Volume 15 Issue 02, February 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
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340
THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANGA AND ANIME AFTER WORLD WAR II
Khurramov Nurbek
TSUOS Faculty of Eastern Civilization and Philosophy,
History Department Student
Abstract:
This article analyzes the social, cultural, and economic factors influencing the
development of manga and anime in Japan after World War II. During the post-war
reconstruction period, manga became not only a form of entertainment for Japanese society but
also an important means of cultural expression. The paper discusses the cultural roots of manga
and anime, originating from traditional art forms such as ukiyo-e and kibyōshi, as well as the
influence of the US occupation and Western culture. The role of creators like Tezuka Osamu, the
formation of shoujo and shounen manga genres, and the emergence of studios like Toei
Animation are explored. Additionally, the popularization of manga and anime during the
"Japanese Economic Miracle" era is analyzed. The article highlights the interrelationship
between the anime and manga industries and their role in Japanese pop culture.
Keywords:
Development of Manga and Anime, World War II, Japanese Economic Miracle,
Cultural Revival, Ukiyo-e and Kibyōshi, Tezuka Osamu, Shounen and Shoujo Manga, Anime
Studios, Toei Animation, MacArthur Plan, US Occupation, Jazz and Cultural Exchange,
Hakujaden, Japanese Pop Culture, Influence of Western Films, Ribon no Kishi.
Introduction.
After World War II, manga and anime in Japan emerged not only as entertainment
but also as a crucial part of cultural revival. The economic and social transformations of the post-
war era provided fertile ground for the development of these art forms. Enriched by traditional
Japanese art and the influence of Western animation, manga, and anime gradually gained
international popularity. This study examines their formation process and role in society. Manga
played a significant role in Japan, which was experiencing economic difficulties and undergoing
social reconstruction in the post-war period. As the country struggled to rebuild its foundation,
manga became a popular artistic form of entertainment and a means for people to understand
their experiences, share stories, and restore their national identity. The rise of manga coincided
with Japan’s economic recovery period, often referred to as the "Japanese Economic Miracle,"
which contributed to the overall spirit and cultural renewal of the nation.
Manga in Japan has deep cultural roots, evolving from traditional narrative forms such as ukiyo-
e (woodblock prints) and kibyōshi (illustrated books). Manga served as the primary inspiration
for anime, and the first animated films began appearing in Japan in 1917. Over the years, many
famous manga series, especially in the shounen genre, were directly adapted into anime. This
close relationship created a dynamic where the success of anime positively influenced manga
sales and vice versa, fostering an environment where both developed together within Japanese
pop culture. It should be noted that while many anime productions are based on manga, not all
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manga are adapted into animation. These two mediums exist independently, each possessing
unique storytelling techniques and audience engagement characteristics. Anime and manga
began to develop significantly in the 1940s and 1950s, with foreign films and American cartoons
exerting a noticeable influence on creators such as Tezuka Osamu. In the 1950s, several anime
studios were established in Japan. In 1948, "Japan Animated Films" was acquired and renamed
"Toei Animation (
東映アニメーション
)," to become the "Disney of the East." Notable animators
such as Miyazaki Hayao, Takahata Isao, Mori Yasuji, Matsumoto Leiji, and Kotabe Yoichi
worked at this studio. Although the studio began producing animated films in 1957, Japan’s full
entry into the professional animation industry occurred in October 1958 with the release of the
anime "
白
蛇
伝
(Hakujaden - The Legend of the White Snake)."
During this period, important innovations were also taking place in the field of manga. While
animators experimented with Western techniques to refine their styles, Tezuka Osamu pioneered
shoujo manga with works such as "
リボンの騎士
(Ribon no Kishi - The Knight of the Ribbon)."
This work, later known as "Princess Knight," was created to attract female readers. In doing so,
Tezuka played a significant role in developing the shoujo manga genre.
Thus, manga and anime played an essential role in Japan’s cultural and economic recovery after
World War II. Thanks to the contributions of creators such as Tezuka Osamu and studios like
Toei Animation, these art forms gained global popularity and became an integral part of modern
Japanese pop culture. Today, their worldwide influence continues to expand and evolve.
Scientific Novelty of the Topic.
This study deeply analyzes the factors that influenced the
development of manga and anime after World War II and their role in Japan’s cultural and
economic recovery. The scientific novelty of this research lies in its focus on manga and anime
not only as artistic or entertainment products but also as crucial factors in shaping Japan’s
national identity, cultural exchange, and economic progress in the post-war period. Furthermore,
the article re-examines the cultural influence of the US occupation and the role of Western
animation techniques in the development of Japanese creators, including Tezuka Osamu and
studios like Toei Animation. This approach allows for a comprehensive and multifaceted
analysis,
differing
from
traditional
historical
and
cultural
studies.
Research Objectives and Tasks.
The objective of this study is to examine the development of
manga and anime in Japan after World War II and to determine their connection with social,
economic, and cultural factors.
Research Object and Subject.
The object of this study is the formation and development of
manga and anime in the cultural environment of Japan after World War II. The subject of the
research is the interconnection between manga and anime and the social, economic, and cultural
factors of the post-war period, as well as their role in shaping Japan’s national identity, cultural
exchange, and influence on global pop culture. The study analyzes the stages of development of
these cultural phenomena, their connection with traditional art forms, and innovations emerging
under Western influence.
Conclusion.
After World War II, manga and anime played a significant role in Japan’s cultural
Volume 15 Issue 02, February 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
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342
revival. Shaped by traditional art and Western influences, they contributed to the restoration of
national identity. Creators such as Tezuka Osamu and studios like Toei Animation played a
major role in the development of this field. During Japan’s economic miracle, manga and anime
gained widespread popularity and became an integral part of international pop culture. Today,
their global influence continues to expand.
References
1.
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4.
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5.
Yomota, I. (2004). The Culture of Japanese Manga and Anime. Kodansha International.
6.
Gatten, P. (2008). The Influence of Western Culture on Japanese Anime. University of
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Denison, R., & Kline, D. (2007). Anime: A History. Routledge.
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Tezuka, O. (1950). Astro Boy. Kodansha.
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U.S. Department of State. (2022). Background Notes: Japan.
