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Useful knowledge about anime and manga
Immerse yourself in the fascinating and often surprising world of anime and manga with "Useless Knowledge about Anime and Manga". This book is far more than just a collection of trivia. It offers an in-depth exploration of these popular Japanese art forms, mixed with amazing anecdotes, unexpected twists and fascinating insights into the culture that has shaped these phenomena.
For example, did you know that some fanart artists who started their careers drawing their favorite characters later became officially involved in the anime or manga industry? Or that there are restaurants and cafés inspired entirely by anime, where you can dine among replicas of giant robots or immerse yourself in the magical universe of "Sailor Moon"?
While some anime and manga earn millions worldwide, there are curious financial implications of flops that can lead to studios closing down or having to find innovative ways to make ends meet. And in the world of fashion, designers such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci have drawn inspiration from anime and manga to create stunning collections.
But it's not all about money and fame. This book sheds light on how fans influence the culture and even the content of anime and manga. From the vibrant world of cosplay, which is not just a hobby but a way of life for many, to fan fictions that push the boundaries of the original and often gain a loyal following. Music from anime also influences global pop culture, with songs from shows like "Neon Genesis Evangelion" becoming international hits.
"Useless Knowledge about Anime and Manga" is not just a book for fans. It's a window into a world that many dismiss as just childish cartoon shows or comics. Through its pages, you will discover that anime and manga have profound cultural, artistic and social implications that extend far beyond Japan. It's a journey of wonder, laughter and realization that you won't want to miss. Whether you are a lifelong otaku or simply curious about the phenomenon, this book is sure to inform, entertain and surprise you.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023
Table of contents
1. origins and development
The earliest forms of manga in Japanese art
Influence of the Second World War on manga and anime
The rise of Shonen, Shojo, Seinen and Josei
2. iconic characters and their secrets
The origin stories behind the characters
Characters based on real people
Famous supporting characters
Surprise guests and cameos in anime series
3. famous locations and worlds
Real places depicted in anime & manga
Fictional worlds and how they were created
Surprising details about iconic locations
4. techniques and art style
Evolution of the drawing style from 1950 to today
Technological advances in the animation process
The art of drawing manga
5. unforgettable quotes and their meaning
Philosophical quotes in anime and manga
Humorous sayings & why they are remembered
6 Cultural influences and appropriations
Western culture in anime and manga
Anime and manga in pop music and film
Festivals and events that celebrate anime and manga
Traditional stories and legends
7. controversies and debates
Censorship in manga and anime
Gender, identity and social norms
The "Sub vs. Dub"-debate & why it is so heated
8. the science behind anime and manga
How realistic are technologies in mecha anime?
The psychology of character development
True historical events
Learning science & math through anime
9. the economy of anime and manga
The biggest publishers and studios and their contributions
Financial impact of hit series and flops
Fashionable inspirations from anime and manga
Restaurants and cafés inspired by anime
Cute Mascot characters & their influence on merchandising
10. the community and fan culture
Cosplay: history, influence and worldwide events
How fan fiction influences the community
The influence of anime music on pop culture
Fan art and its role in stories
about anime and manga
Amazing facts about manga art, anime trends and otaku culture
Mia Mirillia
Manga as we know it today may be a modern phenomenon, but its roots go far back into Japanese history. The fascination for images that tell stories is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
The first known Japanese picture scrolls, also known as "emaki", date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. These picture scrolls were hand-painted illustrations used to depict stories or historical events. Although they cannot be directly described as manga, they laid the foundation for what we understand as manga today.
Katsushika Hokusai, a famous 19th century artist best known for his woodblock print series "36 Views of Mount Fuji", coined the term "manga". Interestingly, the word literally means "informal image" and was not originally restricted specifically to the printed medium.
The "Toba Ehon" or Toba picture books from the 18th century are considered the forerunners of modern manga. They were humorous depictions of everyday life and often reflected society and its quirks. The "Toba Ehon" were named after the artist Toba Sojo, although he was not the actual creator of these works.
In the 13th century, there were picture scrolls that depicted satirical and humorous stories. These "kibyoshi" (yellow books) were the first printed books in Japan and often had a yellow cover. It is believed that this type of literary work paved the way for humorous and satirical manga.
Another interesting example of an early form of manga are the "kagee" or shadow puppets. In the 18th century, these shadow plays were used as a form of street theater. The stories were often combined with music and spoken word and can be considered an early form of moving image.
The ukiyo-e woodblock prints of the 17th to 19th centuries, which often depicted the lifestyle of the "flowing world" of the Edo period, also influenced manga. In their works, artists such as Utamaro and Hokusai refined the concept of sequencing in art, which would later play a decisive role in manga.
Shunga", erotic woodcuts, were also widespread in Japan in the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite their often graphic character, they were not necessarily pornographic. Rather, they were intended to depict human relationships and intimacy. Some historians argue that the "shunga" paved the way for modern erotic manga or "hentai".
In the Meiji era (1868-1912), Western culture and technology had a major influence on the development of manga. New printing techniques allowed for more detailed illustrations, and Western caricatures influenced Japanese artists. This era also marked the beginning of "educational manga", which aimed to explain complex concepts through images.
Much of the early manga was satirical and served as a means of social criticism. During the Meiji period, however, many of these works were censored by the government, as they were often seen as critical of the government and its reforms.
Towards the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, manga became increasingly popular and accessible. Artists such as Rakuten Kitazawa and Ippei Okamoto contributed to manga being published in newspapers and magazines. This laid the foundation for what manga is today: an integral part of Japanese pop culture.
The post-war period in Japan was characterized by a lack of entertainment options, as many theaters and cinemas had been destroyed by bombs. This left a gap that was filled with inexpensive manga. Publishers began to produce inexpensive manga magazines to entertain the population, which led to a sudden rise in manga popularity.
Some manga artists, including the legendary Osamu Tezuka, were directly influenced by the war. Tezuka, who is often referred to as the "god of manga", frequently wrote about the horrors of war and the hope for peace. His famous manga "Hi no Tori" (Phoenix) deals with themes of life, death and rebirth, which may have been influenced by his experiences during the war.
The war also influenced the Japanese view of the Western world, which was reflected in the manga. Many post-war mangas portray Western characters and cultures in an exotic light, often blending Western and Eastern elements to create a unique cultural hybrid.
Mangas published in the immediate post-war period often had to contend with censorship. The occupying powers had strict regulations on what could be published in the Japanese press, and many manga were censored if they were considered too militaristic or nationalistic.
However, the occupying powers also promoted certain types of manga. Educational manga served to promote democratic ideals and inform the Japanese population about the Western world. These mangas were often simple stories that emphasized values such as freedom, equality and brotherhood.
The beginnings of the anime industry in the 1950s and 1960s were also influenced by the war. Many of the first anime films and series had anti-war themes. "Hiroshima no Pika", an anime from 1982, for example, is based on a book about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the effects on the survivors.
Some manga artists used their platform to speak out against the rebuilding of Japanese militarism. They feared that Japan might return to the path of militarism and used manga to express their concerns.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the "Gekiga" genre emerged, which was characterized by more realistic drawings and more serious stories. Many of these stories dealt with people's experiences during and after the war and formed a contrast to the lighter and more humorous manga of the time.
Americanization after the war led to a blending of Eastern and Western culture in manga and anime. This influence can be seen in works such as Tezuka's "Tetsuwan Atom" (Astro Boy), which shows the influence of Western science fiction.
The introduction of television in Japan in the 1950s provided a new platform for manga stories. Many popular manga were adapted as cartoons and broadcast on television. The war had contributed to the modernization and westernization of Japan, which was reflected in the rapid adoption of new technologies and media formats.
The manga and anime industry would not be the same without the impact of the Second World War. From the stories that were told to the media through which they were disseminated, the war shaped the industry in diverse and often surprising ways.