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 with "Imokawa Mukuzō Genkanban no Maki" in 1917, although it suffered from poor quality and lack of preservation.

• 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" (1932), which faced legal issues leading to its confiscation. This incident highlighted early adult themes within anime culture.

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 that improved production efficiency.

History of Japanese Animation

Early 20th Century Developments

• The anime industry began to flourish in the early 20th century, with notable figures like Mitsuyo Seo contributing significantly.

• The industry faced severe challenges due to events such as the 1923 Kanto earthquake and World War II bombings, which devastated much of Japan's cinematography.

• Despite these setbacks, filmmakers were motivated to enhance their work and establish a distinct identity for Japanese animation.

Post-War Era and Innovations

• After WWII, many animated works took on a propagandistic tone; however, they still retained artistic values thanks to skilled artisans.

• Mitsuyo Seo directed "Momotarō - Umi no Shinpei," Japan's first animated feature film with sound. This marked a significant milestone in anime history.

• The post-war period saw the emergence of color animation, starting with Megumi Asano's "Boku no yakyu" in 1948 and Hakuja den in 1958.

Influence of Western Animation

• In the 1950s, Western films like Disney's "Snow White" (released in Japan in 1950) inspired local animators with their technical prowess and storytelling depth.

• Osamu Tezuka was particularly influenced by Disney’s work; he revolutionized manga by introducing cinematic techniques and complex narratives.

Rise of Iconic Studios and Creators

• Tezuka founded Mushi Productions and adapted his manga into successful anime series like "Astroboy," propelling anime into global popularity during the '60s and '70s.

• Hayao Miyazaki emerged as a key figure at Studio Ghibli, creating classics such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away," which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Modern Anime Landscape

• New talents continued to emerge towards the end of the 20th century, including Satoshi Kon who explored psychological themes in films like "Perfect Blue."

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 maintain a balance between commercial success and 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 confirmed his return.

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

Hollywood's Engagement with Anime

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

• The adaptation of "Ghost in the Shell," featuring Scarlett Johansson, exemplifies Western interpretations of iconic anime narratives.

• Robert Rodriguez directed "Alita: Battle Angel," produced by James Cameron, which respected the original manga’s aesthetic while appealing to broader audiences.

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.