Japanese Animation
INTRODUCTION
Japanese Anime
Anime, which is short for (animēshon) from the English word "animation", in the western world most popularly refers to the medium of animation originating in Japan, with distinctive character and background aesthetics that visually set it apart from other forms of animation (e.g. Walt Disney films, Warner Bros. short cartoons). (Baricordi, Andrea; Pelletier, Claude (2000). Anime: A Guide to Japanese Animation (1958-1988). Montreal, Canada: Protoculture).
In Japan, the word anime is used to refer to all forms of animated film from around the world. While some anime is entirely hand-drawn, computer assisted animation techniques are, in recent years, quite common. Storylines are typically fictional; examples of anime representing most major genres of fiction exist. Anime is broadcast on television, distributed on media such as DVD and VHS, or included in computer and video games. Anime is often influenced by Japanese comics known as "manga".
The American market for anime and related products has been growing by leaps and bounds: in 1999 it was estimated to be $10 million a year business in 2000 it passed $100 million, and in 2002 it reached $500 million. In 2001 an all anime cable channel hit the airwaves. The current number of releases range from 20 to 450 videos a month. Most anime are based on manga, Japanese comics, which may also be available in English translation. Be aware that anime is not to be equated with kid's cartoons. There are as many genres in anime as there are in cinema and fiction, with plenty of material for all ages. With title for teens or adults, the content is no more extreme than what would be in American video for the same age group.
Anime is release in three ways in Japan: theatrical features, TV series, and OVA (Original Video Animation). OVA is direct to video distribution which have been proven to be the successful way to release title in a niche market. The quality is usually
Japanese Anime
Anime, which is short for (animēshon) from the English word "animation", in the western world most popularly refers to the medium of animation originating in Japan, with distinctive character and background aesthetics that visually set it apart from other forms of animation (e.g. Walt Disney films, Warner Bros. short cartoons). (Baricordi, Andrea; Pelletier, Claude (2000). Anime: A Guide to Japanese Animation (1958-1988). Montreal, Canada: Protoculture).
In Japan, the word anime is used to refer to all forms of animated film from around the world. While some anime is entirely hand-drawn, computer assisted animation techniques are, in recent years, quite common. Storylines are typically fictional; examples of anime representing most major genres of fiction exist. Anime is broadcast on television, distributed on media such as DVD and VHS, or included in computer and video games. Anime is often influenced by Japanese comics known as "manga".
The American market for anime and related products has been growing by leaps and bounds: in 1999 it was estimated to be $10 million a year business in 2000 it passed $100 million, and in 2002 it reached $500 million. In 2001 an all anime cable channel hit the airwaves. The current number of releases range from 20 to 450 videos a month. Most anime are based on manga, Japanese comics, which may also be available in English translation. Be aware that anime is not to be equated with kid's cartoons. There are as many genres in anime as there are in cinema and fiction, with plenty of material for all ages. With title for teens or adults, the content is no more extreme than what would be in American video for the same age group.
Anime is release in three ways in Japan: theatrical features, TV series, and OVA (Original Video Animation). OVA is direct to video distribution which have been proven to be the successful way to release title in a niche market. The quality is usually