is typically fixed in one position, and actors perform within a single frame. The image is rather static, compared with the eye-catching acrobatic camerawork of Hollywood movies. In general, Japanese movies are said to be like French ones. French movies are also often ambiguous, with no clear storyline (no twists) and no happy or clear ending. The understanding of the movies is left to the sense of the audience. They may be boring to those who prefer movies filled with action and twists. Actors’ lines are often sparse, and the scenes are often pessimistically sentimental. Thus, these movies tend to place more emphasis on ‘realism’ and ‘humanity’ than Hollywood movies. Japanese movies are quite similar.
Japanese Spiritually Found in Japanese Movies
As previously mentioned, American comics and animations typically divide characters into two groups: good and evil; they depict scenes from the heroes’ viewpoints and develop stories that tend toward victories for the heroes. In contrast, Japanese counterparts depict stories from multiple characters’ perspectives, showing their inner conflicts over what is good or evil, resulting in ambiguous endings open to each reader’s or viewer’s interpretation. This approach is most distinctive in the Japanese movie ‘Rashomon,’ directed by Akira Kurosawa.
The story is set in the Heian period. It begins with a scene at Rashomon Gate, where a firewood vendor talks to a traveling monk about a murder case that occurred on a mountain. The vendor found the body of a samurai and was summoned to testify in court. There are three witnesses: the wife of the slain samurai, the bandit who sexually assaulted her, and the spirit medium whom the samurai’s spirit possessed. However, each of these three witnesses tells a different story. The truth is still a mystery. In the end, the vendor admits to the monk that he saw everything that happened but kept silent because he didn’t want to get involved in the case. Moreover, he says that what he saw was different from what the three witnesses described. Hearing this, the monk realizes that human nature is terrible because people try to distort the truth to protect their own positions and perspectives.
This contradiction, which results from having different viewpoints of a single reality, is called the ‘Rashomon Effect.’ Even today, this effect is utilized in numerous films. ‘Rashomon’ had a significant impact on world cinema, introducing a novel filmmaking technique and exposing audiences to startling aspects of Japanese culture such as hara-kiri and spirit medium rites.