La historia del ANIME (animación japonesa)

History of Anime: From Origins to Art

The Birth of Anime in Japan

• The narrative begins with the exploration of anime as a blend of heroic tales, fantasy worlds, touching romances, and post-apocalyptic adventures, showcasing how techniques can be reinterpreted into art while maintaining commercial viability.

• Animated films arrived in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), a transformative era where Japan transitioned from feudalism to modernization, allowing exposure to Western live-action films and animated shorts.

• The first Japanese animation is identified as "Katsudō Shashin," created between 1907 and 1911. It features a young sailor writing kanji characters and is recognized as the starting point for Japanese animated cinema.

Early Influences and Pioneers

• Manga artists were drawn to animation due to technological advancements. Ōten Shimokawa was among the first to create an animated film ("Imokawa Mukuzō Genkanban no Maki") in 1917, although it suffered from poor quality and lost copies.

• Other animators like Seitaro Kitayama emerged around the same time, producing works such as "Saru Kani Gassen" (1917), which gained enough popularity for further productions including "Momotarō," marking Japan's first anime export to the West.

Growth of Animation Techniques

• As more animators entered the field, they began incorporating distinctly Eastern flavors into their work while still drawing inspiration from Western models. This led to a burgeoning industry despite limited resources compared to their Western counterparts.

• Sanae Yamamoto became notable for his socially themed shorts like "Ubasuteyama" (1925). He co-founded Japan Animated Films in 1948, later known as Toei Doga, significantly impacting the anime landscape.

Innovations in Animation

• Noburō Ōfuji introduced silhouette animation techniques with works like "Kujira" (1927), utilizing colorful chiyo paper despite technical limitations that restricted him primarily to black-and-white imagery.

• Hakuzan Kimura produced Japan's first erotic animated film ("Suzumi-Bune") in 1932 but faced legal repercussions that halted his career. His work nonetheless set precedents for adult themes in future anime productions.

Advancements Leading Up to Sound Animation

• Yasuji Murata advanced animation by adopting motorized cameras at Yokohama Cinema Shokai. He also embraced cel animation techniques borrowed from Western practices despite high costs associated with materials.

History of Japanese Animation

Early 20th Century Developments

• The anime industry faced significant challenges in the early 20th century, including the devastating Kanto earthquake in 1923 and bombings during World War II, which led to substantial losses in Japanese cinema.

• Despite these setbacks, filmmakers were motivated to enhance their work's identity. During WWII, many animated works served propagandistic purposes but still retained artistic values due to skilled artisans behind them.

Post-War Innovations

• After WWII, animators shifted focus from patriotic commitments to establishing iconic studios that propelled the anime industry forward. Notable studios included Shin Nihon Dogasha and Nihon Manga Eigasha.

• Megumi Asano released Japan's first color anime "Boku no yakyu" in 1948, followed by "Hakuja den" in 1958 as the first full-length color animated film.

Influence of Western Animation

• The re-screening of Western films post-war, particularly Disney classics like "Snow White," inspired Japanese animators with its technical prowess and storytelling depth.

• Osamu Tezuka emerged as a pivotal figure influenced by Disney; he transformed manga into cinematic narratives and founded Mushi Productions.

Rise of Iconic Anime

• In the '60s and '70s, anime gained global popularity with series like "Heidi" and "Mazinger Z," blending Western literary adaptations with distinct Eastern flavors.

• Hayao Miyazaki became a key player at Studio Ghibli after co-founding it in 1985. His films such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away" showcased complex characters and ecological themes.

Modern Masters of Anime

• Studio Ghibli also produced notable works beyond Miyazaki’s creations, including Isao Takahata's war drama "Grave of the Fireflies."

• Katsuhiro Otomo's influential work “Akira” brought cyberpunk themes to mainstream audiences while Mamoru Oshii’s “Ghost in the Shell” explored philosophical questions within science fiction.

New Generations of Creators

• The late 20th century saw talents like Satoshi Kon emerge; his film “Perfect Blue” delved into psychological themes influencing directors like Darren Aronofsky.

The Evolution and Influence of Anime

The Rise of Makoto Shinkai

• Makoto Shinkai's film "Your Name" (2016) propelled him to significant acclaim in the anime industry, drawing comparisons to Hayao Miyazaki due to stylistic similarities.

• Despite being labeled as “the new Miyazaki,” Shinkai has cultivated a unique artistic identity that distinguishes his work from traditional anime masters.

• The ongoing emergence of new creators alongside established legends allows anime to blend commercial success with artistic integrity.

Contributions of Major Studios

• Toei Animation remains a dominant force in the industry, known for its collaborations, including the 2003 project with Daft Punk titled "Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem."

• Studio Ghibli paused production in 2014 following Miyazaki's retirement announcement but resumed activities in 2017 when he returned to filmmaking.

• Miyazaki received an Honorary Oscar and earned respect from notable filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Guillermo del Toro, highlighting his influence on global cinema.

Hollywood's Engagement with Anime

• Hollywood has increasingly recognized anime's impact, as seen in works by Lana and Lilly Wachowski in "The Matrix" series and the adaptation of "Speed Racer."

• A Western version of "Ghost in the Shell," featuring Scarlett Johansson, exemplifies this trend towards adapting anime narratives for broader audiences.

• Robert Rodriguez directed "Alita: Battle Angel," produced by James Cameron, maintaining fidelity to anime aesthetics while appealing to mainstream viewers.

Cultural Impact and Global Reach

• The popularity of anime is reflected in the vast number of cosplayers worldwide who celebrate their favorite characters at conventions and events.