“Sailor Moon,” “Dragon Ball Z” and “Yu-gi-oh!” are some examples of the different animated series that have begun to take over the Saturday morning TV cartoon block. Where do these shows come from, and what happened to “Tom & Jerry” and “Looney Toons”? These new shows come from Japan, and they are known as anime, or sometimes Japanimation. Anime has been around for a long time and is just beginning to make a noticeable effect on American and European viewers.

The reason for this is the common misconception that anime is the same as cartoons and that it is only for children. Anime is not exactly a genre, but an art style, and it is not just for kids. Once one understands the different subgenre and the history behind anime, they understand why it is becoming so popular and why even adults can enjoy it.

In order to grasp a basic understanding of anime, a look into its history would be appropriate. Anime started out in the late 20th century when Japanese filmmakers started to experiment with the animation techniques that were being explored in the United States. During the 1970s, anime developed further, separating itself from its American roots and developed unique genre such as mecha.

During the 1980s, anime was accepted into Japan’s mainstream media. Dr. Osamu Tezuka was the pioneer for the anime revolution. He created the first anime – Astro Boy, also known as The Mighty Atom. His inspiration and art style came from his fascination with Disney’s early animation, “Popeye”, and “Mickey Mouse”, but he added the distinctive large eyes.

Probably the most readily apparent difference between Japanese animation and other places is the artwork. Huge eyes, brightly colored hair, well-endowed female characters, and exaggerated emotional expressions and gestures are typical of anime style. Due to his success, he was deemed “the Father of Manga and Anime” in Japan.

Anime is a term for Japanese animation. Anime often covers more serious topics than a typical American cartoon, which usually focuses on comedy.

In America, cartoons are considered a form of entertainment meant mostly for children. However, anime is directed toward all ages that have been known to range from children to businessmen, depending on the series. Most people compare anime to movies in theaters or a non-animated series on television.

Besides being a form of entertainment, anime has a cultural effect on those who watch it. People who watch anime also learn about the Japanese culture. Those who read the original versions of anime – mangas - gain knowledge about the language and the unique speech mannerisms that are keys to Japanese language.

Anime is also politically influenced by the directors, who add their views to mold the anime. It is an outpouring of environmental and political viewpoints. Anime has been known to touch base on typically taboo subjects in America such as suicide, war, teenage pregnancy, and same sex relationships. The directors also advocate the need to preserve the planet and what explore happens when the bounds of man infringe upon the magic of the forest.

Anime is an excellent tool that teaches morals and promotes inter-cultural harmony. By watching anime, we are offered an inside look at the beautiful and rich cultures of Asian countries that are halfway across the world.

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