The Untold Origins: Discover the True Birth of Anime

The origins of anime are shrouded in controversy, with many of the original cartoons now lost or disputed. This has fueled a fascination among fans to uncover the very first anime. However, before delving into this intriguing question, it is important to establish the definition of the term "anime".

In Japan, anime simply refers to animation, making the search for the first anime a matter of identifying the earliest cartoon. However, in the Western world, anime has become synonymous with cartoons originating from Japan. Yet, even this definition has its flaws, as there are certain shows that some individuals believe should be included under the anime umbrella. A prime example is Avatar: The Last Airbender, which draws heavily from Japanese animation in terms of its visuals and storyline, despite being produced by an American team with Korean animators.

The Dull Sword Is Likely The Oldest Extant Anime

In the early 1900s, edge cases like these did not exist as animation was still in its infancy. During this period, Japan began to introduce foreign cartoons, which sparked the interest of many Japanese artists to explore the medium as well. These initial attempts resulted in short clips that lacked narrative structure. Unfortunately, many of these early clips have been lost, leaving only a few surviving examples that are heavily debated among scholars.

The first Japanese cartoon widely recognized for its storytelling is called The Dull Sword. Created by Jun’ichi Kouchi, it follows the comedic adventures of a clumsy swordsman testing his weapon. However, The Dull Sword differs greatly from what modern anime fans are accustomed to. It lacks the stylistic features that define present-day anime and does not include any dialogue. As a result, it may not be as entertaining or satisfying on a storytelling level.

Despite its shortcomings, The Dull Sword provides valuable insight into the early days of Japanese animation and offers moments of humor. While it may not hold up as a captivating watch for all viewers, it still serves as a captivating glimpse into the Japanese culture of the time. Unlike enduring classics such as Astro Boy or The Legend of the Galactic Heroes, The Dull Sword does not stand on its own as a compelling viewing experience.

Other early examples of Japanese animation, aside from The Dull Sword, can also be considered the first anime, as is often the case in discussions of this kind. Activity Photo, despite its unusual animation technique lasting only three seconds, is one such example. The dispute over the true first anime will probably remain unresolved, but The Dull Sword is undeniably one of the strongest contenders for that distinction.