By: Jason Wilson Jr.

What is anime? When did you first see this kind of art that connected with you? For me, it was through a video game called “Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2”.

 Anime is hand-drawn and computer-generated animation that originated from Japan. As a kid growing up in Baltimore, MD, I watched a lot of cartoons and Japanese animations such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach, etc. These shows featured fascinating characters with different motivations and worldviews. The protagonists of these shows faced impossible odds, but they were always determined to bring good and overcome their limitations by training, eating, and learning.

The rise of anime in the United States is very surprising to me because, in the past, it had very little following while also being critiqued. The dub of anime which is the translation and lip-synching of Japanese shows into English showed very little respect. But as it became more profitable and popular among the masses in America, anime has been proven to introduce diversity in cultural conversation. A form of entertainment from another culture has a positive impact on our culture as “Americans” that enables us and our society to break down the borders that divide us from becoming a more diverse culture.

Other networks such as Toonami, Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim aired anime on their programming block from 1997 to 2008 and Adult Swim from 2012 till now. Another aspect is English dubbing companies such as FUNimation and Crunchyroll helped create a bigger audience for anime in the United States.

A lot of people are talking about shows from Japan then from their own country which is a testament to the appeal of anime in the United States. Celebrities such as Chris Brown, De’Aaron Fox, Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Bell, Samuel L. Jackson, Lupe Fiasco, Eddy Lacy, and Jackie Chan have all expressed their love for anime, especially “Dragon Ball Z” in different ways. These ways are tattoos on legs, owning pairs of Dragon Ball Z shoes, and embracing and appreciating the impact on entertainment and culture in the United States. Lastly, Akira Toriyama was inspired by Jackie Chan which led him to create this animation, and Jackie Chan loved Dragon Ball.

Manga is a term given to Japanese comic books and graphic novels. Manga and anime are both mass media produced by Japan and they have distinctive art styles which are based on each other. 

When buying manga from your local bookstore, you may realize that you read from left to right. Which you might take some time to adjust to but once you settle into the groove. These books are some of the best ways to appreciate Japanese culture through writing and art. 

Anime is an amazing genre that’s filled with popular books with animation in them and supported by a great community that’s expanding. The growth in American entertainment has been nothing but astounding and as other manga and anime series continue to grow, anime will never die. Thank you, Japan. Rest In Peace Akira Toriyama.