I’m sure you have heard of anime before and maybe even watched one, albeit unknowingly. Titles like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Digimon, Doraemon, and Yu-Gi-Oh are some of the most well-known animes to have premiered in the US and are also considered childhood staples for any millennials and gen Zers.
However, in recent years, the popularity of anime has exploded beyond proportion, and if you are one of those who have no idea what it is and why it is so widely consumed, you have come to the right place. Today we present everything you need to know to familiarize yourself with this Japanese art form.
What is Anime?
Anime, in simple terms, refers to Japanese animation. The focus is on imaginative designs, carefully crafted characters, a kaleidoscope of vivid hues, and unique storylines. Over time, the definition of “anime” has expanded to include other forms of Japanese visual media, such as video games or comic books known as manga, that are drawn and designed in the same distinctive manner.
Why is Anime So Popular?
One of anime’s many strengths is the variety of styles available within the medium. The storylines cover universal human emotions such as the thrill of new love, the complexities of adolescent relationships, the weight of sadness, and the utter hopelessness that may set in when dreams fall apart.
Animes like Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Violet Evergarden, and Jujutsu Kaisen feature fan-favorite anti-heroes, underdogs pinning to win against all odds, and long-lasting bonds formed during trials.
In anime, the main characters aren’t simple 2D caricatures but hold depth and personality. This detail captivates audiences and helps them resonate and relate with a character’s emotions from the get-go.
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The Best Anime Title of 2022
Kimetsu no Yaiba or Demon Slayer is a strong contender for the best anime in 2022 due to its terrifying popularity. The plot is layered with intrigue, well-executed action sequences, striking visuals, and dynamic characters. It is the highest-grossing animation in Japanese box office history and is even dubbed the best anime of all time due to its outstanding character arcs and dynamics.
Netflix is a popular platform with various new and old anime titles, where you can easily stream Demon Slayer. However, if you cannot do so due to content blocks, you can use a free online VPN to overcome this restriction. You can also get a vpn extension for your browser to bypass any restrictions and reinforce your privacy.
VPN services can help you unblock any restricted content so you can stream your favorite shows whenever and wherever you desire. We recommend using VeePN due to its unparalleled protection and high-speed service. VeePN offers fast, ultra-secure service with over 2500 global servers that provide unlimited bandwidth access to blocked websites and applications.
With VeePN, you can enjoy all your favorite animes without any restrictions. They also offer a free trial to get you a sneak peek of the performance you can expect. You can get a chrome extension for vpn for easy access when streaming from a browser window. Get VeePN for Chrome for absolutely free and enjoy unlimited traffic and bandwidth.
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When Did Anime Become So Popular?
Its popularity started to grow widely with the success of shows like Gundam and Dragon ball, and the introduction of new subgenres such as cyberpunk and mecha helped propel anime into the mainstream spotlight throughout Japan in the 80s.
By the onset of the 90s, anime had already gained a foothold in the domestic and foreign markets with a solid overseas fanbase and hit shows like Toonami, Sailor moon, Cowboy Bebop, and Neon Genesis Evangelion, which are still popular to date globally among avid anime fans also known as otakus.
When anime first arrived in the United States, it was met with skepticism and a tiny but dedicated fanbase. One Piece, Naruto, and Rurouni Kenshin helped bring anime to a broader audience, and its popularity has only increased since then, thanks to the internet.
FAQs
Is the Popularity of Anime Increasing?
Anime covers a wide variety of genres, including but not limited to romance, humor, thrilling adventure, and mystery, among others. In the world of anime, there is a narrative, subgenre, and aesthetic for everyone.
Due to the fresh storytelling of ideas, unique narratives, and strong character development, the popularity of anime continues to grow. According to Netflix, anime viewing increased by 50% in the first half of 2020, with over 100 million families across the globe watching at least one anime title. On the other hand, Crunchyroll and other anime-specific websites have also witnessed increased traffic.
Why Did Anime Become Popular?
Anime caters to teens and adult audiences, giving it a special allure to young adults who want to be taken seriously. A key factor in anime’s continued success and global appeal is the medium’s remarkable capacity to evolve with its fan base. Since the cost of creating anime in other countries is much lower, several anime studios have also begun catering to Western preferences with their output.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article knowledgeable. The unique aspect of anime, in addition to its compelling narratives and well-developed characters, contributes to the genre’s widespread popularity worldwide. It challenges convention by featuring original plots and protagonists, hence finding an appreciative audience. Don’t forget to get VeePN to overcome geoblocks and stream your favorite content.
