Ask John: Why is Anime Considered an Art?

Question:
In a recent post you said that anime is a cinematic art, but something I always wondered was, who decided that? Who decided that anime was an art. Is the doodle someone draws in class less of an art then anime? Is Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, Toy Story and The Incredibles less of an art then anime?

Answer:
You’ve asked a very provocative and incisive question to which I have little defense. I consider anime an art form, and I must admit that I presume my opinion is shared by others around the world based only on vague perceptions. I can’t cite any single, authoritative, universally recognized statement that defines Japanese animation as “art.” I can say, though, that if anime is not art, what is it? I cannot abide the classification of Japanese animation as exclusively a commercial product like an automobile or microwave oven because there is ample evidence that anime is imbued with a significant degree of unique, individual creative input. I would argue that there is a difference between a utilitarian object which employs some artistic influence and a luxurious, artistic object created by artists. An attractive, stylish microwave is still a utilitarian tool- a necessary commercial product. An anime is not a necessary object or tool. It exists only to enrich and satisfy the lives of its viewers. According to Dictionary.com, art is, “The conscious production or arrangement of sounds, colors, forms, movements, or other elements in a manner that affects the sense of beauty.” That defines anime.

That I refer to anime as “cinematic art,” meaning audio and visual filmed art, has no bearing on the classification of other media. The fact that I refer to anime as “cinematic art” doesn’t mean that other types of animation are not art. I personally think of all creative endeavors as art. However, there are varying levels of artistic quality. Plan Nine from Outer Space and Casablanca are both cinematic art, but one is certainly more respected as quality art than the other. Given the fact that literal doodles sketched by respected artists have sold for thousands of dollars at art auctions, simple doodles are a form of art. But it’s foolish to argue that careless scribbles are art of the same class as formal Japanese animation, or Bugs Bunny or any form of artistic expression that was created with consideration and forethought.

I do not insist that anyone agree with my belief that Japanese animation is an art form. I do happen to consider anime an art form, and I happen to prefer it over every other art. However, my personal preferences don’t preclude other media and genres from also being art. I do directly compare 2D hand drawn Japanese and American animation art, and I’ll admit that I find the qualities of Japan’s 2D animation superior to the technical qualities of comparable American art. In doing so, I affirm that both American and Japanese animation are art forms, just ones with different qualities- some better, some worse. In my estimation, Japanese animation, as an artistic medium, contains a greater number of positive qualities than does American animation. I’m pleased to encounter other observers who share my opinion, and relieved to know that there are also critics who disagree because disagreement and varying opinion is the mother of evolution while agreement leads to complacency and a lack of independence and individuality.

Yes, I do think that contemporary Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse are lesser art than contemporary anime, but still art nevertheless. In contrast, I believe that vintage American animation from the 1940s through 60s is superior to Japanese animation of the same age because during that period Japan’s modern animation industry was still in its infancy. I refuse to compare 2D and 3D animation directly, but admit that films themselves can be compared on the merits of narrative and competence. In that respect, a film like The Incredibles is a much more entertaining and intelligent movie than many anime movies are. To conclude, I hope I’ve believe I’ve answered your question honestly and forthright. I encourage you to develop your own, unique methodology for defining art if you have not done so already.