Download - An Introduction to Anime Presented by Karen Stapleton English Consultant, AISNSW [email protected]
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW