From Then to Now: Tracing the Roots of Modern Anime

Do you like Japanese anime?
I’ve been a huge fan of anime since I was a kid.
Have you ever wondered why Japanese anime is so popular around the world and has such a unique appeal?
In this article, I’d like to explore the secrets behind the enduring charm of Japanese animation, comparing anime from the 1970s to today.
Please read on to discover why Japanese anime resonates with so many people.

Modern Japanese anime is incredibly diverse, but it’s interesting to consider how much it owes to its predecessors, particularly the anime of the 1970s.
To understand this evolution, let’s take a look at some representative titles from both eras.

Modern Anime: Action and Adventure Dominate

Contemporary anime often features thrilling action and grand adventures, captivating audiences worldwide.
Let’s briefly introduce some of the most popular examples.

[ Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ]

Source: Kimetsu no Yaiba

This anime tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is brutally murdered and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into a demon.
To restore Nezuko to human form and avenge his family, Tanjiro embarks on a perilous journey, joining the Demon Slayer Corps and battling various demons.
The series is known for its stunning animation, intense action sequences, and emotionally resonant storyline, exploring themes of family, perseverance, and the fight against evil.
Key characters include the kind-hearted protagonist Tanjiro, his demon sister Nezuko, and his comrades Zenitsu and Inosuke.

[ One Piece ]

Source: ONE PIECE

This long-running series follows Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates as they journey across the Grand Line in search of the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece,” to become the King of the Pirates.
One Piece is celebrated for its expansive world-building, diverse cast of characters, and epic storyline that blends adventure, comedy, and drama.
The Straw Hat crew, including Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Sanji, each have unique personalities and skills, contributing to the dynamic and engaging narrative.

[ Jujutsu Kaisen ]

Source: Jujutsu Kaisen

Yuji Itadori, a high school student with exceptional physical abilities, becomes entangled in the world of jujutsu sorcerers when he swallows a cursed talisman to protect his friends.
He joins Tokyo Jujutsu High to learn to control his powers and exorcise curses.
Jujutsu Kaisen is known for its dark fantasy setting, complex characters, and thrilling battles against curses.
Key characters include Yuji, the gifted sorcerer Megumi Fushiguro, and the strong-willed Nobara Kugisaki, all under the guidance of the powerful Satoru Gojo.

1970s Anime: Pioneers of Genre and Style

The 1970s were a formative period for Japanese anime, witnessing the rise of iconic series that laid the groundwork for future generations.
Here are a few notable examples.

[ Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow’s Joe) ]

Set in the gritty world of boxing, this anime follows Joe Yabuki, an orphaned young man with raw talent for fighting.
Under the tutelage of a former boxer, Danpei Tange, Joe rises through the ranks of the boxing world, battling rivals and his own inner demons.
Ashita no Joe is a classic sports anime known for its intense drama, realistic portrayal of poverty and social issues, and its focus on the struggles and triumphs of its protagonist.
Key characters are the rebellious Joe Yabuki and his trainer Danpei.

[ Star of the Giants (Kyojin no hoshi)]

This baseball anime centers on Hyuma Hoshi, a young pitcher determined to become a star player like his father.
He endures rigorous training and faces numerous rivals in his quest to join the professional league and become the ace pitcher for the Giants.
Star of the Giants is known for its dramatic and often melodramatic storytelling, intense focus on training and competition, and its exploration of themes like ambition, family legacy, and perseverance.
Key characters include Hyuma Hoshi, his demanding father Ittetsu, and his rival Mitsuru Hanagata.

[ Mazinger Z ]

Teenager Koji Kabuto pilots the super robot Mazinger Z, created by his grandfather, to fight against the evil Dr. Hell and his mechanical beasts.
Mazinger Z is a groundbreaking mecha anime that established many tropes of the genre, featuring a pilot-controlled giant robot battling monstrous enemies.
It is known for its action-packed battles, iconic robot design, and clear-cut conflict between good and evil.
Key characters include the hot-blooded pilot Koji Kabuto and his allies against Dr. Hell.

Echoes of the Past in the Present

When we compare these anime from different eras, we can see both striking differences and fascinating similarities.
Visually, 1970s anime often features thicker lines and a somewhat simpler color palette compared to the more detailed and vibrant animation of modern series.
However, in terms of storytelling, we can see some interesting connections.

Themes of perseverance and overcoming adversity, prominent in Ashita no Joe and Star of the Giants, still resonate strongly in modern anime like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen.
The focus on intense training and pushing oneself to the limit, seen in the sports anime of the 70s, can be seen echoed in the power-up sequences and rigorous training arcs in contemporary action anime.
Even the clear-cut battles between good and evil in Mazinger Z find a parallel in the demon-slaying missions of Demon Slayer, although modern anime often explores морально grey areas with more nuance.

It seems that the emotional core of anime — the focus on character development, dramatic storytelling, and the exploration of universal human experiences — has been passed down through generations.
The spirit of never giving up, the importance of friendship and loyalty, and the struggle against overwhelming odds are themes that continue to captivate audiences today, just as they did in the 1970s.

A Legacy Built on History

From 1970 to the present day, the number of anime broadcast on television has grown exponentially.
According to a Reddit analysis of anime production, half of all anime TV series were released after 2009, and the number of anime series per year has been steadily increasing since the 1970s.
This massive output suggests that modern anime is not just a recent phenomenon but is built upon decades of storytelling and technical innovation.
The sophisticated animation techniques and intricate narratives we see today are arguably a result of this long history of anime production, with each generation building upon the foundations laid by their predecessors.

In conclusion, while anime has evolved significantly in terms of visual style and genre diversity since the 1970s, the core elements that make it so compelling — the engaging characters, dramatic storylines, and universal themes — remain constant. Modern anime owes a great debt to the pioneering works of the 1970s, inheriting and building upon a rich legacy. Perhaps this deep historical foundation is one of the secrets to the enduring global appeal of Japanese anime.

There are countless anime in Japan that are not yet known overseas.
If you are interested in Japanese anime, I encourage you to explore anime from the 1970s to the present day, beyond just the titles mentioned here.
By doing so, you will gain a deeper understanding of Japanese people, and I believe you will find the characters’ psychology and the stories even more fascinating.

---

Tags