Anime taking the world by storm

There are very few people today that haven't heard the word "Anime" or "Manga". Anime (A phrase derived from the English word animation) is a term used in Japanese to denote any animated works, regardless of style or origin.

The first anime ever released on TV was Astro Boy; it was released in Japan around 1963. Astro Boy was one of the first anime series presented on western TV which garnered popularity and influence quite rapidly leading to American companies acquiring various other anime shows, like one of the most popular show "Pokémon" with more than a billion viewers across the world.

While some people may think anime is for children or teenagers but this is not entirely true, people from all over the world still watch anime and there is no age limit! A popular statement says there is an anime for everyone, there are different genres ranging from romance, horror, and sci-fi to slice of life and many more.

"One Piece" one of the most popular anime has been on air for more than 20 years and is still going, "Dragon Ball Z" along with "Naruto" is regarded as the Big 3. Those 3 anime have the largest audience. With various characters, it is no surprise that anime has gained such a large audience numbering in billions with even celebrities like Samuel L Jackson, Megan fox, Keanu Reeves, Kanye West and many more.

Anime has not just influenced people but even the music, fashion and film industries. Works like The Matrix, Alita Battle Angel and Ghost in a Shell along with many others are some movies influenced by anime and have become pop culture classics.

Anime and Manga have inspired people to even hold conventions. Comiket a fest was one of the first anime fest. Held in 1975 with over 600 people in Tokyo, Comiket has attracted millions of people and even inspired similar events to be held all over the world. In Nepal similar events names “Anime fest” are held each year with thousands of people flocking in wearing costumes and cosplays of their favorite characters. The event various presentations and competitions as well along with food stalls and sometimes even an early viewing of an anticipated show.

One of the main reasons that anime is so popular today is because it grows with its audience, children who watched in the 2000s are still watching anime today as anime changes and grows with its audience. Today online streaming like Netflix and Amazon Prime are releasing even more animated shows with millions tuning in. It is not too much to say that anime certainly has taken the world by storm!