Anime's Obsession With Europe: A Brief History
The Soak・2 minutes read
The global sensation anime "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" by Hay Miyazaki introduced European settings to Japanese audiences, exploring themes of gender dynamics and female empowerment while emphasizing quality over quantity. Miyazaki's idealized portrayal of Europe has influenced modern anime, with shows like "Attack on Titan" and "One Piece" using European backdrops for social critiques and blending idyllic settings with warnings about technological advancements.
Insights
- Hay Miyazaki's creation of "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" marked a significant milestone in anime history, showcasing the first truly global anime that resonated with audiences worldwide due to its authentic depiction of European settings and characters.
- The exploration of European themes in anime, inspired by Japan's historical fascination with European culture, has allowed for the portrayal of taboo subjects like homosexual love and female empowerment, contributing to a rich tradition of transgressive and progressive storytelling within the medium.
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Recent questions
Why is Europe a popular setting in anime?
Europe's allure in anime stems from Japan's historical fascination with European culture during the Meiji period. The European settings in anime provide a platform for exploring forbidden themes like homosexual love and female empowerment, resonating with Japanese audiences. Additionally, early shōjo anime set in Europe, such as "The Rose of Versailles," delved into gender dynamics and romantic relationships between women. The World Masterpiece Theater series further adapted classic European literature into anime, portraying Europe as a magical land for children's adventures. Overall, Europe's appeal in anime lies in its ability to convey transgressive and progressive messages within a captivating and fantastical backdrop.
How did Miyazaki's work on "Heidi" influence anime?
Miyazaki's work on "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" emphasized quality over quantity, leading to the establishment of Studio Ghibli and influencing the future of anime. By ensuring authenticity through scouting locations in Switzerland and Europe for accurate depiction, Miyazaki set a standard for attention to detail in anime production. His creation of one of the first truly global anime showcased the potential for international success in the industry. This emphasis on quality storytelling and meticulous animation techniques paved the way for Studio Ghibli's renowned reputation and the elevation of anime as a respected art form worldwide.
What is the impact of European settings in anime on Japanese audiences?
European settings in anime have a profound impact on Japanese audiences by providing a platform for exploring taboo themes and progressive messages. The fascination with Europe in anime allows for the portrayal of forbidden topics like homosexual love and female empowerment, resonating with viewers in Japan. Additionally, the adaptation of classic European literature into anime through series like the World Masterpiece Theater creates a sense of nostalgia and wonder for Japanese audiences, portraying Europe as a magical land for children's adventures. Overall, the use of European settings in anime serves as a vehicle for social critiques and storytelling that captivates and engages Japanese viewers.
How do Jib films use Europe as a backdrop in anime?
Jib films utilize Europe as a fantastical backdrop in anime to blend idyllic settings with warnings about technological advancements, particularly militaristic ones. Films like "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Castle in the Sky" start with peaceful European settings that are disrupted by the misuse of technology, reflecting Japan's militaristic history and European influences. By incorporating European landscapes and architecture into their storytelling, Jib films create a visually stunning and thematically rich narrative that explores the consequences of technological advancements within a captivating and magical European setting.
What themes are explored in modern anime set in Europe?
Modern anime set in Europe increasingly diversify themes, with examples like "Vinland Saga" portraying a realistic and brutal Europe inspired by Norse folklore and historical events. Anime like "Attack on Titan" and "One Piece" continue the tradition of using European settings for social critiques, focusing on themes such as exoticism, Spanish influences, and societal issues. By incorporating European backdrops into their narratives, modern anime explore a wide range of topics, from historical events to social commentary, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
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Summary
00:00
"Heidi, Girl of the Alps" - Global Anime Sensation
- In 1974, the anime "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" aired globally, becoming a sensation, focusing on a young girl named Heidi living in the Swiss Alps with her grandfather, Peter the goat herd, her dog Joseph, and her friend Clara.
- The show was a hit across Europe, the Middle East, South America, South Africa, and Asia, but not as popular in the UK or the US.
- "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" was one of the first truly global anime, created by Hay Miyazaki, who later founded Studio Ghibli.
- Miyazaki ensured authenticity by scouting locations in Switzerland and Europe for accurate depiction.
- Anime's fascination with Europe stems from Japan's historical fascination with European culture during the Meiji period.
- Anime's European settings allowed for exploration of forbidden themes like homosexual love and female empowerment.
- Early shōjo anime, like "The Rose of Versailles," set in Europe, explored gender dynamics and romantic relationships between women.
- European settings in anime provided a platform for transgressive and progressive messages, resonating with Japanese audiences.
- The World Masterpiece Theater series adapted classic European literature into anime, portraying Europe as a magical land for children's adventures.
- Miyazaki's work on "Heidi" emphasized quality over quantity, leading to the establishment of Studio Ghibli and influencing anime's future.
14:23
Idealized Europe in Anime: A Critical Analysis
- Podge Europe is the setting for critic Danny Cavalaro, originating from the Japanese concept of akogare no Paris, portraying an idealized Europe through Eastern eyes.
- The idealization of Europe, notably by Miyazaki, has led to "Paris syndrome," a cultural shock experienced by Asian tourists when they find Paris doesn't match their magical expectations, potentially causing mental health issues.
- Jib films use Europe as a fantastical backdrop for new stories, blending idyllic settings with warnings about technological advancements, particularly militaristic ones.
- Films like "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Castle in the Sky" start with peaceful settings that are disrupted by misuse of technology, reflecting Japan's militaristic history and European influences.
- "Full Metal Alchemist" follows two brothers in a fictional country resembling militaristic Germany, exploring alchemy and the consequences of scientific advancement for militaristic purposes.
- Modern anime increasingly diversify European settings, with examples like "Vinland Saga" portraying a realistic, brutal Europe inspired by Norse folklore and historical events.
- Anime like "Attack on Titan" and "One Piece" continue the tradition of using European settings for social critiques, with the latter focusing on the exoticism of Europe and Spanish influences.
