Anime and Manga Art – All about the Japanese art form

Have you heard of anime manga rings a bell? This art style has gained enormous popularity among young people worldwide in recent decades, becoming increasingly popular and expanding its reach far beyond its country of origin, Japan.

Perhaps you have a child who has a strong passion for it, or who is discovering it for the first time and immersing themselves in this new and fascinating world. Perhaps you yourself enjoy watching anime series on a streaming service – or are interested in drawing in this dynamic art style .

In this article you will learn more about the history of anime , Japanese manga comic culture , its influence on pop culture worldwide, and well-known studios and new series that you can discover on platforms such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+ and Crunchyroll .

The dazzling world of anime culture

Manga and anime are possibly Japan's biggest cultural export and are among the most well-known art styles worldwide.

Since the 1990s, when suddenly everyone in the West was talking about Pokémon , Digimon , Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Dragon Ball Z cultural trends among children and young adults .

Nevertheless, the world of Japanese anime is far more diverse and complex than we in the West might realize. In the West, the term "anime" simply refers to Japanese animation in general.

In Japanese culture, however, "anime" refers to any mass-produced animation, regardless of whether it originates from Japan or not. And more importantly, anime in Japan is not just for children. In fact, anime series like "Neon Genesis Evangelion , "Attack on Titan , "Death Note," and "Cowboy Bebop" also been extremely successful with adults.

Many of these series were actually designed for an adult audience, as they complex themes and storylines, as well as three-dimensional and realistic characters .

The beauty of anime lies in its versatility.”

It ranges from shoujo anime shows like the "Magical Girl" series "Cardcaptor Sakura" to poetic and immersive anime films like "Spirited Away" and "Princess Mononoke ." It's an incredibly rich culture that we'd like to explore a little in this post.

Since its beginnings in the 1910s, anime has continuously evolved and now enjoys immense popularity worldwide. For decades, anime was primarily known in Japan, but thanks to internet streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, it has gained many fans outside of Japan as well. Access to a wide selection of anime is easier than ever before – whether through streaming platforms or by purchasing Blu-rays and DVDs.

Many renowned studios regularly produce new series and films, each with its own distinctive style. The variety of genres in anime is impressive: from action and romance to fantasy, it's all there.

But anime is not just entertainment; it also has a major influence on pop culture worldwide . Whether through cosplay , merchandise , or the use of anime soundtracks in films and series – the traces of this unique art form are visible in many areas.

In this blog post, we will explore various aspects of anime: from its history and the characteristic features of the anime style to popular genres and its influence on pop culture.

We will also take a look at the importance of music in anime and how fans express their love for the art form through cosplay and merchandise. Furthermore, we would like to address and dispel some prejudices and misconceptions about the genre.

What is Anime? A brief introduction to the Japanese art form

Japanese comics are known for their detailed drawings and emotional stories. They are characterized by distinctive features such as exaggerated emotions, vibrant colors, and imaginative worlds.

Anime is basically any animated moving image production from Japan. Manga, on the other hand, refers to the static images of these cartoons or "comics" as they are known in the West.

The development of anime and manga took place in Japan during the late 19th and 20th centuries. The word “manga” was coined by the famous Japanese painter and most important representative of the Ukiyo-e genre, Katsushika Hokusai , and is composed of the two kanji characters “man” (executed quickly) and “ga” (drawing).

The art style of these works is very distinctive and makes it easy to differentiate anime from other animation styles. A typical anime character is characterized by large eyes, often with many highlights and shine, a small nose, and a small mouth.

However, in certain expressions like shock or excitement, the mouth may be exaggerated, for example, left open. The emotions of anime characters are largely through their eyes , which explains their large and bright appearance.

Manga and anime consist of two main elements : the story and the characters. Both are equally important. Readers and viewers often develop a strong connection to the characters by experiencing their struggles or identifying with them.

There are various anime genres , including:

• A slice of life: These stories blend the everyday lives of the characters with realistic elements. They make the small moments in which friendships are formed or new schools are founded insightful and fascinating. Films like "Your Name" and "My Neighbor Totoro" are good entry points into this genre.
• Shonen : This genre is probably the most popular in anime. Series like "My Hero Academia , "One Piece," and "Naruto" are extremely successful. They typically feature lots of fights, action, and battles, and span hundreds of episodes!
• Shojo : This genre focuses on relationships with strong emotional and psychological drama. Series like "Sailor Moon , "Glitter Force," and "Cardcaptor Sakura" are good examples. Many of these shows often include a "magical girl" , where ordinary girls can transform into powerful warriors.

History of Anime and Manga: From its origins to the present day

The history of anime and its technical predecessor – manga – is, from its origins to the present day, a fascinating journey through the world of recent Japanese art history .

Origins of Manga Comics

Anime is the technical evolution of traditional Japanese manga , which originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

It is no surprise that anime originated in the Land of the Rising Sun, as Japan opened its borders to trade and culture. The country had only just emerged from isolation when American warships arrived in 1853. Following the signing of trade agreements with several Western countries, Japan abandoned its feudal system and entered an era of modernization that transformed it into a major economic power.

Both anime and manga reflect the transition from traditional Japan to a globalized Japan . Japanese comics are referred to as manga , or, in other words, as the art form that combines the traditional Japanese painting style ( ukiyo-e ) and the Western comic format.

The term was actually coined by the famous painter Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849). However, the first manga for commercial purposes in Japan was created and published in 1917. This early work was titled “Makzo Imokawa, The Doorman” .

Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989), however, is considered the “father of modern manga” . This title is justified by the quality of his creative output and the impact of his techniques.

Furthermore, Tezuka's art style imbued his characters with humanity and vulnerability, leaving an undeniable mark on the industry, for example through his disproportionately large eyes. His protagonists' wild, unruly hair was also a defining characteristic.

Furthermore, Tezuka is responsible for the famous manga series "Astro Boy" and "Princess Knight" . Astro Boy is a science fiction story about a robot whose sole mission was to save Earth from an alien invasion.

Both manga series were heavily influenced by Western Disney films of the 1930s.

The conflicts were familiar and reminiscent of the traumatic events of World War II. Moreover, it established the science fiction genre with its focus on space, time, and technology.

Manga come to life

Thanks to continuous technological advances and the growing popularity of manga, the first animated short films were created.

These short films are known today as anime and are considered particularly outstanding due to their versatility and dynamism. Because of this dynamism, anime has been very well received worldwide by people of different religions, genders, languages, and ages.

Anime existed even before the development of the modern Japanese film industry . In fact, this animated art form was the first form of media transmission in the country . During the Meiji period, a remarkable cultural exchange took place between the USA, Japan, and Europe.

The first anime film was produced in 1945 and largely financed by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Its main purpose was to lift the spirits of Japanese children, especially those who had grown up during the war. The film was intended to appeal to young people as well as teenagers, encouraging them to be more courageous.

The 1960s saw the widespread popularity of anime, with certain subgenres like giant robots (also known as mecha anime ) gaining increasing traction. The first production of this type of anime was " Tetsujin 28-go" . However, the most significant milestone was reached in the 1970s with anime such as "Mobile Suit Gundam" , "Space Battleship Yamato" , and " Mazinger Z" , in which the heroes primarily battled kaiju like Godzilla.

Influential works such as the film "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" and "Dragon Ball" were added shortly afterwards.

These productions helped Japanese animation reach a worldwide audience and transformed the image of anime from a subcultural trend into an art form with truly profound possibilities.

If we were to identify the moments when anime gained enormous cultural influence, this would be one of them. People of all ages around the world began watching anime.

The 1990s – Anime goes mainstream

When “ Neon Genesis Evangelion” was released in 1995, the anime industry was going through a difficult period. The economic problems of the 1980s had hit Japan hard, and the style of anime suffered as a result.

But Evangelion brought about a change – it became a true sensation that significantly influenced the next decade of anime productions. Ten million people in Japan watched the final episode of Evangelion – thus making anime mainstream .

The 1990s also brought a fusion of anime and cinema , leading to worldwide success with:

• Sailor Moon
• Dragon Ball Z
• Pokémon
• Card Capture Sakura
• Digimon

Anime today – A multi-billion dollar industry

The anime industry has grown into a gigantic market , reaching a revenue of US$19.1 billion in 2017. This figure includes everything from light novels to anime games, from merchandise to the anime films themselves.

In comparison, the annual value of the entire global film industry, including cinema revenues and home entertainment, was 136 billion US dollars.

Japanese anime plays a significant role in the global film industry. One reason for its worldwide popularity is that Japanese producers have been strategically exporting and marketing their works since the days of Tezuka.

They did this for the simple reason that not enough people in Japan were watching their anime (which contradicts the notion that all Japanese people love anime). By selling these cultural products from Japan to the rest of the world, their audience grew enormously.

Interest in anime has risen sharply in countries like Italy, Spain, and South America. A good example of this is Pokémon . What's truly fascinating about Pokémon's popularity is that it was never just about the animated series itself. Rather, it evolved into a comprehensive cultural identifier and multimedia franchise .

Pokémon was originally a video game. However, the success of these games led to the development of an anime adaptation and a manga series. The Pokémon Company also released a trading card game, films – including a live-action film – music, and even a theme park.

This groundbreaking anime franchise was particularly successful in the USA. It is not only the largest media franchise in the world, but also the best-selling video game franchise and the highest-grossing anime film in the USA.

The reason for this is that Pokémon became an integral part of life, and various cultural forms were available to engage with this universe.

Some of you probably still remember the Pokémon Go craze in the summer of 2016. Back then, we experienced a veritable Pokémon Go mania, the likes of which had never been seen before in human history. The service spread with a breathtaking speed.

Walking through German city centers, this change was clearly visible. Everywhere you looked, people were standing or sitting, completely engrossed in their phones. They turned around and swiped at their screens – all because of Pokémon Go.

What once began as a classic video game has now evolved into an incredibly popular mobile game. With the help of augmented reality, players can now catch Pokémon anywhere in the world and even simulate battles with them. The ability to find and capture virtual creatures in our real-world surroundings has sparked a veritable craze.

The gigantic influence of anime on pop culture worldwide

pop culture over the past few decades . It has become a global phenomenon, captivating people of all ages. Through its compelling stories, breathtaking animation techniques, and diverse genres, anime has gained a gigantic fan base.

It can be observed how anime influences not only the entertainment medium but also other areas of pop culture. The influences range from fashion and music to video games and merchandise .

Cosplay , the practice of dressing up as anime characters, has become a popular trend at conventions and events worldwide. These days, over one hundred thousand people attend the anime convention in NYC, USA, annually.

Why is anime so popular?

In the West, we associate anime with Japan , and almost automatically, Japan with anime. This genre is a significant part of their cultural industry and possibly even the country's third-largest industry. That's certainly impressive, generating almost twenty billion dollars annually.

The worldwide success of anime is one of the most astonishing facts in this field. It appears that 60 percent of all animated series worldwide originate in Japan. The anime industry in China is also enormous, while in the West, various channels and streaming services have contributed to making anime even more popular.

Popular series such as “One Piece” or “Attack on Titan” have currently captivated millions of viewers worldwide and gained new fans for the genre.

Here is the official trailer for the acclaimed live-action series ONE PIECE on Netflix:

An important aspect of anime's influence on pop culture is the distribution of anime films and series via streaming platforms such as Netflix , Amazon Prime Video , and Crunchyroll . This has made anime easily accessible and discoverable by people all over the world.

Over the years, channels like Cartoon Network – with Adult Swim and Toonami – as well as anime streaming sites like Crunchyroll and Funimation made this medium accessible to an ever-growing audience.

The popularity of these platforms has contributed to the increasing production of high-quality anime, which in turn increases the demand for new content. Furthermore, anime has also influenced the film industry.

More and more animated films from Japan are making it to international cinemas. Examples include Ghibli classics like "Spirited Away" or "My Neighbor Totoro" .

And what about anime in Japanese culture?

In Japan, people start watching anime relatively early. But that's not all. The genres and categories of these animations are age-specific.

In Japan, children typically start watching anime as soon as they can understand the images and text. There are also specific anime categories for children between the ages of 6 and 18. These categories also take into account the personal interests of both genders.

For example, there are specific anime segments for girls of different ages, depending on their interests, and the same is true for boys. Some anime are not age-specific and appeal to a wider audience. One example of this is shonen . This genre features anime characters who embody a spirit of adventure and lead to action-packed stories.

On the other hand, girls around the age of 12 typically show the most interest in watching "Shonen-ai," "boy love ." This anime offers charismatic romance and romantic themes.

Furthermore, there are anime specifically for adults , generally those aged 18 and over. This category is called seinen , which "adult" . The category specializes in animation with more mature content, and therefore the themes are interconnected.

According to several sources, Japanese anime were originally marketed extremely aggressively to a global audience because there supposedly weren't enough anime fans in Japan at the time. However, anime are now virtually ubiquitous in that country.

In 2014, 2015, and 2016, six of the ten highest-grossing films were anime, with "Spirited Away" remaining the best-selling film in Japan. Furthermore, anime accounts for approximately seventy percent of DVD sales in Japan. Anime is ubiquitous – in advertisements, on water and snack packaging, on trains, school buses, and even in airports.

It has become an omnipresent cultural force that defines the country itself. However, it goes without saying that not everyone likes it. Even within the anime world, there are many who have concerns about the rampant commercialization of this art form.

Every successful anime nowadays gets adapted into a light novel, a live-action film, video games , and merchandise, and the industry seems all-encompassing.

Similar to Disney , anime also produces many products in addition to the films themselves and distributes them through various channels and platforms – for example, there is a Pokémon theme park as well as a Disneyland.

And I'm sure you'll agree that not everyone likes Disney…

Japanese society uses kawaii to promote an image of being lovable and cute

What is a Japanese anime if not enchanting? In Japan, this cultural phenomenon is Kawaii and can certainly be interpreted from our Western perspective as a kind of obsession with cuteness.

Kawaii, which translates as pretty, cute and lovable, describes things and people that are innocent, shy, childlike, vulnerable and charming.

Certain manga genres and famous anime characters are known for being kawaii. Examples include Hello Kitty , Pikachu , and Doraemon . Kawaii culture is closely linked to Japan's strong appreciation for certain manga and anime genres.

It is fascinating to see how an anime can show both bloody and brutal scenes, as well as present a cute, rabbit-like creature making tea.

This mix of contrasts attracts viewers. But kawaii culture isn't limited to manga and anime. It extends to clothing, food, toys, and other items.

The Japanese have a fondness for all things cute.”

It's interesting to observe how kawaii culture even influences etiquette and personal impressions (quite relevant from a sociological perspective). In Japan, cuteness is often seen as positive and can leave a good impression.

Characteristics of the anime style: features and special characteristics

Over the years, the anime style has evolved into a unique art form characterized by certain features. One of these features is the special animation techniques that give anime its distinctive charm.

Through the use of elaborate drawing and animation techniques, the studios manage to create vibrant and detailed worlds in which adventures come to life.

Both traditional and digital techniques a role. One well-known studio, renowned for its outstanding animation techniques, is Studio Ghibli . With films like "Spirited Away" and "Princess Mononoke," they have garnered worldwide attention and impressively demonstrate the full potential of animation.

But it's not just large studios like Ghibli that rely on impressive animation techniques; smaller studios like One Punch Man or Attack on Titan impress with their detailed movements and breathtaking action sequences.

From a technical standpoint, anime and animation produced in Western culture are identical. However, anime production requires an enormous amount of time and effort. Complex stories and plots are needed in the form of a script , which are developed with storyboards and created in workshops. These then need to be animated and voiced. This lengthy process can take months or even years.

A team of numerous artists carries out these projects, usually under the direction of a director. Even with modern technology, anime remains a demanding form of production . While digital technology has expanded the creative possibilities for how these films can look through lighting techniques and other methods, it has not significantly replaced the hard work of the artists.

The inventiveness of the artists who produce anime makes it unique. This medium makes it possible to subvert genres and depict stories that would not be possible in any other audiovisual form of storytelling.

The following video provides insights into the production process of an anime:

Where can I watch anime?

The omnipresence of anime on the internet is undeniable. It has become an integral part of online culture, even in our part of the world.

Therefore, there is a wealth of content surrounding anime, ranging from full-length feature films and TV series to hashtagged news streams on social media, fanfiction, and much more.

Here is an overview of where you can find access to anime and anime-related content:

Streaming platforms

Amazon, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Funimation, Disney+, Cartoon Network, and Netflix. These well-known streaming services offer a wide selection of old and new anime content.

YouTube

On the popular video platform, you can watch clips from your favorite shows and movies, as well as fan-made films, mashups, and more.

Reddit

r/anime, r/animemes are popular subreddits where fans meet to talk about anime and exchange tips on new series, movies and streaming services.

Tumblr

Tumblr also has a lot of anime content, especially fan art and GIFs. However, it can be difficult to get an overview of the platform at first.

Instagram

Fan art and memes are especially popular on this photo-sharing network and can be found in seconds; thanks to the hashtag #Anime, which has over 157 million posts.

Fan pages

Anime fanfiction enjoys great popularity on sites like fanfiction.net and Wattpad .

Spotify

Many fans use Spotify to listen to anime soundtracks and create, share, and discover playlists based on their favorite episodes.

Discord

Like the messaging service Slack, several anime servers where fans can send messages and chat via voice chat.

TikTok

on TikTok . Many viral video clips in this genre are impressive proof of this.

A section for concerned parents: Inappropriate content and youth protection

The fact that anime content is primarily consumed by children and young people in our country leads us to some risks that children are exposed to when exploring the anime world.

Since many anime TV series and films are aimed at adults, there is a risk that children will be exposed to inappropriate content.

Violence, vulgar language, nudity, drug use , and sexual content are examples of what viewers might encounter in an R-rated . However, anime is becoming increasingly popular, and a quick Google search can reveal whether a particular TV show or film is suitable for children or adults.

This allows parents to set limits for their children. Fortunately, there are also anime series specifically suitable for children.

During a leisurely stroll through your local bookstore, you might discover entire shelves filled with graphic novels . However, keep in mind that manga carries the same risk of encountering inappropriate content as anime.

If you feel lost as responsible parents because you are unfamiliar with anime, now is the time to sit down with your child and learn more about it.

In this article you will learn what anime is and why it has found a place in the hearts of many people.

The next step is to find out what your child is interested in, which characters they like, and what they enjoy watching. It's best to discuss as a family what is acceptable and what shouldn't be watched.

Depending on your child's age, you can parental controls on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu to ensure they don't see overly adult content. Also, remind your children that they can always come to you if they see something upsetting.

How to draw your own anime character: Art style and techniques

What makes Japanese animation so unique is its incredibly distinctive style. Unlike the styles of classic American cartoons like "The Simpsons" or "Tom & Jerry," Japanese anime are instantly recognizable.

Even between the vastly different styles of Tezuka , Hayao Miyazaki and Toshihiro Kawamoto , there are a number of commonalities that connect them.

If you want to draw your own anime characters, it is important that you learn these styles inside and out, down to the last detail.

Eyes

Firstly, let's consider the significance of eyes in anime. They are usually large and either oval or narrowed into straight slits.

The role of the eyes is crucial in anime, as this is where most of the expressive work takes place. The eyes in anime are extremely dynamic and change from frame to frame according to the emotional content of the scene.

This is also the most characteristic feature of anime . Without this feature, your characters might not look like anime characters.

Hair

After the eyes, hair is probably the most recognizable feature of anime characters. It's long, striking, and dramatic – often with spikes, unusual styles, and movements. You'll also notice that it comes in peculiar colors.

This is no coincidence, because most colors correspond to a specific symbolism .

The trope / figurative expression

The last thing you absolutely must remember when developing your own anime is that in Japanese animated films, the expressions of the characters often follow a certain typology.

If your character is nervous, they must have beads of sweat all over their body. If your character is in pain, cross-bandages and large bulges are required. If your character is laughing, they should squint their eyes.

If you would like to learn more about the anime art style , we recommend the following starting points:

• superprof: A Guide To Anime Drawing For Beginners
• Faber-Castell: Anime Art – Basics

Cosplay and merchandise: How fans express their love for anime

Anime fans worldwide have various ways to express their love for this Japanese art form. Cosplay and the purchase of merchandise .

Cosplay, short for "Costume Play ," allows fans to dress up as their favorite characters and step into their roles. Great emphasis is placed on the detailed replication of the costumes to make the anime experience as authentic as possible.

at conventions or special events and share their experiences. But it's not just about dressing up; it's also about the opportunity to immerse themselves in another world and experience new adventures.

Besides cosplay, buying merchandise is also very popular among anime fans. The selection of products is virtually unlimited: from action figures and T-shirts to limited-edition Blu-ray box sets, you can find everything related to your favorite series and films.

Specialized online shops as well as large marketplaces like Amazon offer a wide range of anime merchandise, allowing fans to easily expand their collections. However, the significance of merchandise extends beyond mere possession. By purchasing it, fans support the production of new anime and series, as well as the work of the studios behind them.

The greater the demand for merchandise, the more likely further seasons or films will be produced. In Japan, cosplay and merchandise play an even bigger role than elsewhere. Here, anime and manga are an integral part of the culture and influence many aspects of daily life.

In recent years, cosplay has developed into a veritable industry, where professional costume makers and makeup artists perfect their craft. Cosplay and merchandise are therefore not only an expression of love for anime, but also an important economic factor for the industry. They allow fans to live out their passion, connect with like-minded individuals, and be part of a large community.

The sheer variety of possibilities demonstrates how profound the influence of anime is on pop culture worldwide – a fascinating world waiting to be discovered.

Anime FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions answered briefly

When do we speak of anime? What does the word anime mean?

"anime" refers to animated television series or films originating in Japan. It is an abbreviation of "animation" and is used worldwide to refer to this specific type of animated entertainment from Japan.

Anime are often characterized by their stylized character portrayals and diverse genres. There are anime for children, teenagers, and adults, which can cover a range of themes – from adventure and fantasy to romance, science fiction, or horror.

Anime is also characterized by certain aesthetic features such as large eyes, colorful hair, and striking costumes. Animation techniques can vary, but often traditional hand-drawn animation is combined with computer animation.

Anime has a large fan base both in Japan and internationally. Many popular anime series have become successful franchises with merchandising products such as toys, clothing, and video games. It's important to note that not all animated series or films from Japan are automatically considered anime.

The term refers specifically to Japanese animation and differs from other forms of animated entertainment from other countries.

Which anime is number 1?

“One Piece” is ranked number 1. This anime was created by Eiichiro Oda and tells the epic story of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, who are searching for the legendary “One Piece” treasure.

With over 900 episodes and still ongoing, One Piece garnered a large global fanbase and is known for its exciting adventures, charismatic characters, and profound storylines. One Piece is renowned for its distinctive style, a blend of action, comedy, drama, and fantasy.

The diverse characters, including Zoro, Nami, Sanji, and many others, each possess their own unique personalities and abilities. The animation is of high quality, offering breathtaking battle scenes as well as emotional moments.

The anime also deals with serious themes such as friendship, sacrifice, justice, and the fight against oppression. As a result, it appeals to both young and adult viewers.

Through its long run, "One Piece" has secured a firm place in the anime world. It's not only number one in terms of popularity, but also in terms of its influence on pop culture. The anime has spawned numerous spin-offs, films, and merchandise.

What is the name of the best anime in the world?

Determining the best anime in the world is difficult, as it depends on personal preferences and opinions. However, there are some anime that are considered potential candidates due to their popularity and influence.

A frequently mentioned candidate is “Attack on Titan” (Shingeki no Kyojin) by Hajime Isayama . This series has a captivating plot, interesting characters, and impressive animation. It tells the story of a world where gigantic creatures called Titans threaten humanity.

Another popular anime is “Death Note” by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata . This psychological thriller revolves around a high school student named Light Yagami who finds a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill people.

The intelligent plot and the cat-and-mouse game between Light and Detective L are captivating.

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” by Hiromu Arakawa is also often considered one of the best anime. This series combines action, drama, and fantasy in a world steeped in alchemy. The character development and complex storyline make it a favorite among many fans.

Of course, there are many other great anime such as “Naruto” , “One Piece” and “Dragon Ball Z” .

Ultimately, the answer to the question of the best anime in the world depends on individual taste. Everyone has their own favorite anime based on their interests and preferences.

List of sources:

• Indiscretion is a matter of honor : Pokémon Go and the historic days of July 2016 , https://www.indiskretionehrensache.de/2016/07/pokemon-go/
• JapanDigest : Tezuka Osamu – Life and Work of the “God of Manga” , https://www.japandigest.de/aktuelles/100japaner/tezuka-osamu/
• NFI : What Is Anime? Everything You Need To Know , https://www.nfi.edu/what-is-anime/
• Outschool : A Quick Guide To Everything You Need To Know About Anime , https://info.outschool.com/uk-blog/quick-guide-to-everything-you-need-to-know-about-anime
• Planet Wissen : Manga , https://www.planet-wissen.de/kultur/literatur/comics/Manga-100.html
• superprof : What You Need To Know About Japanese Anime Culture , https://www.superprof.com/blog/what-is-japanese-anime/
• superprof : Is Japanese Anime Really That Popular? , https://www.superprof.com/blog/japanese-anime-culture/