What is Anime-Manga?

Commentary from Mr. Adam Zehner
Funimation Entertainment, VP of Acquisitions & Licensing
December 23, 2011

Provocative entertainment, cultural bridges, and unique lenses through which to view Japanese culture: Anime and manga are, indeed, fascinating creative outlets and important cultural exports for Japan.

Unlike their western counterparts, Japanese anime and manga are widely accepted as mainstream entertainment suitable for all ages and tastes. This, coupled with the creative flexibility each medium invites, allows the rich talent base of Japanese directors and authors virtually limitless platforms from which to reach their audiences. I am constantly awed by the skillful and innovative manner in which Japanese creators utilize these two mediums.

Internationally, anime and manga have served as grassroots ambassadors, introducing new generations to Japan and its culture. In my six years working for Funimation Entertainment, I have met countless people who fell in love with anime or manga only to have this hobby spill over into Japanese language study or participation in exchange programs. "Anime" and "manga" have become household words in English, no longer requiring a long explanation when used in conversation. I will never forget the day I spoke at an event and used the word "cartoon" for a show we were working on, only to have a 74-year-old lady correct me by saying, "You mean an 'anime'." I was amazed.

Just as jazz and Broadway served notice to the world that America was artistically relevant, anime and manga have convinced a generation of aficionados in the US, Europe, and Asia that Japan is home to creative voices who demand - and deserve - to be heard. Through these mediums, many international youths have gotten caught up in "Cool Japan," in turn influencing musicians, writers, and fashion designers throughout the world. Critical acclaim has followed, with Spirited Away winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002.

Finally, anime and manga have become big business. Works by luminaries such as Akira Toriyama, Naoko Takeuchi, and Eiji Tsuburaya have proven to broadcasters and retailers alike that Japanese entertainment translates well and that it proves compelling to their customers. Massive hits like Dragon Ball, Transformers, and Yu-Gi-Oh occupy stores' shelves and adorn kids' t-shirts, playing cards, and video games.

Anime and manga make critical contributions to Japan's standing in the artistic world, provide gateways to share Japan's creative genius, and bring significant economic benefits both to Japan and to its trade partners. For me, it is the perfect marriage of work and play and proves the adage that if you enjoy the work you do, others will delight in the end product.