What is anime?
Anime is a word that needs no definition to millions of young
people around the world -- but here's a description anyway,
since you may be one of the millions who isn't familiar with the
term. Anime is Japanese animation, and is hugely popular in
Japan, a part of everyday life. The word is used to include
quite a variety of animated TV series and films.
Often anime characters are drawn with large eyes and smallish
noses. The animation uses sharp lines and may use less detail
than Hollywood-style animation. Video games and mangas (Japanese
comic books) are drawn in this style as well. Plots are often
more complex and mature than Western-style cartoons or comic
books, including violence and characters dying. Fantasy
adventures and romance are part of the mix as well. There are so
many different types of anime that there is something for
everyone.
Youth culture cuts across national boundaries more and more
nowadays, and anime products are a good example. From Japan to
the United States, from China to Sweden, their popularity only
increases. There are many fan events going on worldwide. In the
U.S. in 2004, over one hundred thousand people attended
Katsucon, Otakon, Anime Expo and similar events -- many of them
in full costume. Now, anime is being created in places other
than Japan.
Of course, not all anime fans are young. People of all ages
enjoy this unique art form.
One study of its popularity projected that the worldwide market
is approaching $100 billion, in US funds. That's a lot! This
includes films, television, DVDs, tshirts, trading cards, and
other merchandise.
Anime posters are among the merchandise that is growing in
popularity. Inexpensive, easy to ship, and creating an
environment in whatever space is available, they offer fans a
way to immerse themselves in the realm of imagination.