Iconic Anime JapanAnime is one of the most important modern cultural facets of Japan.
« Anime » comes from the word « Animation » and within Japan it is used to refer to any kind of animation, while in the West it refers only to the content produced in the land of the rising sun.
Today there are many anime titles aimed at all types of audiences, being one of the most important export products for the Japanese economy.
1- Pokémon:
More than 22 years ago, children around the world have been discovering the charming universe of Pokémon. Currently, the Pokémon family of products includes video games, Pokémon Trading Card Game, animated Pokémon series, movies, toys and much more. The effects produced encourage strategic thinking and, in many cases, basic mathematical skills. Pokémon also emphasizes sportsmanship and respect for other players. Many parents feel that Pokémon TCG and Pokémon video games encourage their children to learn to read, because reading is necessary in most Pokémon games.
The animated series dates back almost to the time of the origin of Pokémon as a video game. The program follows the adventures of a young impetuous coach named Ash Ketchum and his friend Pokémon Pikachu, who, while traveling through their world, visit exotic destinations, meet many interesting people and have countless exciting adventures. Along the way they learn about teamwork, compassion, friendship and fair play while Ash works towards his goal: to become a Pokémon Master.
Pokémon on television is one of the most popular children’s shows of all time and has generated a series of animated films that also follow the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his friends. The films involve much larger bets, often related to the legends of the Pokémon world.
The most famous and internationally loved Pokémon is Pikachu, the loyal electric mouse that stars in the television show and many of the Pokémon brand.
In Japan there are many stores called « Pokémon Center » where they sell exclusive Pokémon products and all kinds of related things. If you are interested in coming to Japan, it is highly recommended to know about Pokémon, as it is a very important part of modern Japanese society.
Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996, created by Satoshi Tajiri. Today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world.
2- Neon Genesis Evangelion:
Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most lasting and significant pillars for fans of anime, manga and pop culture over the past two decades, thanks to the innovative television series and animated films.
The title of the program can be directly translated into « The Gospel of a New Century », which is appropriate since Evangelion uses a ton of themes, names and events of Kabbalah, the Bible and Judaism to develop its history. It’s about fighting the angels that were put on this earth by Lilith (a kind of Angel) and one of the weapons used against them is the Longinus Spear. Angel’s first name is Adam, the fighting force that fights the Angels uses a trio of supercomputers called Magi, and the robots are called Evangelions or EVA.
The plot is based on « Shinji Ikari » who at the age of 14 is summoned by his father to the city of Neo Tokyo-3 after several years of separation. There he involuntarily accepts the task of becoming the pilot of a giant robot with the name EVA01 and protecting the world from the enigmatic invaders known as « angels. » Although he repeatedly wonders why he has accepted this mission from his cold and distant father, doing so helps him gradually accept himself.
However, why exactly the angels attack and what are their father’s true intentions has not yet been deciphered.
The message of Evangelion is very important, since in the final chapters of the television series they take the observer to analyze himself and discover all the possible realities that exist in this life.
