|
Anime is a style of animation that originated from Japan. Anime has a rich history that began at the start of the 20th century. During this time, Japanese filmmakers began experimenting with the animation techniques which were being explored in the United States and Europe. The oldest known anime sequence in existence was first screened in 1917. This sequence depicted a samurai trying to test a new sword on a target. Unfortunately, few complete anime sequences survive from those early days. In the early 20th century, reels containing anime were often recycled after their run in theaters. Anime produced in this era tend to be short sequences rather than complete episodes. Moreover, early anime was heavily influenced by other Japanese art forms like calligraphy, the graphic arts, and painting. Indeed, the qualities that are present in modern anime— strong delineation and two dimensional forms—are strongly influenced by traditional Japanese art forms. By the 1920s, many animation studios had begun producing anime for the domestic market. However, they suffered from stiff competition from foreign producers, especially American animation companies. To survive, many anime studios had to rely on private and government support. Many early anime sequences were used for educational purposes in schools, as government propaganda, or as instructional materials for companies. By the 1930s, as Japan became heavily militarized and nationalistic, stricter censorship and control of published media began. Many anime studios were pressured by the military to produce films that expounded propaganda. Many of these films were shown in newsreel theaters. With the combined efforts of historians and anime enthusiasts, some of these anime sequences were uploaded online. Websites that allow viewers to watch anime online preserve what remains of these early anime sequences. After the Second World War, major anime studios began to recuperate after Japan’s devastation. They began producing some of Japan’s first anime films in color. Anime production from the 1950s and ‘60s were heavily influenced by American animation and revolved around traditional Japanese and Chinese folk tales. Some clips from these movies can be viewed on websites that allow users to watch anime online. Modern Japanese anime, with its emphasis on fantasy, sci-fi, and whimsical storylines, first began to surface in the 1970s. Many anime companies began to shift focus from feature length animation to anime made for television. Anime storylines began to explore science fiction (the so called ‘space opera’ anime shows) and fantasy (shows about robots and monsters). The conventional visual language of anime (i.e. huge eyes and razor-sharp hair) also began to gain prominence in this period. Websites that allow viewers to watch anime online chronicles the colorful history of anime.
Related Articles -
watch anime online,
| 
