Anime and manga: multi-themed, popular across generations and loved around the world

"Japonism," a boom in the popularity of all things Japanese, started after a presentation at the 1867 World Expo in Paris. Quickly sweeping through Europe, ukiyo-e paintings became an inspiration to Impressionist painters. Now in the 21st century, worldwide attention has shifted its focus to anime and comics, the contemporary versions of these 19th-century ukiyo-e prints.

Japanese comics (manga)

Developing apart from American comics and French “bandes dessinées,” Japanese comics are enjoyed by kids and adults, men and women alike. They cover a range of themes, including sports, school life, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, war and even social issues of the day. Manga artists and writers rank alongside more traditional authors. Still known and read to this day, “Astro Boy” and “Sazae-san” are two of the first popularized and widely-published comics of the modern age.

Japanese anime

Anime's development parallels that of comics culture, and the art form has evolved to produce more refined stories with both adult and child themes. You don't have to look further than “Pocket Monsters” ("Pokemon") or “Dragon Ball” to see anime's worldwide influence. Don't pass by Studio Ghibli's many masterpieces, including the Oscar winner “Spirited Away.” Check out “Kimba, the White Lion,” “Paprika” and “Akira,” and see if you can't spot the similarities to “The Lion King,” “Inception” and “Looper.”

The fans