Anime

Cartoons

How many of the cartoon characters do you recognise in the picture?

Were you a fan of any of these cartoons when you were younger?

What are some iconic cartoons from your country?

Do you know much about cartoons that are popular nowadays?

Why are cartoons particularly popular with children?

Now take a look at the pictures below.

What country are they from?

What do we usually call cartoons from this country?

How many of them have you heard of?

The Birth of Anime

Although anime is often associated with modern television series and blockbuster films, its roots go back more than a century. Japanese animators began experimenting with moving images in the early 1900s, only a few years after the invention of cinema itself. These early animations were short, simple films, often lasting only a few minutes. Much of this pioneering work has been lost, but it laid the foundation for Japan's animation industry.

The development of anime was interrupted by World War II. During the war, animation was sometimes used for government propaganda and educational films. After Japan's defeat in 1945, the country began rebuilding its economy and cultural industries. As new technologies became available and television ownership increased, opportunities for animation expanded rapidly.

A key figure in the birth of modern anime was Osamu Tezuka. Already famous for his manga, Tezuka believed animation could bring his stories to life for an even larger audience. In 1961, he founded Mushi Production, an animation studio dedicated to producing television anime. Two years later, his manga Astro Boy was adapted into a television series.

The decades that followed saw an explosion of creativity. In the 1960s and 1970s, science fiction became especially popular. Series such as Speed Racer and Space Battleship Yamato captured the imagination of young viewers with stories of adventure, technology, and exploration. At the same time, giant robot shows like Mazinger Z introduced a genre that would become one of anime's trademarks.

By the late 1970s and 1980s, anime was becoming more ambitious. Mobile Suit Gundam presented war and politics in a surprisingly realistic way, while Dragon Ball combined action, comedy, and martial arts to create one of the most influential franchises in entertainment history. The decade also produced visually stunning films such as Akira, which showed international audiences that animation could tell serious, complex stories aimed at older viewers.

The industry currently makes approximately $30-35bn every year.

Discussion

Do you know much about how animation got started in general?

Tezuka is often compared to an American legend. Who do you think I'm talking about?

Which of the named animes stand out as being particularly interesting for you?

Can you think of any other popular anime titles?

popular Anime series

One Piece: A long-running adventure about pirates searching for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. It is famous for its massive world-building, emotional storytelling, and record-breaking longevity.

Naruto: Follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming leader of his village. It is known for themes of friendship, rivalry, and perseverance.

Dragon Ball Z: Centers on Goku and his allies defending Earth against increasingly powerful enemies. It defined modern action anime with its intense battles and transformations.

Attack on Titan: A dark story about humanity fighting giant humanoid Titans behind massive walls. It evolves into a complex political and philosophical narrative.

Death Note: A psychological thriller about a student who gains a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. It is known for its intense mind games between Light and L.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Follows Tanjiro, a boy fighting demons to save his sister. It became a global hit due to its emotional story and stunning animation.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: Two brothers search for the Philosopher’s Stone after a failed alchemy experiment. It is widely praised for its perfect story structure and emotional depth.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: A psychological mecha series about teenagers piloting giant robots against mysterious beings. It is famous for its deep symbolism and complex ending.

Pokémon: Follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master. It became a global phenomenon tied to games, cards, and merchandise.

Bleach: A supernatural action series about a teenager who becomes a Soul Reaper. Known for stylish battles and a large cast of characters.

Discussion

Which of the two series' trailers did you prefer?

How is the aesthetic similar / different to western animations?

Which of the other series on the list might you be interested in?

Would you rather watch them in the original Japanese, in your own language or in English?

popular Anime movies

Spirited Away: A young girl becomes trapped in a mysterious spirit world. It is the highest-grossing Japanese film ever and won an Academy Award.

Your Name: Two teenagers mysteriously begin switching bodies across time and space. It became a global hit for its emotional storytelling and visuals.

Akira: Set in a dystopian future Tokyo, it follows psychic powers, rebellion, and chaos. It is one of the most influential anime films ever made.

Princess Mononoke: A story about humans and forest spirits in conflict over nature and industry. It is known for its mature themes and epic scale.

Howl's Moving Castle: A young woman is cursed and meets a wizard living in a magical moving castle. It combines romance, fantasy, and anti-war themes.

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train; Follows the Demon Slayer team aboard a train filled with danger and illusions. It became one of the highest-grossing anime films in history.

Grave of the Fireflies: A heartbreaking story about two siblings struggling to survive during World War II. It is widely regarded as one of the most emotional animated films ever made.

Weathering With You: A boy meets a girl who can control the weather in a rainy Tokyo. It explores love, sacrifice, and climate imbalance.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time: A teenager discovers she can travel through time, but struggles with the consequences. It is a thoughtful coming-of-age story.

Dragon Ball Super: Broly: Goku and Vegeta face the powerful Saiyan warrior Broly. It is praised for its high-quality animation and intense fight sequences.

Discussion

Which of the two movies' trailers did you prefer?

People often associate animated movies with children. Did you get that vibe at all with these trailers?

Which of the other movies on the list stand out as being particularly interesting?

The anime industry is 10x bigger than the Japanese live-action movie industry. Why do you think that is?

Four of the movies on the list were produced by the same studio. It was mentioned in one of the trailers. Do you know the name of this iconic studio?

Finally, what do you see on the next slide?

Totoro: From Forest Spirit to Cultural Icon

Totoro first appeared in My Neighbor Totoro (1988), a film by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. At the time, the character was not designed as a commercial mascot or global symbol. He was simply a gentle forest spirit who helped express the film’s themes of childhood, nature, and emotional comfort. Yet over time, Totoro became one of the most recognizable figures in Japanese animation.

Unlike many fictional characters, Totoro has no detailed origin story or dramatic arc. He does not fight enemies or go on heroic missions. Instead, he exists quietly in the background of everyday life. He appears to children in moments of uncertainty, offering reassurance without words. This simplicity made him stand out in a media landscape often dominated by action and conflict.

As Studio Ghibli’s reputation grew in the 1990s and 2000s, Totoro gradually became its unofficial symbol. His image began appearing on posters, merchandise, and studio branding. Eventually, he was adopted as the official mascot of Studio Ghibli, representing the studio’s philosophy of gentle storytelling, imagination, and respect for nature.

Totoro’s popularity expanded far beyond Japan. International audiences connected with his universal qualities: kindness, calmness, and emotional safety. He required no translation, making him accessible even to viewers unfamiliar with Japanese culture or language. This helped establish him as a global cultural icon.

Another key reason for Totoro’s rise is his visual design. His round shape, soft fur, and friendly expression make him instantly memorable. He feels both mysterious and familiar, like a creature from a dream. This balance between realism and fantasy captures the essence of Studio Ghibli’s style.

Today, Totoro is more than a film character. He appears in museums, merchandise, public art, and even environmental campaigns. He the idea that imagination, nature, and quiet moments of wonder are worth protecting.

discussion

Is it easy to see why Totoro has become a mascot for Studio Ghibli?

Totoro is a creation of Hahayo Miyazaki - have you seen his name today?

Can you think of any similar creatures in the west / your own country? (either in appearance or in character)

What are your thoughts on "the idea that imagination, nature, and quiet moments of wonder are worth protecting"?