Animation in Asia

According to Lent (2000), what place does animation occupy in Asian societies? How different is this across Asia (ie comparing China and Japan)? 

Dating back to the 1920’s, animations were created through various artistic and creative skills ranging from paper cut outs and folds, to shadow theater and ink wash. These styles emphasized a unique Chinese adaptation which separated them from the western forms of animation in which they were heavily influenced by. American animation such as Disney films was used as a basis to create animations that would fit Asian societies. Therefore this form of media holds the essence of Asian cultures intertwining with western themes. As the popularity of Animation increased, governments began realizing the power that popularity had. In some states animations became political tools to influence certain groups. It not only held great economic benefits, but opened up large number of job opportunities (Lent, 2000).  

Within China, animations uphold Chinese culture and tradition through localized plots that were based around religious and historic stories. China has aimed at maintaining animations that act as a moral and wholehearted service to Chinese people and culture, and therefore they hold strict control over the restrictions of it. Thus, it is a form of media that is used both for entertainment and education purposes. Over the years Japan has seen anime generate as a popular culture of Media, more so than in western societies. In 1997, this week’s primary text ‘Princess Mononoke’ became the most Successful Japanese film. The great economic benefits of animation saw that the Japanese state began maximizing its profits. It is evident across many states such as Japan, that the economical benefits are not only in terms of the films, but the by-products that stem from them. Things such as video games, toys, clothing apparel, and any other merchandise offer great possibility for profitability. These brand images create recognition and increase the success the genre of Anime has internationally. Due to these benefits, Japan maintains much fewer restrictions on its Anime than china does. These restrictions mean that some animations feature adult themes such as sex after certain times. Importantly, many animations involve violence throughout all age audiences. Thus, in Japan, Anime is one of the most popular film genres and is viewed by people across many age groups.  This differs from western cultures in which with age people tend to stop watching animation as much as they did at a younger age (Lent, 2000).

I think anime holds a high position as a form of socio-political tool in Asian societies, as it is a tool that can be used to express any views, cultures, and values. It has an effective approach in sending messages and can be a lot more attention grabbing for certain groups. To conclude, Chinese animations focus on factual events with human characteristic and local stories, in the bid to maintain education grounds for their viewers. In Japan however with its great popularity, animation is used on a much wider scale to entertain its viewers to maintain its success and therefore economic growth.

Miyazaki, H. (Director). (1997). Princess Mononoke [DVD]. New Zealand: Madman Entertainment

Lent, J. A. (2000). Animation in Asia: appropriation, reinterpretation, and adoption of adaption. Retrieved August 30 from http://tlweb.latrobe.edu.au/humanities/screeningthepast/firstrelease/fr1100/jlfr11c.htm