Anime and Manga Influences on Japan

Anime and manga have had a significant impact on modern Japanese culture – from becoming popular household staples to inspiring real-world fashion trends. But what are their origins and why have these two mediums become so unbeatable in their influence on Japanese culture? Read on to find out and understand the impact that anime and manga have had on Japan.

It's hard to imagine Japanese culture today without the influence of anime and manga. The two artistic mediums have become so integrated into Japanese society that it's difficult to imagine Japan without them. In Japan, anime and manga are extremely popular with both children and adults, and are seen almost everywhere in books, magazines, television, video games, and film.

Anime and manga emerged in the early 20th century and were greatly influenced by the art of American cartoons and comic books. During the postwar period, anime and manga started becoming popular, with Akira Toriyama's classic manga series, Dragonball, being the most influential. This was followed by several other beloved series such as One Piece, Detective Conan, and Naruto, just to name a few.

Anime and manga leaders such as Hayao Miyazaki and Osamu Tezuka introduced a more cinematic style of animation and story-telling to Japan. Their works were simple yet beautiful and captivating. These story-tellers put forth complex characters that ranged from heroes to villains, and blended fantasy and the real world with resulte in a unique atmosphere.

Miyazaki's works, particularly his classic animated films such as Spirited Away, have become popular both in Japan and around the world. Miyazaki's work has a strong influence on movie-goers the world over since his works are often rich with symbolism, spirituality, and fantasy. Miyazaki's works are thought to capture the inner strength of their characters and bring out their courage and determination helping people understand themselves.

Interestingly, anime and manga have also had an influence on fashion in Japan. There are now a variety of trendy items such as twintails, chokers, and cosplay clothing – much of which is inspired by anime and manga. These styles have been so embraced by Japanese youth that brands such as Galaxxxy, Angelic Pretty, and Torabotic have emerged that are specially dedicated to anime and manga fashion.
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This influence isn't just restricted to fashion, though. Anime and manga have also had an influence on cuisine in Japan. Omurice, for example, is part of a popular dish in Japan in which fried rice is covered with an omelet, and is often served with demi-glace sauce. This dish is heavily associated with the beloved anime and manga series, Chibi Maruko-Chan.

There's no doubt that anime and manga have had a significant and powerful impact on Japan. It's not hard to see why these two artistic mediums have become so incredibly popular in their native country and why it's influenced so much of the culture. So next time you pick up a manga book or watch an anime show, remember the powerful influence that these mediums have had on Japanese society and culture.
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