The reasons for the popularity of Japanese anime productions abroad are the result of a combination of multiple factors, however, several important factors can be argued.
The 1970s and 1980s: Increasing Overseas Broadcasts
During the **1970s and 1980s**, Japanese animation productions were increasingly broadcast abroad, especially in European countries. At the time, France had strict regulations on television broadcasting and there was a lack of children's programming, which led to the broadcast of relatively inexpensive, high-quality Japanese anime productions. As a result, Japanese animation works broadcast in France during this period, such as “Captain Tsubasa,” “Dragon Ball,” and “Dr. Slump Arale-chan,” were so popular among the children of the time that they are still recognized as “made in France” animation.
The 1990s: Complex Storylines and Characters
As seen in works such as “Neon Genesis Evangelion” (1995) and “Sailor Moon” (1992), in the **1990s**, Japanese anime productions began to transcend the framework of traditional children's anime. By introducing complex storylines and appealing characters, Japanese animated films started to attract viewers in their teens and older. These works were highly acclaimed not only in Japan but also overseas, gaining a large number of fans. “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” in particular, had a major impact on the animation industry and is regarded as the work that led the “Third Anime Revolution.”
2000s: Internet and Digital Technology Development
Since the **2000s**, with the development of the Internet and digital technology, the means of viewing Japanese anime productions have dramatically increased. The widespread use of Netflix and other video distribution services has made it easier for viewers around the world to watch Japanese anime productions, contributing significantly to the recent surge in anime's popularity.
Summary of Contributing Factors
The key reasons behind the popularity of Japanese animation works overseas include:
- Increased opportunities for overseas broadcasts from the 1970s to the 1980s.
- The quality of works improved, allowing anime to be accepted by a wide range of age groups.
- The development of the Internet and digital technology has dramatically improved the viewing environment.
These factors, considered in combination, have played a significant role in the global rise of Japanese anime. However, the sources provided are limited, and the above factors alone cannot fully explain the worldwide popularity of Japanese animation. Further research and analysis are needed to gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.