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First Anime
The first suspected anime, Katsudō Shashin, depicted a sailor boy. Though this date can't be completely confirmed due it being found in a house attic in 2005, it remains the earliest anime film in Japan. The film was created by stenciling on the actual film and showing the pictures at a fast pace. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsud%C5%8D_Shashin] -
Imokawa Mukuzo Genkanban no Maki
Considered the first professionally made movie, Ōten Shimokawa created it after several other works. It was created by drawing on a chalkboard and redrawing details to move the story along. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imokawa_Mukuzo_Genkanban_no_Maki] -
Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka
The first anime with voices was created by Kenzō Masaoka. It was released in competition with America's talking film, "The Jazz Singer." [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chikara_to_Onna_no_Yo_no_Naka] -
The Tale of the White Serpent
First colored animation that was very Disney-like in style. It included musical numbers and had side-kicks for the main characters. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_of_the_White_Serpent] -
Astro Boy
Often mistaken as the first anime film, this film gave Japan the boost it needed in the animation world. It would be one of many different anime series released this year. "Speed Racer" released four years later would help create a strong anime franchise in Japan and even the US. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astro_Boy] -
Mecha
The 1970's would be later known as the Mecha era, featuring large robots with personalities, like "Mobile Suit Gundam" and later "Transformers." [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecha] -
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
This influential film formed the well-known Studio Ghibli and artists Hiyao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki whom would go on to create many other epic films including, "Howl's Moving Caste" and "Kiki's Delivery Service." [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausica%C3%A4_of_the_Valley_of_the_Wind_(film)] -
Pokemon
Because of the international success of this anime series, many other series gained fame throughout the world like "Sailor Moon," "Dragon Ball Z," and later on "Naruto." [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon] -
Vampire Knight
Anime of the early 2000's took on a more sophisticated look as computer effects helped creators more efficiently create anime series with more accuracy and detail. Vampire shows like this one gained popularity and many undead series would later gain popularity. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire_Knight] -
Attack on Titan
On of today's most popular anime series, it depicts a world where maneating giants threaten to take over the world and end the race of man. It is the subject of heavy critique in Japan for its symbolization of Japan's youth's feelings of hopelessness within their own country. Mainland China has also been thought as the invading giants in the anime, angering many Chinese. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_on_Titan]
