Anime: A History

Japanese animation, known as anime, is a multi-billion-dollar international industry that encompasses manga, computer games, Pokémon, and plushies. This comprehensive guide by Jonathan Clements chronicles the production and reception history of anime, from its early days in the 1910s to the Oscar-winning Spirited Away and beyond. It explores the cultural and technological developments of the past century and addresses how Japanese scholars have written its history. The book is based on industry professionals' testimonies and includes a wealth of Japanese-language documents, memoirs, and books. It provides a unique insight into the anime business, investigating its innovators, unsung heroes, and controversies. The new edition has been updated and revised, with full-color illustrations and three new chapters on anime's fortunes among Chinese audiences, 21st-century trends in 'otaku economics, and the transformations brought about by global streaming technology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Japanese animation, a vibrant and multifaceted medium, holds a significant place at the heart of an international multimedia industry that generates an annual revenue of over $23.6 billion. This expansive realm encompasses a wide range of interconnected elements, including manga, computer games, Pokémon, and plushies. In this comprehensive guide, Jonathan Clements takes readers on a journey through the history of Japanese animation, from its humble beginnings in the 1910s to the Oscar-winning masterpiece "Spirited Away" and beyond.

Clements delves into the rich tapestry of cultural and technological developments that have shaped the anime medium over the past century. He explores how Japanese scholars have written the history of anime, shedding light on previously neglected topics such as wartime instructional animation and the work-for-hire for American clients. Through a blend of industry professionals' testimonies and a wealth of Japanese-language documents, memoirs, and books, "Anime: A History" offers a unique perspective on the anime business, shedding light on its innovators, unsung heroes, and controversies.

This new edition of "Anime: A History" has been meticulously updated and revised, featuring full-color illustrations and three new chapters that delve into the anime's fortunes among Chinese audiences and subcontractors, 21st-century trends in "otaku economics," and the profound transformations brought about by the rise of global streaming technology.

Whether you are a seasoned anime enthusiast or a newcomer seeking to explore the world of this captivating medium, "Anime: A History" is an essential resource that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of this dynamic art form.

Weight: 1435g
Dimension: 252 x 195 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839026706