Useless Knowledge about Anime and Manga: Amazing facts about manga art, anime trends and otaku culture

By Mia Mirillia

Useful knowledge about anime and manga

Immerse yourself in the fascinating and often surprising world of anime and manga with "Useless Knowledge about Anime and Manga". This book is far more than just a collection of trivia. It offers an in-depth exploration of these popular Japanese art forms, mixed with amazing anecdotes, unexpected twists and fascinating insights into the culture that has shaped these phenomena.

For example, did you know that some fanart artists who started their careers drawing their favorite characters later became officially involved in the anime or manga industry? Or that there are restaurants and cafés inspired entirely by anime, where you can dine among replicas of giant robots or immerse yourself in the magical universe of "Sailor Moon"?

While some anime and manga earn millions worldwide, there are curious financial implications of flops that can lead to studios closing down or having to find innovative ways to make ends meet. And in the world of fashion, designers such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci have drawn inspiration from anime and manga to create stunning collections.

But it's not all about money and fame. This book sheds light on how fans influence the culture and even the content of anime and manga. From the vibrant world of cosplay, which is not just a hobby but a way of life for many, to fan fictions that push the boundaries of the original and often gain a loyal following. Music from anime also influences global pop culture, with songs from shows like "Neon Genesis Evangelion" becoming international hits.

"Useless Knowledge about Anime and Manga" is not just a book for fans. It's a window into a world that many dismiss as just childish cartoon shows or comics. Through its pages, you will discover that anime and manga have profound cultural, artistic and social implications that extend far beyond Japan. It's a journey of wonder, laughter and realization that you won't want to miss. Whether you are a lifelong otaku or simply curious about the phenomenon, this book is sure to inform, entertain and surprise you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcus Jungnickel
• Release date: Nov 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9791222471563

Book preview

Table of contents

1. origins and development

The earliest forms of manga in Japanese art

Manga as we know it today may be a modern phenomenon, but its roots go far back into Japanese history. The fascination for images that tell stories is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

The first known Japanese picture scrolls, also known as emaki, date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. These picture scrolls were hand-painted illustrations used to depict stories or historical events. Although they cannot be directly described as manga, they laid the foundation for what we understand as manga today.

Katsushika Hokusai, a famous 19th century artist best known for his woodblock print series 36 Views of Mount Fuji, coined the term manga. Interestingly, the word literally means informal image and was not originally restricted specifically to the printed medium.

The Toba Ehon or Toba picture books from the 18th century are considered the forerunners of modern manga. They were humorous depictions of everyday life and often reflected society and its quirks. The Toba Ehon were named after the artist Toba Sojo, although he was not the actual creator of these works.

In the 13th century, there were picture scrolls that depicted satirical and humorous stories. These kibyoshi (yellow books) were the first printed books in Japan and often had a yellow cover. It is believed that this type of literary work paved the way for humorous and satirical manga.

Another interesting example of an early form of manga are the kagee or shadow puppets. In the 18th century, these shadow plays were used as a form of street theater. The stories were often combined with music and spoken word and can be considered an early form of moving image.

The ukiyo-e woodblock prints of the 17th to 19th centuries, which often depicted the lifestyle of the flowing world of the Edo period, also influenced manga. In their works, artists such as Utamaro and Hokusai refined the concept of sequencing in art, which would later play a decisive role in manga.

Shunga, erotic woodcuts, were also widespread in Japan in the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite their often graphic character, they were not necessarily pornographic. Rather, they were intended to depict human relationships and intimacy. Some historians argue that the shunga paved the way for modern erotic manga or hentai".

In the Meiji era (1868-1912), Western culture and technology had a major influence on the development of manga. New printing techniques allowed for more detailed illustrations, and Western caricatures influenced Japanese artists. This era also marked the beginning of educational manga, which aimed to explain complex concepts through images.

Much of the early manga was satirical and served as a means of social criticism. During the Meiji period, however, many of these works were censored by the government, as they were often seen as critical of the government and its reforms.

Towards the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, manga became increasingly popular and accessible. Artists such as Rakuten Kitazawa and Ippei Okamoto contributed to manga being published in newspapers and magazines. This laid the foundation for what manga is today: an integral part of Japanese pop culture.

Influence of the Second World War on manga and anime

The post-war period in Japan was characterized by a lack of entertainment options, as many theaters and cinemas had been destroyed by bombs. This left a gap that was filled with inexpensive manga. Publishers began to produce inexpensive manga magazines to entertain the population, which led to a sudden rise in manga popularity.

Some manga artists, including the legendary Osamu Tezuka, were directly influenced by the war. Tezuka, who is often referred to as the god of manga, frequently wrote about the horrors of war and the hope for peace. His famous manga Hi no Tori (Phoenix) deals with themes of life, death and rebirth, which may have been influenced by his experiences during the war.

The war also influenced the Japanese view of the Western world, which was reflected in the manga. Many post-war mangas portray Western characters and cultures in an exotic light, often blending Western and Eastern elements to create a unique cultural hybrid.

Mangas published in the immediate post-war period often had to contend with censorship. The occupying powers had strict regulations on what could be published in the Japanese press, and many manga were censored if they were considered too militaristic or nationalistic.

However, the occupying powers also promoted certain types of manga. Educational manga served to promote democratic ideals and inform the Japanese population about the Western world. These mangas were often simple stories that emphasized values such as freedom, equality and brotherhood.

The beginnings of the anime industry in the 1950s and 1960s were also influenced by the war. Many of the first anime films and series had anti-war themes. Hiroshima no Pika, an anime from 1982, for example, is based on a book about