The Origin of Manga and Anime

Manga and anime are more than just a hobby—they’re art, storytelling, and emotional expression forms that have grown into global cultural powerhouses. Whether you’re laughing through a high school comedy, tearing up during a bittersweet romance, or hanging onto every moment of an intense battle, there’s something in this world for everyone.

The roots of manga go way back to 12th-century Japanese scrolls, where artists used sequential drawings to tell stories. In the 18th and 19th centuries, artists like Hokusai helped popularize the word “manga,” meaning “whimsical pictures.” But the real boom came after World War II when Osamu Tezuka, often called the “God of Manga,” transformed manga into a powerful storytelling medium. His work, especially Astro Boy, introduced emotional depth and a cinematic style that influenced generations. Soon after, those manga stories started coming to life through anime. The first Japanese animated film, Namakura Gatana, came out in 1917. Still, it wasn’t until the 1960s that anime truly found its voice—again, thanks to Tezuka, whose studio produced the first TV anime series: Astro Boy (1963). From there, studios like Toei Animation and Studio Ghibli helped anime grow in style, genre, and emotional range.

In the 1980s and 1990s, anime like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and Neon Genesis Evangelion pushed the medium into pop culture, both in Japan and overseas. Today, anime is everywhere, from Netflix to conventions to fashion, and it continues to evolve while staying true to its roots: bold art, big emotions, and unforgettable storytelling.

Some of the manga that have touched me the most are The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity and Honey Lemon Soda. They fall into the romance and shōjo categories, genres that focus on love, emotional development, and relationships. But they’re not just about crushes or confessions, they’re about growing as a person. In The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, I love how the main characters slowly open up to one another. It’s quiet, honest, and full of heart. Honey Lemon Soda, on the other hand, gives off a bright, hopeful energy that still feels grounded in real, emotional struggles. These stories prove that sometimes the smallest moments, like a shy smile or a shared umbrella, can be the most powerful.

My taste in anime is kind of all over the place, in the best way. Two of my absolute favorites are JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Fruits Basket, which honestly couldn’t be more different. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a shōnen anime known for its dramatic fights, surreal storylines, and totally unique art style. It’s weird, intense, and unpredictable, exactly what makes it so fun to watch. Every arc introduces new characters and powers that feel both over-the-top and brilliant. Then there’s Fruits Basket, which sits comfortably in the shōjo and drama categories. It’s emotional and healing, with characters who are soft, broken, and learning to be whole again. Watching it feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket and slowly learning how to breathe again.