What is Anime — Origins, Evolution and Modern Examples

Definition of Anime

First, let’s define anime

The term anime can be new to many Western audiences. However, in the last few decades, it has made a breakthrough in areas of mainstream entertainment. While the word animation refers broadly to all forms of animated media, anime has cultivated its own identity through a distinct combination of art, narrative, and the uniquely designed anime characters that define its style.

Before we dive into that, let’s check out the definition and how it connects to different anime styles across the industry.

Who Created the First Anime?

The history of anime

The first confirmed example of anime was produced in 1917, titled Namakura Gatana, with a runtime of only four minutes, marking an early step in shaping the anime definition we recognize today. Over time, it has had its highs and lows, facing various obstacles both within Japan and internationally. 

This video by Screen Rant summarizes the history of anime and how it evolved from its 1917 origins to the diverse anime styles we see today.

Anime Styles & Genres: A Breakdown of Anime Categories

How anime genres define anime’s style

Anime spans a vast range of genres, and understanding the definition of anime helps explain how these unique storytelling styles have developed over time. The variety of anime art styles allows for vastly different tones, from the exaggerated expressions of comedy anime to the refined realism of dramatic films. One of the most recognizable traits of anime characters is the use of large eyes to enhance emotional expression and storytelling.

Here’s a breakdown of the most prominent genres along with essential examples:

Shonen (少年) – “For Young Boys”

Focused on action, adventure, and friendship.

Examples: Naruto, One Piece, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan

Shojo (少女) – “For Young Girls”

Romance and emotional character development are central themes.

Examples: Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, Fruits Basket

Seinen (青年) – “For Adult Men”

Darker, more mature themes with complex storytelling.

Examples: Berserk, Ghost in the Shell, Monster, Vinland Saga

Josei (女性) – “For Adult Women”

More realistic romance and slice-of-life elements.

Examples: Nana, Paradise Kiss, Honey and Clover

Mecha (Giant Robots)

Stories centered on giant robots, often with philosophical undertones.

Examples: Mobile Suit Gundam, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Code Geass

Isekai (異世界) – “Other World”

A character is transported to a fantasy or alternate universe.

Examples: Sword Art Online, Re:Zero, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Anime’s diverse genres cater to various audiences, each offering unique storytelling styles and thematic depth. Whether it’s the high-energy battles of shonen, the emotional depth of shojo, or the intricate narratives of seinen and josei, these types of anime continue to push creative boundaries. But behind every stunning scene and compelling story lies an intricate and demanding production process.

Bringing these imaginative worlds to life requires immense effort, meticulous planning, and the dedication of entire animation studios. From scripting and storyboarding to voice acting and final animation, every step is crucial in crafting the anime we love. Let’s take a closer look at the complex workflow that makes anime possible.

Anime vs Cartoon: How Anime Storytelling Is Different

The complex storytelling of anime

Anime stands apart from Western animation, often pushing the boundaries of story structure, pacing, and thematic depth. While Western animation often targets children or families, anime embraces a wide spectrum of genres and appeals to all age groups. 

With nonlinear plots and rich symbolism to deep character development, anime creates a storytelling experience that feels more mature and complex. Compared to cartoons, anime often tackles mature, complex themes, which is a key anime identifier distinguishing it from traditional Western animation.

Anime’s unique storytelling relies on several key elements that set it apart:

Nonlinear storytelling – Flashbacks and time jumps are common (Steins;Gate, Erased).

Symbolism & Visual Metaphors – Many scenes carry deeper meanings (Neon Genesis Evangelion).

Slow Pacing vs. Hyper-Action – Shows like Mushishi are meditative, while Dragon Ball Z stretches intense moments.

Strong Character Development – Even supporting anime characters often have detailed backstories (Hunter x Hunter).

Themes of Existentialism & Identity – Explored in works like Ghost in the Shell and Serial Experiments Lain.

By utilizing nonlinear narratives, intricate symbolism, and thought-provoking themes, anime crafts stories that resonate on a deeper emotional and intellectual level.

The anime vs cartoon debate continues as this distinct storytelling approach has captivated audiences worldwide, fueling the question: Is anime a cartoon, or is it something entirely different?

Over time, anime’s influence has extended beyond Japan, inspiring Western animators to incorporate its signature style into their productions.

But as anime continues to shape global animation, it raises an interesting question: where do we draw the line between anime and Western cartoons?

What is Anime and How Is It Made?

The process behind anime style

While anime shares technical similarities with Western animation, the anime definition encompasses a unique cultural and artistic identity that sets it apart. Which, if you know anything about it, takes an incredible amount of time and work. Screenplays must be written, storyboarded, workshopped, taken into an animatic, given a voice-over, and animated.

This is a process that can take months and often years to finish. All of these projects are created from an entire studio of artists typically led by a director. This video covers the workflows of various animation studios and just how intensive it is to create animated works.

Even with new technology that allows artists to create animation with digital tools–like GCI or special effects–anime maintains its unique style, making it an arduous yet highly artistic form to produce. Digital technology has pushed the envelope of what these films can look like stylistically with lighting techniques and more but has not taken away from the labor of the artists. 

What makes all this animation so incredible is the imagination of the artists who create it. The medium allows limits to be pushed in every genre imaginable and opens doors to stories that could not otherwise be told.

Pioneers of Anime Style and Innovation

Anime’s most influential creators

Anime wouldn’t be the global phenomenon it is today without visionary directors and studios pushing creative boundaries. Here are some of the most influential:

Osamu Tezuka – “The Godfather of Anime”

Created Astro Boy (1963) and pioneered the distinct anime aesthetic, including expressive anime character designs and cinematic storytelling techniques.

Hayao Miyazaki – “Master of Magical Realism”

Co-founder of Studio Ghibli, known for Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro, blending fantasy with deep environmental and social themes.

This video explores how Hayao Miyazaki uses silence to deepen emotion, enhance immersion, and challenge traditional pacing. Through key scenes, we’ll see how his use of ‘ma’—intentional emptiness—makes his films more powerful and memorable.

Satoshi Kon – “Surrealism and Psychological Thrillers”

Directed Perfect Blue, Paprika, and Tokyo Godfathers, using unconventional narrative techniques that influenced Hollywood films like Inception.

Makoto Shinkai – “The New Age Auteur”

Known for breathtaking visuals and emotionally resonant stories like Your Name and Weathering With You.

Anime Studios & Their Influence on Anime Styles

Anime studios defining the industry

Anime is not just defined by its genres or stories—it is also shaped by the studios that bring these visions to life. From the hand-drawn beauty of Studio Ghibli to the digital wizardry of Ufotable, each studio carries a distinct style and philosophy that has influenced the industry in profound ways. These studios have not only elevated anime as an art form but have also helped shape its global reputation, producing some of the most beloved and visually stunning works in animation history.

Here are some of the most notable examples:

Studio Ghibli – Global icon of anime films (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro).

Madhouse – Known for high-quality animation (Death Note, One Punch Man).

Kyoto Animation – Masters of slice-of-life and emotional depth (Clannad, A Silent Voice).

Ufotable – Cutting-edge digital animation (Demon Slayer).

Toei Animation – A pioneer of shonen anime (Dragon Ball, One Piece).

As anime continues to evolve, so too do the studios at its helm, shaping new anime styles that define each generation of storytelling. Each brings its artistic approach and storytelling sensibilities, pushing the boundaries of what productions can achieve within the medium.

While styles may differ—ranging from the emotional depth of Kyoto Animation to the high-octane spectacle of Madhouse—one universal truth remains: the creation of anime is a meticulous and labor-intensive craft.

Yet, it is this dedication to artistry and innovation across countless genres that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

What is Anime? A Cartoon or Something More?

Anime in Western culture

Over time, anime has made its way into Western culture. Despite not being at the heart of mainstream entertainment, it has found such a large Western audience that Western animation productions have created shows in the same style. Popular anime shows like The Boondocks and Avatar: The Last Airbender are American-made shows with Japanese cartoon influence.

This brings up a popular debate: Anime vs cartoon— Is anime a cartoon, or does it stand as its own unique medium? Some might even ask: Is anime a cartoon?

The answer depends on cultural and stylistic perspectives, but understanding the anime definition helps clarify how it differs from traditional cartoons. While fans continue to debate this, understanding the definition of anime helps clarify that it traditionally refers to Japanese-produced projects.

However, the line is blurring as American and Japanese artists collaborate on new anime-inspired shows and movies. For purists, a key anime identifier is whether a work is produced in Japan, though stylistic elements like exaggerated expressions and unique storytelling also play a role.

As this video points out, whether or not certain shows can be dubbed as ‘anime’ is arbitrary. What is important is the recognition of it as an incredibly entertaining and powerful storytelling medium. 

Its Japanese origins and influences have made it a unique form of storytelling that has drawn international interest. But what does anime mean in today’s media landscape? It has evolved beyond just a Japanese art form into a worldwide phenomenon, influencing everything from animation techniques to pop culture trends. Trailblazers like Hayao Miyazaki, Makoto Shinkai, and Satoshi Kon have not only created the best anime films but have created some of the best animated films ever. 

No matter what interests you have or genres you like, the odds are that there is an anime show or movie out there for you.

The Impact of Anime Style

Anime’s expanding impact

What was once considered a niche interest has grown into a global cultural force. Anime’s influence now extends far beyond television and film, with anime characters shaping industries such as fashion, gaming, music, and even streaming services. From high-end fashion collaborations to billion-dollar merchandising empires, anime has become a driving force in entertainment and consumer culture. The anime vs cartoon discussion extends beyond animation, as anime’s impact is undeniable—it’s a worldwide phenomenon influencing multiple industries.

Anime is no longer just a niche interest—it has impacted industries worldwide:

Fashion & Streetwear – Brands like UNIQLO and Gucci collaborate with anime franchises.

Gaming Industry – Games like Persona 5 and Final Fantasy incorporate anime aesthetics.

Music & J-Pop – Artists like Kenshi Yonezu gain global popularity through anime soundtracks.

Streaming Boom – Services like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ invest in anime originals.

Merchandising Empire – The anime industry generates billions from figures, apparel, and collectibles.

Anime’s influence stretches far beyond its origins, shaping storytelling, animation techniques, and entire industries worldwide. From its unique narrative structures to the studios and creators who have revolutionized the medium, anime continues to push artistic and cultural boundaries. Its impact on fashion, gaming, music, and streaming services proves that anime is more than just a form of entertainment—it’s a global phenomenon.

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