Children's Manga - Specifics and Examples

Specifics and Examples

The very first animes were related to such genre. This genre started in the late 19th century with the production of small, approximately 15 page long comics in magazines, targeting both boys and girls. These short mangas were created as a part of Meiji era's attempt to encourage literacy amongst Japanese children and youth. Children's anime and manga can be divided into four categories. First category is the anime and manga adaptations of the Western legends, tales etc. For example, World Masterpiece Theater. Those works can be quickly understood by non-Japanese viewers. Most of them are TV series. Despite them being popular, they aren't particularly helpful for understanding Japanese anime specifics. They are being made by examples of classical American or Soviet cartoons, respectively treating the spirit and fabula of the adopted work. The second category is unique to Japan and is not readily understood by non-Japanese viewers. These are manga adaptations and original works. They can exploit the language humour and contain the references to the Japanese reality. However, it has similar works in American animation, like South Park or The Simpsons, but they are aimed towards older audience. Example of such works is Chibi Maruko-chan. If look on the storyline, these works contain shounen elements. Third category are cute animes popular amongst girls. For example, Hello Kitty or Bottle Fairy. Another category that is closer to shounen includes Pokemon. These shows have a connection with popular video game and toy markets, and have the best commercial success. Today there are magazines such as CoroCoro Comic, first published by Shogakukan, which targets boys audience, especially in elementary school. There is also Kodansha's Comic Bonbon, which also published children's manga. Both of these magazines are released monthly in Japan. Popular children's manga also is reinvented as anime and is accompanied by a plethora or merchandise. For example, Sonic X has its video game franchise for Nintendo console. Despite its being aimed at children, children's anime and manga is also being popular amongst older audience. Similarly, shoujo animes like Tokyo Mew Mew or Shugo Chara are also popular amongst younger audience.