The History of Japanese Manga: Ancient Art to Pop Culture

The history of manga (Japanese comics) is the history of Japanese art and its portrayal of Japanese culture. Understanding manga and it past will help you to better understand Japanese society and how it views itself (important if you're moving to Japan!). If you want to better understand modern Japanese pop-culture, check out the history of manga! This article breaks down the historic steps that led to the modern Japanese art form. From uikiyoe to Dragon Ball, this is the history of Japanese manga.

1. When Did Manga Start?

If you're asking, "how old is manga," it is hard to pin it down. Some might argue that manga didn’t start until the 1950s. However, many historians argue that manga has its roots reaching deep into Japanese history. To properly understand that statement, we must look back at some of Japan's early visual storytelling methods.

2. Ukiyo-e: The Origin of Japanese Manga

Ukiyo-e (浮世絵), or "pictures of the floating world," emerged during the Edo Period (1603 - 1868). These woodblock prints show the towns and cities, showcasing beauty, nature, and daily life. Ukiyo-e prints often used aerial views. Looking down on the details of everyday people and places. It was the beginning of popular visual storytelling.

3. Hokusai's Manga: The Earliest Japanese Comic Book

It was the famous artist Katsushika Hokusai who popularized the term "manga". He did this in the early 19th Century with his "Hokusai Manga" book series.

Hokusai's Manga contained 4,000 images. It became bestsellers and served as a reference for artists. Hokusai's use of the term "manga" referred to a collection of assorted sketches rather than narrative stories.

4. The Birth of Modern Japanese Comics

The birth of modern Japan, and modern manga, can be traced back to the Meiji period (1868-1912). During this era, Japan opened its doors to Western influences after centuries of isolation.

The Meiji period modernized Japan by introducing reforms that transformed the country. It ended the feudal system and introduced a national educational system. This newly established educational system made literacy more widespread. With more people able to read, it created a larger audience for printed media.

The first manga magazine, "Eshinbun Nipponchi," was created in 1874 by Kanagaki Robun and Kawanabe Kyōsai. Influenced by "Japan Punch," a magazine (1862) by British cartoonist Charles Wirgman .

Although "Eshinbun Nipponchi" only lasted for three issues, it paved the way for other publications. "Kisho Shimbun" followed in 1875, then "Marumaru Chinbun" in 1877, and "Garakuta Chinpo" in 1879.

5. Post-World War II Manga Revolution

During the U.S. occupation of Japan (1945-1952), American soldiers brought comic books with them into Japan. It exposed Japanese artists to new storytelling methods and visual styles. The animations of Walt Disney, like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937) and "Bambi" (1942), had an impact on early manga artists.

The first modern manga emerged during the post-war Japan era. During this period, manga became a popular and affordable form of entertainment for many Japanese people. Osamu Tezuka was the person who kick started the evolution of manga. He is often called often called the "godfather of manga." In many ways, Tezuka created the beginning of modern Japanese pop culture

Tezuka's innovative "cinematographic" technique revolutionized manga storytelling. He synchronized panel placement with the reader's viewing speed to simulate moving pictures. This visual dynamism would be widely adopted by later manga artists.

He created up to 700 different manga series, including Mighty Atom, Black Jack, Dororo, and The Jungle Emperor (known as "Kimba the White Lion" in English).

Osamu Tezuka's most iconic creation was Astro Boy (known as Mighty Atom in Japan), which debuted in April 1951. He was a super-powered robot boy with a strong social conscience.

Astro Boy represented a new kind of hero. He embodied Japanese social and community-oriented masculinity. Astro Boy's character stood in stark contrast to the militaristic ideals of the previous era.

7. Emergence of different manga genres

The 1950s and 1960s saw the solidification of two main marketing genres: shōnen manga for boys and shōjo manga for girls . This period also saw the rise of various other genres. This included gekiga, seinen, and josei, catering to diverse audiences. They had themes ranging from adventure and romance to mature social issues.

Machiko Hasegawa's Sazae-san, which began in 1946, became another influential work. But this time there was a manga that represented the modern family that everyone could relate to. The housewife character, Sazae, and her family represented millions of Japanese citizens. Especially women, facing post-war challenges with resilience.

7. Rise of Modern Day Manga Culture

The period from the 1960s to the 1980s is considered the Golden Age of manga, marked by experimentation and the broadening of genres. This era saw manga evolve into a cultural phenomenon, influencing not just Japanese society but also gaining international recognition.

It was this period that saw the most recognizable manga today, including Doremon, Akira, Dragon Ball, Lone Wolf & Cub, and Ranma 1/2. But what made this was the transition from manga comic to TV anime. As popular manga made its way onto TV sets every afternoon, it created an opportunity for those manga stories to make their way oversees.

8. How Manga Became Popular Worldwide

Manga's widespread popularity has significantly influenced Western pop culture. And it largely started through TV anime. By the 1960s, the anime version of Astro Boy was being shown on TVs around the world. But it was the 1980s version that made Astro Boy an international Japanese success.

By the late 1990s, the anime adaptation of Akira Toriyama's fmaous manga, Dragon Ball Z. This show gained a huge fan base in the USA and Europe.

By the late 1980s, thanks to the transition of manga storytelling to the anime medium, Japanese manga stories became international hits in movie theaters.

I still remember when manga turned anime titles, like Akira and Ghost in the Shell were released in Western cinemas. It created a sensation because film studios in the West still saw cartoons and animation as a children's medium. Six years after Akira thrilled movie-goers, Disney was still releasing animation aimed at kids, with movies like the Lion King. However, it is claimed that even the Lion King was influenced by Tezuka's "Kimba the White Lion."

Japanese animation found a new audience in Western countries. These were comic book stories aimed at teens and adults. These stories contained mature themes and dystopian images of a possible future Japan. The growing popularity and international appeal introduced elements of Japanese culture to a new global audience. For some international consumers, it demystified the Japanese way of life for. While for others, the popularity of manga stories created a new sense of wonder about life in Japan.

10. Conclusion

The journey of manga from Japanese art to a global cultural phenomenon shows its remarkable and enduring appeal. Today, manga stands as a testament to the power of artistic expression and cultural exchange. As it moves into the digital age, manga continues to shape entertainment worldwide. It inspires new forms of creativity and connects people across borders. The future of manga looks bright. Its influence now far beyond its Japanese origins, it promises to entertain and inspire readers for generations.

11.FAQs

How has manga shaped global pop culture?
Manga's rise in popularity has led to a cultural melding. It introduces diverse perspectives into Western pop culture. It has popularized genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror, shonen, and shojo. It offers new ways to view societal issues through its thematic explorations.

What led to the widespread popularity of manga?
Manga's popularity skyrocketed post-World War II, influenced by the American occupation of Japan. This introduced American comics and cartoons. This period saw the rise of influential manga artist Osamu Tezuka, who created "Astro Boy" in 1951. It captured the hearts of Japan's post-war youth and setting the stage for manga's future success.