National Anime Day, observed on April 15th, serves as an international tribute to the imaginative story-telling and artistic innovation found in Japanese animation, or Anime. This day unites anime fans worldwide in a shared appreciation for the engaging narratives, captivating characters and stunning visual designs unique to this form of animation.
Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned follower of anime or merely dipping your toes into its vibrant world, National Anime Day is a day where everyone’s invited to delve deeper into, broaden their understanding, and embrace their love for this cherished form of entertainment.
History of National Anime Day
The origins of anime date back to the early 20th century, but its most considerable growth and influence came after World War II. Anime’s global popularity soared in the 1980s and 1990s, thanks to iconic television series like Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon which found their way into the hearts of Western audiences.
As for National Anime Day, it’s thought to have been established by anime enthusiasts in the mid-2000s as anime’s popularity continued to skyrocket globally. Even though there’s no direct link to a particular event or group that formalized this day, the idea seemed to emerge organically among online anime communities interested in a special day to honor their beloved animation genre.
Today, National Anime Day is celebrated worldwide by countless fans with various activities, including anime marathons, cosplay events, artwork creation, conventions, and more. Despite its informal beginnings, National Anime Day has become a universally accepted day for anime enthusiasts to share their passion with people around the globe. The day’s popularity continues to reflect the growing global enthusiasm for anime.
National Anime Day Timeline
First Anime Short
The first animated works originating in Japan, created two years before the start of anime as a commercial industry.
Astro Boy
Astro Boy, created by Osamu Tezuka, revolutionized anime and manga by establishing an art style heavily inspired by American animators.
International Success
Anime reached mainstream with the release of Akira and My Neighbor Totoro.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Evangelion marks a major turning point in anime, it’s like anime's 'Star Wars' moment
Worldwide Phenomenon
The release of Pokemon indelibly introduced anime to a global audience.
Streaming Era
The broadcast of Naruto ushered in the 'streaming' epoch, with Funimation and Crunchyroll getting their stable footing.
Your Name
The movie 'Your Name' elevates anime to new global heights, becoming the highest-grossing anime film of all time.
Netflix’s Investment in Anime
With an increased audience, Netflix invested around $8 billion for the production and procurement of anime series and films.
Ideas to Celebrate National Anime Day
Anime Marathon Viewing
Gather your friends and dedicate the entire day to catching up on your favorite series or discovering new ones. Cherish the well-rounded genres of anime, including fantasy, adventure, mystery, or romance.
Cosplay Contest
Organize a cosplay contest with your friends or online community. Dress up as your preferred anime character and have fun showcasing your costumes, it's an excellent way to show your anime fandom and creativity.
Anime Art Workshop
Arrange an anime art workshop. You can either showcase your talent by creating a masterpiece of your chosen anime character or learn new skills from other anime enthusiasts.
Online Trivia and Quiz
Test your knowledge of various anime series with online trivia and quizzes. Get your friends involved and see who remembers the most obscure details from your favorite shows.
Visit Anime Pop-Up Shops or Exhibitions
If it's safe to do so, visit anime pop-up stores or exhibitions in your city. This way, you can celebrate by buying anime merchandise and appreciating anime art in person.
8 Interesting Facts About Anime
Not just for kids
Contrary to popular belief outside Japan, Anime is not just for kids! The medium covers a wide range of genres that appeal to different age groups and interests. There's a genre called 'Seinen' for older men, and 'Josei' for older women.
About Sweat Drops and Nosebleeds
In Anime, when a character has large sweat drops on their face, it symbolizes embarrassment or stress. Nosebleeds usually depict that the character is overly excited, mostly due to romantic or lustful thoughts.
Longest Running Anime
The longest running anime series is 'Sazae-san'. It started airing in 1969 and it's still ongoing, with over 7500 episodes.
Anime Economy
Anime is a major economic industry in Japan. It's estimated to be worth around 20 billion USD a year.
Origin of the Word
The word 'anime' is borrowed from the English language, in which it simply means 'animation'. In Japanese, it is a shortening of the word 'animation'.
Studio Ghibli Success
'Spirited Away', an anime film created by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. It's the only anime to have won an Oscar.
Anime and Manga Relation
Many anime series are based on manga, which are Japanese comics or graphic novels.
Cosplay Culture
Anime has cultivated a large cosplay culture, where fans dress up as their favorite characters in events like Comic-Con.
National Anime Day FAQs
Next National Anime Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 15th | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 15th | Monday |
| 2025 | April 15th | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 15th | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 15th | Thursday |
| What is the pattern? | Every April 15th | |
National Anime Day Word Search
- Anime
- Manga
- Cosplay
- Otaku
- Japan
- DragonBall