CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Manga / Anime Takes on the World!

Visitors to Japan are often bemused by the sight of a Japanese man in a suit engrossed in a manga paperback on a crowded commuter train. Manga and anime (Japanese animation) have been part of the Japanese psyche ever since Osamu Tezuka, dubbed the Father of Manga, released his first smash hit adventure action comic New Treasure Island in 1947. His work inspired styles and genre that remain fundamental elements of Japanese manga and anime today. With their complex story lines and exaggerated, comical characters, manga and anime have not only won the hearts of Japanese businessmen, but now have a phenomenal global fan base. Here's how it all happened.

1 Osamu Tezuka, the Father of Manga

Having chosen a career in comics instead of pursuing medicine, Osamu Tezuka brought novelistic depth and creativity to the narratives and styles of Japanese manga in post-war Japan. In New Treasure Island (1947), Tezuka chose to illustrate a sequence, which was typically represented by a page or two at the time, into 180 pages. His long narratives laid the foundations for the uniquely cinematic style of Japanese manga, making it appealing to all ages. In 1952, he serialized Mighty Atom or Astro Boy, which became his most internationally famous work. Inspired by the exaggerated features of Mickey Mouse and Bambi, he is believed to be the first Japanese comic artist to feature large eyes in his characters to emphasize emotions. He began turning out one hit after another, with Princess Knight in 1953, followed by Ambassador Magma, W3 ("Amazing 3") ,Vampire and Dororo. By 1975, he had numerous awards under his belt for his works such as Black Jack, Buddah and A Pet Animal. No wonder he is now revered worldwide as the “Father of Manga”!

2 MANGA / ANIME RIDES THE COOL WAVE

Thanks to Tezuka, the 70s saw a surge in popularity in manga paperbacks, many of them later animated. People all over Japan, in school yards and on commuter trains, were enthralled by manga. TV networks screened anime shows that captivated children at the time, and created the core of Japan’s huge anime fan base. Anime first gained currency in East and South Asian countries, and became a commercial success in the western world in the 80s and 90s. Nintendo’s Pokemon’s anime series, first broadcast in the late 90s, became so popular that it created a multi-billion dollar franchise success worldwide. Japanese anime, by then riding the cool wave of boom in Japanese pop culture, inspired non-Japanese to study the language and culture, and also influenced animation styles produced abroad. Anime conventions are now held annually in multiple cities across the Americas, Asia and Europe. Australia’s own Animania Festival, held in major cities, brings thousands of fans together to celebrate Japanese pop culture, not just manga and anime. It is a visual feast, because many attendees strut their stuff in “cosplay”, or “costume roleplaying”, and dress up as their favorite anime characters. Fans enjoy karaoke, video games, yukata-workshops, traditional cultural performances, as well as all-day anime screenings.

3 WORLD COSPLAY SUMMIT —THE CULMINATION OF JAPANESE KITSCH

This annual summit for costume enthusiasts is held in August in Nagoya, Japan. You don’t have to be into “cosplay” yourself to enjoy the festivities held in this hot summer month. Hard-core cosplayers pump up the cool factor in anime as their favourite fantasy characters and the parades are a stunning showcase of vivid colour, quirkiness and sheer extravagance. The highlight is when the winner is chosen among the representatives from 15 or so countries, including Australia. Even if you can’t make the summit, there are numerous “cosplay” events held all over Japan, where cosplayers dance, mingle and take each other’s photos. For more information, check out Cure, Japan’s largest “cosplay” social-networking site, where you can sign up as a member in English.

4 INSIDE TIPS FOR ANIME FANS

Osamu Tezuka World, located in the Kyoto Station complex, is a must on the itinerary of any Anime fan. The legendary creator of countless works including Astro Boy, Tezuka was at the forefront of TV animation production in Japan. His characters are brought to life in the theatre, colourful displays and memorabilia at Osamu Tezuka World. Another essential for Anime Fans is the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, western Tokyo, established under world-renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki’s direction. The character Totoro, from Miyazaki’s signature film My Neighbour Totoro, greets visitors at the entrance, welcoming them into his mazelike, sprawling playground. At the basement is the colourful Saturn Theatre, screening a Ghibli original short animation for visitors, which is exclusive to the museum. Advance bookings are essential and limited to set days and times, so make sure you pick up a ticket from a JTB travel agency branch in Australia before your flight!

5 Get your Kawaii Fix at Kiddy Land

Kiddy Land, with its 80 stores nationwide, is the go-to place for all things anime and quirky. The flagship Harajuku store is chock full of original and limited-edition character merchandise, from vintage Care Bare stuffed animals to the latest Transformer figurines. For many, it is Sanrio heaven. People who grew up with the “cutesy little cat” can reminisce their childhood with vintage edition Hello Kitty lunch boxes and pencil cases. Hollywood celebs visiting Japan love anything kawaii (cute), like fluffy mobile phone stands featuring the cuddly Rilakkuma (bear) character. If you want to get your “kawaii” merchandise fix, this is the place!