Anime, also known as Japanimation, refers to hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. The term "anime" is derived from the English word "animation," and within Japan, it broadly denotes all animated media. However, outside Japan, "anime" specifically refers to animation produced in Japan or to a distinct Japanese animation style characterized by vibrant colors, expressive characters, and fantastical themes. This cultural nuance allows for the possibility that anime created outside Japan might also be classified under this term, especially if it adopts similar stylistic elements. The history of Japanese animation dates back to 1917 with the earliest commercial works. A distinctive art style began to emerge in the 1960s through the influential works of Osamu Tezuka, and this style gained popularity worldwide throughout the latter half of the 20th century, attracting a large domestic and international audience. Anime is distributed through various channels, including theatrical releases, television broadcasts, direct-to-home media, and online streaming platforms. Many anime series are original creations, but a significant portion are adaptations of manga (Japanese comics), light novels, or video games. Advances in technology have continuously influenced anime production methods and techniques. As a multimedia art form, anime integrates graphic art, character development, cinematography, and other creative elements. Instead of emphasizing movement, anime often prioritizes detailed settings, realistic backgrounds, and the use of camera effects such as panning, zooming, and dynamic angles to enhance storytelling. The visual style of anime varies widely, with character designs ranging from exaggerated features like large, emotive eyes to more realistic proportions. Anime encompasses numerous genres, catering to both broad audiences and niche groups. Additionally, a term that emerged among fans in the United States is "wapanese," referring to white individuals who desire to adopt Japanese culture, or later "weeaboo," describing those with a strong fascination with Japanese anime and cultural elements.
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