10 Essential Anime Eras To Know
The world of anime has been a staple of Japanese culture for decades, with a rich history that spans multiple eras. From the early days of anime to the present, each era has brought its unique style, themes, and contributions to the world of animation. In this article, we'll delve into the 10 essential anime eras that every fan should know.
1. The Dawn of Anime (1910s-1940s)
The earliest era of anime began in the 1910s, with pioneers like Ōten Shimokawa, Jun'ichi Kōuchi, and Seitaro Kitayama creating short, humorous films. These early anime films were heavily influenced by Western animation and often featured simple, comedic storylines.
Notable Works:
- Namakura-gatana (1917)
- Urashima Taro (1918)
2. The Post-War Era (1940s-1960s)
Following World War II, anime began to take on a more serious tone, reflecting the social and economic changes in Japan. This era saw the rise of studios like Mushi Productions and Toei Animation, which produced films that tackled complex themes like war, poverty, and social inequality.
Notable Works:
- Astro Boy (1963)
- Kimba the White Lion (1965)
3. The Space Opera Era (1970s-1980s)
The 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of space operas, a genre that combined science fiction, action, and adventure. This era was marked by the creation of iconic series like Space Battleship Yamato and Mobile Suit Gundam, which captivated audiences worldwide.
Notable Works:
- Space Battleship Yamato (1974)
- Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
4. The Fantasy Era (1980s-1990s)
The 1980s and 1990s were marked by a surge in fantasy anime, with series like Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon becoming cultural phenomenons. This era saw the rise of magical girl genres, as well as the popularity of video games and manga adaptations.
Notable Works:
- Dragon Ball (1986)
- Sailor Moon (1992)
5. The Psychological Era (1990s-2000s)
The 1990s and 2000s saw a shift towards more psychological and introspective anime, with series like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Paprika exploring complex themes like identity, trauma, and the human condition.
Notable Works:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
- Paprika (2006)
6. The Moé Era (2000s-2010s)
The 2000s and 2010s saw the rise of moé anime, a genre characterized by its focus on cute, endearing characters and storylines. Series like Lucky Star and K-On! became incredibly popular, especially among female audiences.
Notable Works:
- Lucky Star (2007)
- K-On! (2009)
7. The Isekai Era (2010s-present)
The 2010s saw the rise of isekai anime, a genre that involves characters being transported to alternate worlds or dimensions. Series like Sword Art Online and Overlord became incredibly popular, especially among fans of science fiction and fantasy.
Notable Works:
- Sword Art Online (2012)
- Overlord (2015)
8. The Dark Fantasy Era (2010s-present)
The 2010s also saw the rise of dark fantasy anime, a genre that combines elements of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Series like Attack on Titan and
Notable Works:
- Attack on Titan (2013)
- Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
9. The Slice-of-Life Era (2010s-present)
The 2010s also saw the rise of slice-of-life anime, a genre that focuses on the everyday lives of characters. Series like Barakamon and Nichijou became incredibly popular, especially among fans of more laid-back, relaxing anime.
Notable Works:
- Barakamon (2014)
- Nichijou (2011)
10. The Modern Era (2020s-present)
The modern era of anime is marked by a focus on diversity, representation, and experimentation. Series like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Jujutsu Kaisen have become incredibly popular, especially among fans of action-packed, supernatural anime.
Notable Works:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2020)
- Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)
What is anime?
+Anime is a style of Japanese animation that has become popular worldwide. It can range from action-adventure to romance to science fiction.
What are some popular anime genres?
+Some popular anime genres include action, comedy, drama, fantasy, horror, romance, science fiction, and slice-of-life.
What is the difference between anime and manga?
+Anime refers to Japanese animation, while manga refers to Japanese comics or graphic novels.
We hope you enjoyed this journey through the 10 essential anime eras. From the dawn of anime to the present, each era has brought its unique style, themes, and contributions to the world of animation. Whether you're a seasoned anime fan or just starting out, there's always something new to discover in the world of anime.