50 Facts About Anime

Definition and Origins

Anime, a term derived from the Japanese pronunciation of "animation," has a rich history and unique characteristics that set it apart from other forms of animation. Let's explore some intriguing facts about its origins and evolution.

1. Anime is a style of Japanese animation that has been around since 1917, when artists like Shimokawa Oten, Jun'ichi Kouchi, and Seitaro Kitayama started experimenting with animation techniques. The term "anime" is an abbreviation of "animation" in Japanese.

2. The longest-running anime series is Sazae-san, which has been on the air since October 1969 and has over 7,500 episodes. This show, about a mother and her family, has become a cultural icon in Japan.

3. The highest-grossing anime film of all time is Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2001. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003 and has grossed nearly $275 million worldwide.

4. Kimi no Na Wa (Your Name) is another highly successful anime film, released in 2016. It is the third highest-grossing anime film of all time, with over $355 million in box office revenue.

Popular Anime Series

Anime series have captivated audiences worldwide with their compelling stories and memorable characters. Here are some of the most popular and influential series.

5. The anime series Bleach, created by Tite Kubo, is one of the top anime series ever. The name "Bleach" was chosen because it symbolizes the removal of stains and the cleansing of souls, reflecting the series' themes of purification and redemption.

6. The 1988 anime film Akira is a technical marvel, featuring 2,212 shots and 160,000 single pictures. It introduced 50 new colors, which were exclusively created for the film to enhance its visual impact.

7. The anime series Haikyuu, created by Haruichi Furudate, aimed to make volleyball popular and fun. The show's success led to an increase in high school students enrolling in volleyball clubs.

8. The anime series Death Note was banned in China due to its popularity among children. The show's themes of justice and morality resonated deeply with audiences, but its depiction of death led to concerns about its influence on young viewers.

9. The manga and anime series One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, was initially intended to run for only five years. However, it has continued for over 18 years and remains one of the most popular manga series in Japan.

10. The original Naruto manga was developed by Masashi Kishimoto without the character Sasuke. However, after consulting with his editor, Kishimoto decided to create a rival for the main character, leading to Sasuke's creation.

Cultural Impact

Anime has significantly influenced Japanese culture and has also made a mark globally. Let's look at some fascinating cultural aspects related to anime.

11. In Japan, "manga cafes" are common places where people can read their favorite manga while enjoying a cup of coffee. This cultural phenomenon reflects the widespread popularity of manga and anime in Japanese society.

12. In Japan, voice actors for anime are known as "seiyu." This profession is highly respected and well-paid, with many seiyu becoming household names due to their iconic roles.

13. Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most renowned creators of anime. His film Spirited Away won an Oscar in 2001 and became the highest-grossing anime film in Japan. Miyazaki's work is celebrated for its unique storytelling and beautiful animation.

14. Osamu Tezuka is often referred to as the "God of Manga." He created over 60 series and cartoons, including Astro Boy, which became the first anime to gain fame outside of Japan.

15. Anime characters are known for their distinctive features, such as disproportionately large eyes and vibrant colors. These characteristics were influenced by Western animation techniques, particularly those of Walt Disney.

Genre Categories

Anime is diverse, with various genres catering to different audiences. Here are some of the main genre categories.

16. Kodomo: For children under 12 years old, featuring simple and understandable plots.

17. Shonen: For boys aged 12 to 18, focusing on dynamic storylines, humor, and character development.

18. Shojo: For girls from 12 years old to 18 years old, emphasizing love relationships and magical adventures.

19. Seinen: For boys over 18 and men under 40, focusing on character development, psychology, and satire.

20. Josei: For women, telling stories about daily life, family relationships, and personal development.

Unique Anime Facts

Anime is full of unique and interesting facts that highlight its creativity and cultural significance. Here are some lesser-known but fascinating tidbits.

21. Every year on April 11, fans of Japanese animation celebrate World Anime Day. This holiday is marked by flash mobs and tributes to the original art of Japanese animation.

22. Comiket, short for Comic Market, is a biannual event held in Tokyo that attracts a multitude of audience from around the globe. It is similar to Comic-Con but focuses exclusively on anime and manga.

23. Many authors and artists who create popular anime started their careers as hentai artists. For example, the author of Food Wars was once a professional hentai artist.

24. The anime series Noragami featured a stray god named Yato who left his number everywhere to get customers. Fans could call this number in Japan during the show's release, adding a unique interactive element to the series.

25. The space adventure anime Space Brothers was the first ever anime to have a person voice act from outer space. This dedication to realism made the show stand out in its production quality.

26. In Japan, it is common for people to leave manga volumes in public places like tables or benches for others to pick up and read. This practice reflects the community-driven nature of manga culture.

27. Despite the long hours and dedication required, the average Japanese animator earns below minimum wage. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by those in the anime industry.

28. Pokémon has become a global phenomenon, with Pokémon Go surpassing internet porn in popularity according to Google Trends. This shows the immense reach and influence of anime-related franchises.

29. In 2015, there was a poll to choose the best ringtone, and Armin Arlet's scream from Attack on Titan was voted as the best ringtone ever. This unique sound has become iconic in anime culture.

30. Despite having an entire district dedicated to anime (Akihabara), otakus and weebs are often shunned by normal Japanese society. However, over 85% of the music listened to in Japan are anime openings and endings, highlighting the deep integration of anime into Japanese culture.

Events and Predictions

Anime has some intriguing events and predictions that have left fans amazed. Here are a few noteworthy ones.

31. Comiket is much grander than Comic-Con, attracting a multitude of audience from around the globe. This event showcases the vast and dedicated fan base of anime and manga.

32. The manga series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure contains a character named Boingo who uses his stand ability to predict the future. Interestingly, this prediction seems to have foreshadowed the 9/11 attack, which was drawn in 1990, eleven years before the incident.

33. The staff who worked on the infamous hentai Boku no Pico also worked on renowned anime series like Fullmetal Alchemist, Gundam Seed, and Baka & Test. This highlights the crossover between different genres within the anime industry.

34. The creator of Attack on Titan, Hajime Isayama, was inspired to create the series after an encounter with a drunk customer at an internet cafe. This experience made him realize the difficulty of communication and the fear of the most familiar creatures—humans.

35. The character Eucliwood Hellscythe from Is This a Zombie? has 22 different voice actresses over the same number of episodes, including OVAs. This unique aspect of voice acting adds to the show's charm and diversity.

Production Insights

Creating anime involves a lot of effort, creativity, and resources. Here are some insights into the production process.

36. Producing an anime episode can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000. This high cost is reflected in the detailed production process and the dedication required to create each episode.

37. The anime series Noragami featured a phone number that fans could call to interact with the character Yato. Although this service is no longer operational, it was a unique marketing strategy during the show's release.

38. The space adventure anime Space Brothers was the first ever anime to have a person voice act from outer space. This dedication to realism made the show stand out in its production quality.

39. In Japan, it is common for people to leave manga volumes in public places like tables or benches for others to pick up and read. This practice reflects the community-driven nature of manga culture.

40. Despite the long hours and dedication required, the average Japanese animator earns below minimum wage. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by those in the anime industry.

Global Influence

Anime's influence extends far beyond Japan, impacting cultures and entertainment industries worldwide. Here are some examples of its global reach.

41. Pokémon has become a global phenomenon, with Pokémon Go surpassing internet porn in popularity according to Google Trends. This shows the immense reach and influence of anime-related franchises.

42. In 2015, there was a poll to choose the best ringtone, and Armin Arlet's scream from Attack on Titan was voted as the best ringtone ever. This unique sound has become iconic in anime culture.

43. Despite having an entire district dedicated to anime (Akihabara), otakus and weebs are often shunned by normal Japanese society. However, over 85% of the music listened to in Japan are anime openings and endings, highlighting the deep integration of anime into Japanese culture.

44. Comiket is much grander than Comic-Con, attracting a multitude of audience from around the globe. This event showcases the vast and dedicated fan base of anime and manga.

45. The manga series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure contains a character named Boingo who uses his stand ability to predict the future. Interestingly, this prediction seems to have foreshadowed the 9/11 attack, which was drawn in 1990, eleven years before the incident.

46. The staff who worked on the infamous hentai Boku no Pico also worked on renowned anime series like Fullmetal Alchemist, Gundam Seed, and Baka & Test. This highlights the crossover between different genres within the anime industry.

47. The creator of Attack on Titan, Hajime Isayama, was inspired to create the series after an encounter with a drunk customer at an internet cafe. This experience made him realize the difficulty of communication and the fear of the most familiar creatures—humans.

48. The character Eucliwood Hellscythe from Is This a Zombie? has 22 different voice actresses over the same number of episodes, including OVAs. This unique aspect of voice acting adds to the show's charm and diversity.

49. Producing an anime episode can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000. This high cost is reflected in the detailed production process and the dedication required to create each episode.

50. The anime series Noragami featured a phone number that fans could call to interact with the character Yato. Although this service is no longer operational, it was a unique marketing strategy during the show's release.

Anime's Global Impact

Anime's journey from its early days in Japan to becoming a worldwide phenomenon is nothing short of remarkable. With its unique storytelling, vibrant art, and cultural depth, anime has captivated audiences across the globe. From the longest-running series like Sazae-san to groundbreaking films like Spirited Away, anime continues to push boundaries and inspire. The dedication of creators, voice actors, and animators, despite challenges like low wages, showcases their passion for the craft. Whether it's the community-driven practice of sharing manga in public places or the massive gatherings at events like Comiket, anime's influence is undeniable. As it evolves, anime will undoubtedly continue to enchant and inspire new generations, solidifying its place as a beloved and integral part of global entertainment.