Mainstream anime is recognized worldwide, but it isn’t the only type of anime. Bleach and Soul Eater are classic anime that all kinds of people will nod at if you bring it up in conversation.
Other types of anime are very common in Japanese culture. There are traditional schoolhouse anime about lovers and superheroes. There are ninja and samurai band anime.
Modern anime has international flavor. Due to circumstances like streaming and the worldwide popularity of anime, the artform has globalized beyond Japan, while still keeping the culture traditional.
In 2025, anime is going back to the roots of the futuristic movement started by the television adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s Astroboy. Tesuka’s work is also gaining popularity with the rise of shows like Phoenix Eden 17 and Pluto, which are based on Tesuka’s manga work.
Cyberpunk anime is one of the more popular movements in futuristic anime. The characters are very relatable, and the culture of cyberpunks ties into anime culture often. Animators relate to the feelings of technological developments, a theme in cyberpunk culture, with bittersweet flavor as the culture expands. Animation is a very cyberpunk artform.
Animators hustling in the industry end up in America sometimes making animated shows for comic book studios. It still isn’t the same well-regarded artform that anime is. American shows are hit-or-miss, and anime is something that’s bound to entertain audiences.
Cartoon illustration takes contemplation and effort. The thought process going into animation is a very deliberate one. The lack of concern in American animation shows that a young nation is struggling to maintain its audience.
