Japanese Manga

By Arthur Liew

History of Manga

The origins of Manga has been debated but early aspects of this concept has been traced back as early as the twelfth century specifically the distinct form of reading style (right to left) which is traditionally seen in most if not all forms of Japanese Manga.  This form of reading style remains dominant even today.  Historians have continued to argue as to how Japanese Manga evolved into the popular reading material it is today.  However they have identified two major events that have made significant contributions to the development of Manga; the historical and cultural influence of allied (particularly American) forces in the years following World War 2 and those during the time of the Meiji period during the pre-war years.  While these major events have been recognised the debate still continues as to which period made the most important contributions to Japanese Manga.

Figure 1 - Astro Boy, initially released in the 1950s continues to attract popularity more than half a century later

Regardless of which was the more significant event, their combined influence helped to bring about modern Japanese Manga which began to emerge during the 1950s and 60s during the rebuilding of Japan’s infrastructure.  During this time there was a boom in creative conceptual art which included Manga. Manga artist including Osamu Tezuka wrote the famous and popular Manga and Anime franchise “Astro Boy” during this period.  It was during this time that two distinct genres emerged and continues to dominant Japanese Manga, they are Shojo and Shonen Manga, Manga aimed at girls and boys respectively

Manga in the Shonen category have become extremely popular due to the large numbers of male Manga readers.  As a result there are several sub-categories within the Shonen Genre (there are also similar sub-categories in the Shojo genre as well), these are specifically aimed at the age category of its readers in particular the under 18 category and over 18 category which includes additional features like extreme violence and explicit sexuality that are left out of under 18 Manga genres.  These exotic genres received a major boost beginning in the 1990s when censorship was relaxed in Japan allowing more ambitious and detailed explicit scenes.  Shonen Manga as a whole has had a head start over other genres as the earliest Manga readers that emerged after World War 2 where young men and boys.

Figure 3 - Sailor Moon, Originally a Manga series Sailor Moon reflects a popular trend of Anime adaptation

A familiar trend has emerged since the 1950s regarding the genres and subjects that have interest young boys and adults alike.  These include sci-fi, and action adventure both genres and others alike continue to achieve popular support in the modern era.  Japanese Manga continues to be a popular hobby for both the Japanese people and many others around the world.  It is even considered more popular than its world renowned companion Anime.  The combination has had a very fruitful and successful relationship with many Manga series like “Sailor Moon” and “Oh My Goddess!” going on to become successful anime series.  Manga has maintained its popularity over the years and with new Manga being produced regularly, it is only limited by the imagination of their writers.

Influence of Japanese Manga

Reading Manga has become increasingly popular around the world

The influence of Japanese Manga both in Japan and around the world is quite significant with ever growing popularity.  Recent studies have shown a dramatic increase of this “influence of Japanese Manga” worldwide particularly in the latter parts of the twentieth century and early parts of the twenty-first.  There is some evidence to support this theory as many Manga series have gone on to be translated into several different languages including: Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, German and of course English.

The Manga industry in the United States alone has had a growing success with several American companies such as VIZ Media a parent company to major Japanese publisher firms. Manga’s influence in the US was only off and on during the latter parts of the twentieth century.  This market was initially dominated by the anime industry that despite their backdoor entrance into the US became very popular with older teenagers as they were easy to obtain, translate and view then Manga.

Figure 3 - Captain Tsubasa, a manga series that has inspired some to take up the sport

Manga has become so popular in various countries that it has led to some foreign companies in the similar industry to release their own version of Japanese inspired Manga.  Japanese Manga has not only inspired publishing companies.  There have been several cases where Manga series have inspired celebrities to pursue their chosen careers.  One good example is “Captain Tsubasa” a sports (specifically soccer) genres Manga series which was sponsored by the Japan Football association.  Several major soccer players such as Fernando Torress and Hidetoshi Nakata have stated that the “Captain Tsubasa” Manga series inspired them to take up their soccer as their chosen career in life.

Manga continues to be popular with many people worldwide due to its wide variety of genres and appropriate reading material for all people of different ages, genders and interests.  Its stories can inspire people or simply indulge their interest.  Manga incorporates many features that will interest those who want a simple yet intriguing story that Manga happily obliges them with.