Week 5

According to Lent (2000), What place does animation occupy in asian societies?

Anime occupies a very prominent role in several Asian societies, where it is considered an integral part of mass culture. It often incorporates more traditional themes and ideas, that can appeal across age groups and demographics. Lent (2000)"Anime is a popular cultural form that clearly builds on previous high cultural traditions."
Anime covers a broad spectrum of genres unto itself. From post apocalyptic thrillers, to Dramas, through to content aimed at younger viewers. I believe this allows a broad range of people in Asian societies to enjoy Anime, especially in japan where Anime is perhaps their chief cultural export.

Lent (2000)"Anime clearly appears to be a cultural phenomenon, worthy of being taken seriously, both sociologically and  aesthetically."
Because Anime takes on sometimes complex genres such as sci fi, horror and drama; this allows the narrative and storyline to be far more complex than other cartoon formats in the west.
 "The issues it (Anime) explores often in surprisingly complex ways, are ones familiar to readers of contemporary "high culture" literature.." Lent (2000)



Looking at Napier and Cavallaro (2006), discuss how anime is culturally ‘located’ – in the East or West, or somewhere else? 

Although Anime has its roots in Asian countries (mostly Japan), Anime has been influenced by western culture since it existed. Recently- with the continuing and increasing popularity of Anime in western countries- western media has slowly taken up the influence of Anime, as anime establishes itself as a global media and art form.
So it could be said of Anime that it occupies a unique cultural centre, whose origins and base of operation are in Japan, but whose cultural identity lies somewhere in between the borders of West and East. Anything from themes, plot, character race, technology and the ideologies prevalent, can be east based, west based, or a varying mix of both. 
"Despite its indisputably Japanese origins, Anime increasingly exists at a nexus point in global culture, this position allows it to inhabit an amorphous new media territory, the crosses and even intermingles national boundaries."Napier

References

Lent, J.A, (2000) Animation in Asia: appropriation, reinterpretation, and adoption, or adaption. Retrieved 21 June 2006, from AnimeResearch.com


Napier, S (2005). Anime: From Akira to Howl's Moving Castle. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan