What Is Anime?
By Rosana Hart, Sat Dec 10th

Anime is a word that needs no definition to millions of youngpeople around the world -- but here's a description anyway,since you may be one of the millions who isn't familiar with theterm. is Japanese animation, and is hugely popular inJapan, a part of everyday life. The word is used to includequite a variety of animated TV series and films.

Often characters are drawn with large eyes and smallishnoses. The animation uses sharp lines and may use less detailthan Hollywood-style animation. Video games and mangas (Japanesecomic books) are drawn in this style as well. Plots are oftenmore complex and mature than Western-style cartoons or comicbooks, including violence and characters dying. Fantasyadventures and romance are part of the mix as well. There are somany different types of that there is something foreveryone.

Youth culture cuts across national boundaries more and morenowadays, and products are a good example. From Japan tothe United States, from China to Sweden, their popularity onlyincreases. There are many fan events going on worldwide. In theU.S. in 2004, over one hundred thousand people attendedKatsucon, Otakon, Expo and similar events -- many of themin full costume. Now, is being created in places otherthan Japan.

Of course, not all fans are young. People of all agesenjoy this unique art form.

One study of its popularity projected that the worldwide marketis approaching $100 billion, in US funds. That's a lot! Thisincludes films, television, DVDs, tshirts,

trading cards, andother merchandise.

Anime posters are among the merchandise that is growing inpopularity. Inexpensive, easy to ship, and creating anenvironment in whatever space is available, they offer fans away to immerse themselves in the realm of imagination.

About the author:Rosana Hart is a reference librarian turned webmaster. Visit hersite at http://www.infoandhelp.com/posters/ for a selection ofpopular posters and articles about their subjects.