Anime, as we know it today, began in the early 20th century, with Japan's filmmakers experimenting with animation techniques inspired by Western cartoons. The first anime ever produced was in 1917, a short silent film called "Namakura Gatana" (The Dull Sword), which showcased early animation styles. However, anime truly began to take off after World War II, with the success of Osamu Tezuka's works. Known as the "God of Manga," Tezuka was heavily influenced by Walt Disney and helped establish the distinct style that anime is known for today.
Tezuka's 1963 show "Astro Boy" (Tetsuwan Atomu) was one of the first Japanese animated series to gain widespread popularity. This show, along with other early classics, laid the foundation for what would become an incredibly diverse and influential medium, known for its unique storytelling and visual style.
