The Complete History of Anime: From Humble Beginnings to a Global Phenomenon

Anime is a rich and expansive medium that has captured the hearts of fans around the world. From its humble beginnings to the diverse cultural force it is today, the history of anime is one full of passion, creativity, and storytelling like no other. Today, we're taking you on a journey from anime’s early origins to its rise as a global pop culture phenomenon. So grab your Pocky sticks, get comfy, and let's dive into the complete history of anime.

The Beginnings: Anime’s Humble Origins

Let’s start at the beginning—the very beginning. Imagine Japan in the early 20th century, a place where artists were experimenting with new forms of storytelling. The very first Japanese animated film, Namakura Gatana (The Dull Sword), was produced in 1917. It was a short, humorous story about a samurai who had terrible luck with his sword. You can think of it as the awkward first step in what would become the dance of anime! The early years saw Japanese animators taking inspiration from Western cartoons, like those produced by Disney, while adding that distinct flair that only Japan could offer.

Pre-WW2: The Rise of Animation in Japan

In the years before World War II, anime started taking shape as a distinct art form. Japan was feeling a little competitive with the West, and this rivalry spurred artists to create original works that blended traditional Japanese art with new animation techniques. By the 1930s, the Japanese government even saw the value of anime for propaganda. However, while it wasn’t all that great for Saturday morning cartoons, these early works were pivotal in shaping what was to come.

Post-WW2: From Propaganda to Entertainment

After World War II, anime began to pivot—like that one friend who finally found their groove after a questionable phase in college. The country was rebuilding, and with it came a boom in creativity. One man, Osamu Tezuka, took charge and changed anime forever. Often called the "God of Manga," Tezuka created Astro Boy (or Tetsuwan Atomu) in the early 1960s, and this was truly the anime that put the genre on the map. Imagine Walt Disney, but with more giant robots, moral complexity, and somehow even larger eyes.

Astro Boy wasn't just about robots and high-flying action—Tezuka injected real human emotion into the narrative, giving depth to animated characters in a way no one else had before. He set the stage for what anime would become: a medium for not just children’s stories, but narratives with universal appeal.

The 50s-60s: The Birth of Anime Series

After Tezuka came into the picture, anime began to grow rapidly. By the 1960s, anime had moved from theaters to TV screens across Japan. Shows like Astro Boy and Speed Racer (Mach GoGoGo) zoomed into the homes of families everywhere. Speed Racer was especially popular, and who could resist a show about a guy in a white jumpsuit driving a car with enough gadgets to make James Bond jealous? Anime at this stage was charming, action-packed, and increasingly gaining an audience outside of Japan.

The 70s-80s: The Golden Age of Mecha and Space Heroes

The 1970s and 1980s were when anime truly found its stride. Picture a time of bell-bottoms and disco music—but in anime, it was all about giant robots and intergalactic adventures. Shows like Mobile Suit Gundam and Space Battleship Yamato were incredibly popular. Gundam, in particular, wasn’t just about the robots; it was about complex human emotions, politics, and war. Basically, it was like Game of Thrones but with robots fighting in space—what’s not to love?

This era also saw the rise of iconic series like Lupin III, following a charming, not-so-law-abiding gentleman, and Dragon Ball, which would go on to become one of the most recognizable anime franchises in history. It was during this period that anime grew up a bit, dealing with mature themes, and catering to both kids and adults alike.

The Mecha Craze: Let’s take a moment to appreciate the 80s obsession with mecha (giant robots). It wasn’t just about epic battles; mecha anime explored the complex relationships between humans and their technology. Neon Genesis Evangelion, which came out towards the end of this period, brought introspection, philosophy, and heavy doses of existential crises to the genre. It was like a therapy session, but with giant monsters and teenagers in robot suits.

Anime wasn’t limited to TV either; the OVA (Original Video Animation) format allowed creators to experiment with content that was too edgy for broadcast television, giving rise to cult classics like Bubblegum Crisis and Legend of the Galactic Heroes. This period solidified anime as a medium for more mature, intricate storytelling.

The 1990s: When Anime Went Global (And We All Lost Our Minds)

Enter the 1990s—arguably one of the most important decades in anime history. This was the era of The Big Three: Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach. These shonen series captured the imaginations of fans around the world, telling epic stories of heroes and villains, friendships, and unending perseverance. But let’s not forget the birth of Sailor Moon, the magical girl series that kicked gender norms right in the moon prism. With its epic story arcs, villains that oozed style, and a group of strong female characters, Sailor Moon was the gateway anime for many fans (and still a favorite for cosplayers around the world).

This was also the time when Studio Ghibli, founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, began its incredible journey, releasing classics like My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke. Ghibli’s films weren’t just popular in Japan—they were adored internationally, with their universal themes of nature, courage, and humanity’s connection to the earth.

The 90s were also when Pokémon took over the planet. Seriously, if you don’t remember watching Ash and Pikachu, were you even alive? Gotta catch 'em all wasn’t just a slogan—it was a global mantra. Let’s not forget Dragon Ball Z, with those epic battles that took multiple episodes (and an eternity of powering up) to finish. Who didn’t try to go Super Saiyan in their living room at least once? These series helped anime gain a solid foothold in international markets, paving the way for the anime boom we know today.

Cyberpunk Gets Weird: In the 90s, anime also gave us a taste of the darker side of storytelling. Shows like Serial Experiments Lain and Ghost in the Shell explored cyberpunk themes, blending philosophical questions with mind-bending visuals. Imagine The Matrix, but even more confusing and with a lot more school uniforms. This was the era that proved anime could be intellectually challenging as well as visually impressive.

The 2000s: Streaming, Expanding, and Becoming Relatable

The 2000s were when anime really started pushing boundaries and expanding its genres even further. This is when we got Death Note, a show that makes a notebook scarier than any horror movie. Seriously, a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it? Light Yagami was the high school sociopath we all secretly feared we could become if we had too much power.

It was also the time of Fullmetal Alchemist, a tale of alchemy, brotherhood, and, let’s be honest, the saddest dog transformation ever. Don’t lie—you cried at Nina Tucker. We all did.

Anime became more accessible during this period, thanks to the internet. Instead of waiting for Saturday morning reruns, people could actually go online and find anime—legally! This meant that more fans from all around the world started to join the anime fanbase. The 2000s were also the start of the moe era—think Lucky Star and K-On!, with adorable characters that made you go, "aww," and plotlines as comforting as a warm bowl of ramen.

But let’s not forget One Piece—this decade was when the Straw Hat Pirates became a cultural phenomenon. With larger-than-life characters and a seemingly never-ending adventure, One Piece was a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination—especially if that journey involves pirate ships, treasure, and lots of yelling about friendship.

2010s to Present: Netflix and the Mainstream Explosion

Anime in the 2010s went from “nerd-only territory” to a genuine pop culture sensation. Shows like Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer have all but broken the internet. Remember when Demon Slayer: Mugen Train became the highest-grossing movie in Japan? It’s proof that anime is no longer a niche hobby; it’s a cultural phenomenon.

Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and even Netflix allowed non-Japanese speakers to experience anime almost as soon as it aired in Japan. Suddenly, anime wasn’t just a subculture; it was for everyone. Your uncle, your coworker, your favorite celebrity—they were all watching Attack on Titan and freaking out about the Titans scaling the walls.

This era also saw the rise of isekai anime, where characters get transported to another world. From Sword Art Online to Re:Zero, these shows explored escapism in ways that clicked with audiences around the world. Who hasn’t daydreamed about waking up in a fantasy world where you’re suddenly a hero with epic powers? It’s like a gamer’s ultimate dream come true, with a sprinkle of life-or-death stakes.

Anime has officially transcended into mainstream pop culture, appearing in everything from fashion shows to the Olympics (yes, Goku was part of Japan’s presentation for the Olympics!). Celebrities from Michael B. Jordan to Kim Kardashian have professed their love for anime, and you know it’s serious when fashion lines inspired by anime start hitting the runways.

Anime's Influence on Global Pop Culture

Anime has had a profound influence on global pop culture. Ever seen someone at the gym in a Dragon Ball Z tank top, looking like they’re about to power up to Super Saiyan? Or maybe someone wearing an oversized hoodie with Totoro on it? From fashion to internet culture, anime is everywhere. Even the Met Gala has seen anime influences!

The bright, emotional, and visually stunning world of anime has bled into every corner of art, music, and fashion. Kawaii culture—with its pastel pinks and adorable aesthetics—has become a mainstay of pop culture, embraced even by those who don’t know their Naruto from their Naruto roll. Anime memes have become a universal language, whether it's Dio’s iconic “You’re approaching me?” or the classic “It’s over 9000!”

The influence also extends into music, with artists like Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X openly showing their love for anime. Music videos are often animated in an anime style, and anime soundtracks (I see you, Attack on Titan’s theme song) have become iconic worldwide. Anime’s cultural fingerprints are now indelibly etched across the globe.

The Modern Day Fanbase: No Gatekeepers Allowed

Gone are the days when anime was seen as just for otaku (dedicated fans). Today, the anime community is diverse, inclusive, and wildly creative. Whether it’s creating stunning fan art, writing emotional fanfiction, or showing off cosplay at conventions, there’s a place for everyone in this colorful world. Anime conventions like Anime Expo and Comiket draw in crowds of hundreds of thousands, all gathered for their shared love of this medium.

The anime fanbase today is vast, ranging from casual viewers who might only watch a show or two to hardcore fans who know every episode of One Piece by heart (seriously, there are like a thousand). The creativity of anime fans knows no bounds—from fan-created visual novels to remixed soundtracks, it’s a community that thrives on the love of storytelling.

And let’s be real—anime fans are some of the most passionate people out there. Whether you’re a casual viewer who enjoys watching Sailor Moon after work or someone with an entire room filled with Gundam models, anime has something for everyone. There are no gatekeepers here—anime is for anyone who wants to laugh, cry, and escape into worlds full of magic, robots, and unforgettable friendships.

Anime in Interior Decor: Make Your Space Legendary

Let’s not forget the role anime plays in home decor. Whether you want to add the serene vibes of a Ghibli forest or the electric energy of Neo Tokyo from Akira, anime posters and wall art have a way of transforming a room.

Decorating with anime art isn’t just about fandom; it’s about bringing color, culture, and creativity into your personal space. A beautiful Studio Ghibli landscape can evoke tranquility, while a bold Attack on Titan action scene brings excitement to your walls. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, there’s an anime aesthetic to match your taste.

Here at Custom Canvas Collective, we have an incredible collection that will make your living space scream, "I am a cultured fan!" From epic fight scenes to nostalgic moments, our prints capture the magic of anime in every frame. Anime art can be a reminder of favorite stories, inspiring moments, and even a way to showcase your personality in your decor.

Conclusion: Anime, More Than Just Cartoons

Anime has traveled an incredible journey, from humble beginnings in the early 1900s to a global powerhouse of storytelling. It has influenced generations, crossed borders, and brought people together through a shared love for its characters, stories, and beautiful art. Whether you love shonen, slice of life, or sci-fi, there’s an anime out there for you.

And if you’re looking to bring that anime spirit into your home, we’ve got you covered! Our Cyber Monday special features an exclusive collection of 10 anime posters that will make your room truly legendary. Check them out at our online shop and let your love for anime shine through!