Local Japan Guide

T he history of Japanese anime dates back to 1896 , when animation film techniques were first introduced from abroad. From there, the animation style known as “ cel animation ,” famously utilized by  Studio Ghibli , began to take shape gradually from the 1930s . This style, which involves drawing original artwork on thin, transparent sheets of celluloid, became renowned for its smooth and beautiful visuals, earning high praise internationally. In 1963 , Japan aired its first 30-minute episodic TV anime,  Astro Boy  ( Tetsuwan Atom ), which also aired in the United States the same year, achieving high ratings and introducing Japanese anime to overseas audiences. By the 1990s , as cable television became widespread internationally and programming slots increased, Japanese anime such as  Dragon Ball,   Sailor Moon ,  and  Captain Tsubasa  began airing abroad, leading to a massive boom in popularity. T his momentum has continued, with globally accla...

T he oldest known manga in Japan is believed to be  Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga (鳥獣人物戯画) ,  created approximately 900 years ago  during the late Heian period . This work is internationally acclaimed as  one of the origins of manga and anime . During the Edo period , advancements in printing technology made manga more accessible to the public. Renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai contributed to the popularization of the term “ MANGA ” through his work  Hokusai Manga(北斎漫画) . Some manga featured satirical content, which led to temporary restrictions during World War II, marking a challenging era for the medium. However, the post-war period saw a resurgence in manga’s popularity with the publication of works like   Sazae-san   (サザエさん)and  Astro Boy   (鉄腕アトム), reflecting Japan’s recovery and revitalization. Post-war manga introduced groundbreaking techniques, such as cinematic close-ups, diverse perspectives, long-form storytelling, and deep psychological ...