Sudden Anime Popularity Resurgence?
Could anime be cool again?
VICTORIA NG
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Remember the days when one would be bullied in school for being a weeb or an otaku for loving anime? Anime, the distinct style of Japanese animated television and film entertainment, has surged in popularity in recent years. In fact, the global anime market is now worth an estimated $24 billion, with millions of fans worldwide. This surge in popularity can be attributed to a number of factors, including the proliferation of streaming platforms, the rise of social media, and the increasing popularity of cosplay. Could being an otaku be cool nowadays?
All memes by Singaplex
One of the key drivers of the anime boom is the availability of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll, which have made anime more accessible than ever before. With these services, fans can easily access a vast library of anime content, often with subtitles and dubbing options in multiple languages. No more endless waiting just to buffer a few minutes on a sussy illegal site that might just infect your computer with a virus. This has helped to expand the audience for anime, particularly outside of Japan.
Social media has also played a crucial role in the rise of anime's popularity. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become virtual meeting places for anime fans, allowing them to connect with one another, share their favorite anime moments, and express their fandom through artwork and cosplay. Not to mention the power of TikTok that has helped share anime content easily with millions of people. This has helped to fuel the popularity of specific anime titles, with fans posting and sharing memes and clips, generating buzz and driving interest.
Cosplay, the practice of dressing up as a favorite character, has also played a role in the rise of anime's popularity. Cosplay has become a cultural phenomenon, with conventions and events dedicated to the practice springing up all over the world. Anime fans often dress up as their favorite characters, bringing them to life and celebrating the creativity and artistry of the anime medium. Check out our interviews with cosplayers to learn more about this fascinating hobby.
Image via Kiyo’s Facebook. Check out her interview with Singaplex here.
In addition to these factors, anime's unique blend of storytelling, humor, and visually stunning animation has also contributed to its growing popularity. Anime often explores complex themes and ideas, and its ability to weave intricate narratives has resonated with viewers of all ages.
As anime continues to surge in popularity, its influence is also being felt in other areas of popular culture. From music and fashion to video games and film, anime has become an integral part of the global entertainment landscape.
Some popular anime nowadays include:
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - This action-packed anime follows a young boy named Tanjiro who becomes a demon slayer after his family is killed by demons. It has gained widespread popularity for its animation, characters, and storyline.
Attack on Titan - This dark fantasy anime is set in a world where humans live in fear of giant humanoid creatures called Titans. The story follows a group of soldiers who fight to protect humanity from the Titans. It has gained a large following for its intense action scenes and plot twists.
Jujutsu Kaisen - This supernatural anime follows a high school student named Yuji Itadori who becomes involved in a world of curses and sorcerers. It has been praised for its unique story and characters.
My Hero Academia - This superhero anime is set in a world where people with superpowers, known as "quirks," are commonplace. It follows the story of a young boy named Izuku Midoriya who dreams of becoming a hero. It has gained a large following for its inspiring storyline and well-developed characters.
One Piece - This long-running anime follows a group of pirates known as the Straw Hat Pirates as they search for the world's ultimate treasure, the One Piece. It has been praised for its expansive world-building and well-developed characters.
In conclusion, anime's popularity has surged in recent years, driven by the availability of streaming services, the rise of social media, the popularity of cosplay, and the unique blend of storytelling, humor, and animation that characterizes the medium. With millions of fans worldwide and a market worth billions of dollars, anime is poised to continue its ascent, inspiring and entertaining audiences for years to come.
VICTORIA NG | Contributing Writer
Victoria, a.k.a Vicky is a creative freelancer who hails from Singapore, she loves to ‘vibe’ on the internet and pretty much prefers cats over humans. She has a fondness for things that carry an air of nostalgia and enjoys cafe hopping on weekends. Her current struggle is trying to spend less time on Tiktok, she can hear the “ting ting ting dang ting” song in her ears. She hopes to own a corgi someday.
