1917
The Birth of Japanese Animation
The first Japanese animation, "Namakura Gatana," was created by Ōten Shimokawa, marking the beginning of anime history.
Learn MoreThe Evolution of Anime
Discover the rich history and cultural impact of Japanese animation
1963
Astro Boy Revolutionizes Animation
Osamu Tezuka's "Astro Boy" becomes the first popular anime series, establishing many conventions of the medium.
Learn More1988
AKIRA Changes Everything
Katsuhiro Otomo's "AKIRA" redefines anime's potential and brings international attention to Japanese animation.
Learn More1995
Ghost in the Shell Debuts
Mamoru Oshii's "Ghost in the Shell" becomes a landmark in cyberpunk animation and influences global cinema.
Learn MoreInteresting Facts About Anime History
First Color Anime
The first color anime film, "Hakujaden," was released in 1958 and took three years to complete.
Longest Running Series
"Sazae-san" holds the record for the longest-running animated TV series with over 7,700 episodes.
Global Impact
Anime now accounts for over 60% of the world's animation-based entertainment.
Industry Growth
The anime industry has grown from $13.5 billion in 2015 to over $25 billion in 2025.