Anime News

Japan's Association With Animation Is Growing
Date: 8/18/2006
Nishinippon Shimbun asks the question: "What is Japan's Image Overseas?". At one time many would answer "High Technology", but now anime and manga are quickly surpassing it especially in the younger generation. France which doesn't traditionally permit the advancement of other country's cultures is no different. Comics and Animation from Japan were on display at the "Japan Exposition" in Paris last month. The event gathered 60,000 people over 3 days. Many of visitors were said to be familiar with Japanese books and the television from a young age. The same situation can be seen in China where areound 90% of the animation on TV there is Japanese. The audience rating of "Doraemon" was reported to four times that of the most popular animation created in China. Last summer a private advisory body "Informal Social Gathering Concerning Promotion Of Cultural Diplomacy" was held where the Prime Minister submitted the report entitled "Creation of Peaceful Nation Of Cultural Exchange". One of the aims of the report was to increase awareness of Japan related to those who understand the "Japanese Animation Generation".
Source: Anime News Service