The creator of 'Evangelion' is clear: anime is only for the Japanese

Anime has reached astonishing dimensions in terms of international popularity, evidenced by the impressive box office successes like Kimetsu no Yaiba and Chainsaw Man. Over the last decade, this medium has ceased to be a niche and has established itself as a mass phenomenon, capturing the attention of millions of viewers and generating billions in box office revenue. Rising series like Solo Leveling are also in the spotlight, although they have not yet completed their path to success in Japan. Neon Genesis Anime However, amid the growing wave of content created with […]

Anime has reached astonishing dimensions in terms of international popularity, evidenced by the impressive box office successes like Kimetsu no Yaiba and Chainsaw Man. Over the last decade, this medium has ceased to be a niche and has established itself as a mass phenomenon, capturing the attention of millions of viewers and generating billions in revenue at the box office. Rising series like Solo Leveling are also in the spotlight, although they have yet to complete their path to success in Japan.

Neon Genesis Anime

However, amidst the growing wave of content created with an eye towards the global market, the voice of the renowned creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Hideaki Anno, stands out. In a recent interview with Forbes Japan, Anno expressed his disagreement with the current trend of adapting anime to meet international sensibilities. According to him, the focus should be on creating anime that reflects Japanese sensibilities, and it is the responsibility of the foreign viewer to adapt to that cultural context. “The language and cultural nuances are essential to the medium”, he warned, emphasizing that compromising these elements could cause anime to lose its unique identity.

Anno also highlights the influence of his mentor, Hayao Miyazaki, who has been a pioneer in creating films without worrying about public acceptance, crafting works that are true to his personal vision. This philosophy invites viewers to accept the work as it is, rather than creators feeling compelled to conform their art to the tastes of the audience. While some studios, including platforms like Disney+, seek to broaden their reach with more adaptable content, Anno remains focused on the Japanese spirit, resisting the wave of global commercialization.

Author: Jesús Bosque

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