The Origin of Anime

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle

Anime has become a dominant form of global cinema in the twenty-first century.

For many Western audiences, the term is still relatively new. Anime is a form of animation originated in Japan, characterized by distinctive colorful styles, complex narratives, and thematic depth that sets it apart from Western animation.

The earliest anime can be traced to 1917, when Japan was heavily influenced by Western animation techniques. The industry did not gain significant popularity until the 1960s, when domestic production began to accelerate.

In the 1960s, Astro Boy became the first widely popular Japanese animated television series, eventually reaching international audiences.

By the 1980s and 1990s, anime had become a global phenomenon. Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z reached international audiences. The medium remained popular with Gen Z and younger generations. One Piece became the best-selling manga of all time, with author Eiichiro Oda reaching the top seven highest-selling authors in history, just behind William Shakespeare.

In the 2000s, anime continued its growth globally. New robot genres like Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Eureka Seven emerged. This trend influenced the revival of American cartoons such as Transformers and G.I. Joe, which incorporated many anime elements into the global entertainment landscape.

In 2006, UC Berkeley graduates founded Crunchyroll, marking the first significant anime streaming platform in the United States. This service later impacted how companies such as Netflix and Amazon approached streaming anime content.

The 2010s brought new anime to mainstream attention. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Attack on Titan, and One-Punch Man captured global audiences and influenced an entire generation of viewers.

The pandemic accelerated anime's trajectory. In 2021, series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Tokyo Revengers ranked among the top ten most discussed television programs globally on social media.

By 2025, anime films had begun outperforming major Hollywood releases. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Infinity Castle grossed over 739 million dollars globally, exceeding 250 million in Japan alone, surpassing classics like Titanic domestically and Superman and Fantastic Four internationally.

What Happens Next

As Japanese animation continues its rise, it has begun reshaping global entertainment markets. Some economists worry about the implications for American film industries. Others view anime as simply part of a more diverse, international entertainment ecosystem. The debate about tariffs and foreign films continues, but anime's place in global culture no longer seems negotiable.