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Manga and anime have been staples of Japanese popular media for decades, but their acceptability and influence have transformed greatly with Western fascination and exposure. As Japanese cartoons and comics took off globally, especially in Europe and North America, Western readers and viewers not only became fervent consumers but began to mold content, aesthetics, and even production methods of the medium as well. This section explores how Western culture has shaped anime and manga, their controversies, and how they will shape the future of these arts.
Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the "Godfather of Manga," was inspired by Western animation, particularly Disney characters like Betty Boop and Bambi. This influence is evident in his characters' large, expressive eyes, a style that became a hallmark of anime.
Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the "Godfather of Manga," was inspired by Western animation, particularly Disney characters like Betty Boop and Bambi. This influence is evident in his characters' large, expressive eyes, a style that became a hallmark of anime.
Sailor Moon has had a profound impact on fashion and beauty, both in Japan and internationally. The series' iconic 90s fashion has inspired numerous collaborations and continues to influence contemporary style
Sailor Moon has had a profound impact on fashion and beauty, both in Japan and internationally. The series' iconic 90s fashion has inspired numerous collaborations and continues to influence contemporary style
A Two-Way Cultural Exchange
The global phenomenon of anime in the 1990s, driven by franchises like Pokémon, Sailor Moon, and Dragon Ball Z, introduced millions of Western viewers to Japanese animation. While the images and story were Japanese in origin, Western distributors often modified them to become more "palatable" to domestic viewers—reducing violence, excising cultural references, and even modifying character relationships. This process, known as "localization," has created challenges between cultural authenticity and access.
In more recent years, a less one-way cultural exchange has existed. Netflix and Crunchyroll streaming platforms have entered the scene and invested in the creation of anime, co-financing or distributing such shows as Devilman Crybaby or Castlevania that are created for global audiences. Some have raised questions: Is anime still "Japanese" if created with Western money, tropes, or voice actors in consideration?
In recent years, the exchange has been less one-sided. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll have invested in anime productions, co-financing or distributing series like Devilman Crybaby or Castlevania, which are made with international audiences in mind. Does this raise the question: Is anime still "Japanese" if it is made with Western financing, tropes, or voice acting in mind?
Western Influence on Themes and Aesthetics
Western popular culture has left its imprint on anime and manga storytelling. Shows like Cowboy Bebop are heavily influenced by jazz, American noir, and space westerns. More recently, Attack on Titan has been likened to Western dystopias and military thrillers. Even manga artists like Hirohiko Araki (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure) cite European art and fashion as significant influences.
Conversely, there has also been a embracing of the anime aesthetic by Western media. Everything from Teen Titans to Avatar: The Last Airbender features American shows with anime's tell-tale facial exaggerations, action, and melodramatic story arcs. This aesthetic blurring is included in a wider globalization of media whereby cultural lines are increasingly unclear.
Cultural Appreciation or Appropriation?
For all the merits of cross-cultural exchange, the Western influence has not been welcomed by all. Purists decry that Western businesses dilute anime's purity with content restrictions or whitewashing characters. Others question whether the West profits disproportionately from anime popularity, generating revenues from fan art, merchandise, and adaptations while sidelining original creators.
To others, however, it is a mark of cultural appreciation—a acknowledgment that Japanese art, animation, and story-telling have appeal across the globe. Anime conventions, cosplay societies, and internet fan forums are groups where fans actively engage with Japanese culture, even learning the language or visiting Japan.
Source cited
Condry, Ian. The Soul of Anime: Collaborative Creativity and Japan's Media Success Story. Duke University Press, 2013.
Leonard, Sean. “Progress Against the Law: Anime and Fandom, with the Key to the Globalization of Culture.” International Journal of Cultural Studies, vol. 8, no. 3, 2005, pp. 281–305.
Napier, Susan J. Anime from Akira to Howl’s Moving Castle: Experiencing Contemporary Japanese Animation. Palgrave Macmillan, 2005.
"Anime in America." Crunchyroll, https://www.crunchyroll.com/animeinamerica.
"Why Anime Localization Is So Controversial." YouTube, uploaded by Beyond Ghibli, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvZaxuJ0-XY.
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