Lots of animation today demonstrate how much they are creative and innovative. They are the one of the biggest entertainments that I love to talk about. Compare to the past, animation uses lots of symbolism with deep meanings. Animations these days can be called as one of the cultural standings, and marketing. However, not all animations can be called as “good” cultural standings. Japan is one of the major, and the biggest animation producer around the world. They create their own distinctive culture in animation compare to America, and many animations have worldwide popularity such as Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, and etc. However, Japanese animation markets not only include these positive popularity, but also infamous popularity. In Japan, many right-wing authors and animation creators exist which continued to be criticized by nearby states who were victims during the Imperial Japanese period.
The major criticism to these people is the animation they created. They create animations that symbolize, glamorize, and justify the Japanese imperialism. Many of the animation they created caused tension among other country and ethics. The biggest victims who were severally damaged/ colonized such as Korea, China, and other southeast countries continued to blame Japanese Animation Markets that they are creating products which distorts the past history and the image of past Japanese imperialism. The conflict between this topic went over more than 30 years since 1980s and rapidly increase during the 21th century. As the technology improves, the quality and marketing of animation increase tremendously which widely spead to many people. Many different people from other countries demanded that these animations which glorify or hidden the truth of Japanese imperialism should not be publicize. However, many Imperialistic Japanese people(Animators, Directors, author,etc) neglected, ignored and showed indifference on the demands of other countries/ethics. Many different people from different countries look this consequence as a “Cultural Imperialism” that rise slowly in Japan.
The major criticism to these people is the animation they created. They create animations that symbolize, glamorize, and justify the Japanese imperialism. Many of the animation they created caused tension among other country and ethics. The biggest victims who were severally damaged/ colonized such as Korea, China, and other southeast countries continued to blame Japanese Animation Markets that they are creating products which distorts the past history and the image of past Japanese imperialism. The conflict between this topic went over more than 30 years since 1980s and rapidly increase during the 21th century. As the technology improves, the quality and marketing of animation increase tremendously which widely spead to many people. Many different people from other countries demanded that these animations which glorify or hidden the truth of Japanese imperialism should not be publicize. However, many Imperialistic Japanese people(Animators, Directors, author,etc) neglected, ignored and showed indifference on the demands of other countries/ethics. Many different people from different countries look this consequence as a “Cultural Imperialism” that rise slowly in Japan.
Personally, I can also see these factors when I watch Japanese Animation. I love Japanese Animations and watch many different series each season. I started to watch Japanese Animation when I was 8, continuing to watch until today. However, I was able to find these factors as the time passes, especially after 2010. One of animation is called Steins; Gate which is one of the impressive ; the most successful SF (Scientific Fiction) animation in animation history. Good illustration from the author “Huke”(nickname) with good scenario, having Scientific Adventure. It was actually originated from Game created by nitro+ but it was also made into animation produced by “WHITE FOX”. The game itself had some problems, but animation was in greater extend. White Fox was famous for creating Imperial “Right Wing” based animation where they put Japanese imperial flags. However, the greater problem comes from the word “YASU - KUNI”, where it symbolize Yasukuni Shrine which enshrined War Criminals Class B - C and Class A Secretly. (Used to worship or show respect on War Criminals during the World War 2 and before).
When I always see these features, they always gave me disappointment and pitifulness. I love animation but these imperial features gave me a huge displease. This might be because I am a Korean. However, beyond the ethnicity, I believe many Japanese Animators need to realize that they are using animation as the tool, turning people(or culture) into imperialistic as they done before. This can cause conflict among different people and they continue to repeat the history of tragedy during the World War 2 with Japan's war crimes. If we think Germany continue to use HakenKrez or a term Nazi, it will be a great displease among other nations and Germans whom are ashamed of past war crimes. I hope the things get changed and want to kept on watching Japanese Animation in good terms.
Japanese Imperial Flag, Commonly used today. And in Animation. Left is HakenKrez. Both are Criminal Flags.
See commonly in Animation
Hi Allan, this is a really interesting controversy. I think it would be great if in future blogs you explained more of the history behind Japanese Imperialism. Why do you think Japanese animators are still using these taboo terms? Has it become ingrained in the culture or can we as consumers take action to end it?
ReplyDeleteAllan,
ReplyDeleteGreat thought-provoking analysis of some Japanese anime. Though I agree that the glorifying Japanese imperialistic efforts in anime is unneeded to produce quality work, it is important to understand that other animated works (e.g. Studio Ghibli's Grave of the Fireflies) promote an anti-war, anti-imperialist sentiment. Furthermore, I believe it is important to be aware that the vast majority of Japanese do not support the uprising of another imperialist regime, and that the use of the flag in manga or anime can be a way to depict a historically accurate setting.
I love your specificity and use of screenshots to expound your ideas. I'm excited to read more of your work. Good luck!
Imperialism is a huge topic that is overlooked! I am glad you are bringing awareness to this topic! Also, you are right! It is rising slowly! We need to be very alert about this because this can be very life changing if we do not address it in a particular manner.
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea this was even an issue. Thank you for brining this to light! I'll be looking forward to further posts.
ReplyDelete