Learning from Manga and Anime as a Model of Cultural Penetration
Tauhid Nur Azhar
A unique phenomenon related to human existence and civilization is the desire to maintain existence through various approaches. Some rely on geostrategic approaches that imply the construction of defense power and the emergence of physical and geographical invasion models, but others sanctify and maintain existence through the homogenization of identity and ideology through cultural penetration.
Similar characteristics, identities, and ideologies are high-value social capital for building alliances that connotate maintaining interests and accessing resources as part of a strategy to maintain existence and fulfill basic needs.
Sometimes, cultural penetration strategies can be more effective than expansion processes in other forms. Culture as a preference can guide personal and communal decision-making processes. This includes choosing brands and products, which of course has an impact on the economic aspect.
A country’s culture that successfully penetrates the subconscious, becoming part of the memory structure, preferences, and decision-making systems, will encourage awareness of products associated with that country.
South Korea’s success with its popular cultural occupation strategy, such as Korean drama films and boy and girl bands, may have unintentionally created a traction effect, like a locomotive that drives the movement of other production sectors such as culinary, fashion, leisure and hospitality, automotive, and tourism.
Unbeknownst to us, K-Pop may be the vanguard warriors, forged in a particular way, as part of South Korea’s main arsenal in its global strategy to conquer the world.
Similarly, Tom Yum from Thailand, and of course, Manga from Japan, which has now become an integral part of world culture.
The history of manga can be traced back to the Heian period (794–1185) with the existence of emaki-mono or narrative picture scrolls. One example is Choju-giga (dancing animal pictures) from the 12th century, often considered one of the early forms of manga due to its comic and narrative drawing style.
In the Edo period (1603–1868), the culture of Ukiyo-e or woodblock printing on paper emerged.
Ukiyo-e typically depicts everyday life, folk tales, and landscapes. Artists like Katsushika Hokusai, famous for The Great Wave off Kanagawa, also produced Hokusai Manga, which consists of comic sketches printed using ukiyo-e.
During the Meiji (1868–1912) and Taisho (1912–1926) periods, Japan began to open up to Western civilization, which brought new technologies and ideas in printmaking. This included printing techniques and narrative styles that would later influence manga. Magazines and journals started publishing illustrated stories, which became the precursor to modern manga.
Rakuten Kitazawa and Osamu Tezuka, artists in the early 20th century, are known as pioneers of modern manga. However, Osamu Tezuka (1928–1989), often referred to as the “Father of Manga”, brought about a revolution by introducing panelization techniques influenced by film, creating more dynamic and emotional storytelling.
His works, such as Astro Boy and Black Jack, had a significant impact on defining the style and format of modern manga.
After World War II, manga experienced a boom in popularity. The growing economy and increased literacy created a large market for manga.
Magazines like Shonen Magazine and Shonen Sunday began to be published regularly, targeting young readers with adventure and action stories.
In the 1960s and 1970s, manga genres began to develop. In addition to shonen manga (for boys) and shojo manga (for girls), seinen manga (for adult men) and josei manga (for adult women) emerged, as well as various sub-genres, including horror, science fiction, and romance.
Manga began to reflect various aspects of life and fantasy, making it an effective medium for cross-cultural communication.
By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, manga began to gain popularity worldwide. Translations of manga into various languages introduced Japanese works to a global audience.
Manga like Naruto, One Piece, and Attack on Titan became international phenomena.
Many manga were later adapted into anime (Japanese animation), films, and video games, which greatly contributed to their popularity.
The industry supported each other, creating a strong ecosystem of Japanese pop culture, and without realizing it, through manga and anime, various Japanese cultural values have successfully infected many minds and ways of thinking around the world.
Astro Boy is one of the pillars of modern manga. Known as Tetsuwan Atom in Japan, Astro Boy is one of the most influential manga works of all time.
Created by Dr. Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the “Father of Manga”, Astro Boy has become an important symbol in Japanese popular culture and has had a global impact.
Dr. Osamu Tezuka, born in 1928, was a medical doctor who had a great interest in art and science from a young age.
The influence of Western animation, particularly Walt Disney’s works, greatly influenced Tezuka’s style and approach to creating manga and anime.
In 1952, Tezuka began producing the Astro Boy serial in Shonen magazine, which quickly gained immense popularity.
The Astro Boy manga is set in a future where humans live alongside robots.
The story begins with the creation of Astro Boy by Dr. Tenma, a scientist who lost his son in an accident. Dr. Tenma creates Astro Boy as a replacement for his son, giving the robot extraordinary abilities and powers.
However, Dr. Tenma soon realizes that Astro Boy cannot replace his deceased son and sells him.
Astro Boy is then found by Dr. Ochanomizu, who becomes a father figure and mentor. Under Dr. Ochanomizu’s guidance, Astro Boy uses his powers to fight against evil and help those in need.
This manga is special because it explores ethical and moral issues about the relationship between humans and robots.
The Astro Boy manga explores various themes relevant to technology and humanity.
Through the character of Astro Boy, Tezuka explores what it means to be human and the values that come with it.
Although Astro Boy or Tetsuwan Atom is a robot, he shows emotions, morality, and empathy that often surpass those of humans.
The Astro Boy story often involves complex ethical dilemmas, such as robot rights, treatment of artificial beings, and scientific responsibility.
Many episodes highlight Astro Boy’s struggles against injustice and oppression, as well as his fight for a more just and peaceful world.
Astro Boy is not only popular in Japan but also around the world. The first anime series, which aired in 1963, was one of the first anime to succeed in the international market, paving the way for the export of Japanese anime.
Astro Boy has been adapted into various media, including television series, films, video games, and even theatrical performances.
The 1980s and 2003 animated versions introduced the character to a new generation of viewers. Even in 2009, a CGI film about Astro Boy was released, which, although not highly successful, still showed the character’s timeless appeal.
It seems that Dr. Osamu Tezuka, in creating Tetsuwan Atom, was influenced by the real-life conditions of post-war Japan, particularly the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Dr. Tezuka, who started his career with the work “Diary of Ma Chan”, was extremely enthusiastic and productive in his work. Even one of his phenomenal works, which was also his last, was “Hi No Tori Phoenix”, due to its lengthy production process.
If Dr. Osamu Tezuka is considered the father of Japanese manga, then who doesn’t know Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli?
Personally, I first encountered Studio Ghibli’s work when I watched “Kiki’s Delivery Service” on DVD. The beautiful 2D animation, rich in color and detail, with a captivating score and theme song, and a storyline that was both moving and engaging, made me fall in love instantly.
Actually, before I fell in love with Hayao Miyazaki’s and Studio Ghibli’s work, I was already enamored with the beautiful music and voice acting from the Final Fantasy game series. The grand music, engaging storyline, and 3D animation that surpassed its time, made it difficult for me to turn away from FF.
Ghibli itself is supported by the great composer Joe Hisaishi, whose musical works seem to reflect heavenly music that should only resonate in the heavens.
Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki. This animation studio has become a pillar of the global animation industry.
In this writing, I will attempt to explore the influence of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki’s works through the lens of cultural theory, anthropology, communication, and civilization history.
We will discuss how Ghibli’s and Miyazaki’s works reflect and shape Japanese and global cultural perceptions, and examine the themes raised in their films.
Studio Ghibli is known for its exceptional 2D animation quality and deep narratives. Hayao Miyazaki, as one of the founders and main directors, plays a crucial role in shaping the studio’s identity.
His works often reflect Japanese cultural values, combining traditional elements with modernity, and conveying strong ecological and humanist messages.
Miyazaki’s works can be said to be a mirror of Japanese culture and traditional values, which are deeply felt through his animation.
Miyazaki’s films often depict aspects of Japanese culture, such as Shintoism, harmony with nature, and respect for tradition. For example, in “My Neighbor Totoro”, the forest spirits and sacred places reflect the deep Shinto belief in the natural world.
Aspects of modernity and ecological conflict can be seen in many Ghibli films, such as Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. These films explore the theme of environmental damage caused by industrialization. Miyazaki uses these stories to emphasize the importance of balance between humans and nature.
Miyazaki’s idealism about women’s empowerment is often reflected in strong and independent female characters. For example, Chihiro in Spirited Away. Chihiro is a young girl who must find her strength and courage to save her parents.
Studio Ghibli is renowned for its attention to detail in every frame of its animation. The use of color, lighting, and background design creates an atmosphere that supports the narrative. Miyazaki is known for his ability to build complex and detailed worlds. Every element in his films has meaning and contributes to the overall story.
Miyazaki’s works also often contain criticism of social and political issues, such as capitalism, war, and environmental degradation. These messages are conveyed through seemingly simple stories that have philosophical depth.
Studio Ghibli is not only important in the context of Japanese culture, but also has a global impact. Ghibli films have been translated into various languages and are appreciated worldwide. Including in Indonesia, where every time there is a performance or concept of Ghibli film theme songs, it is always crowded with visitors.
The icons from Ghibli films have also become an integral part of popular cultural history in our country. No wonder if Ghibli-themed cafes are now starting to sprout in several major cities in Indonesia.
Miyazaki’s works seem to have helped introduce Japanese cultural elements to the international community. This can contribute to intercultural dialogue and enrich global understanding of Japan.
Ghibli films are also often used in educational contexts to teach ecological, social, and cultural values. These films become important tools in popular culture education and anthropology.
I often use quotes from Ghibli films as illustrations in presenting a moral approach with certain standards in social relationships, for example.
So, without realizing it, the values of ideology, cultural frameworks, and maybe even agenda-setting programs embedded in manga, anime, and other popular genre products have successfully infiltrated my neurophysiological system.
If it has been internalized, it will likely influence the neurobehavioral process of decision-making, won’t it?
So, what’s the news with our cultural strategy? When will the characters of wayang orang, traditional cuisine, or Nusantara folk songs start to color the world civilization?
