The History of Japanese Manga
Manga, the Japanese form of comics or graphic novels, is a powerful cultural force that blends art
and storytelling in a uniquely expressive way. Known for its vast array of genres and deep
emotional resonance, manga has become a central part of Japanese culture and a global
phenomenon. But manga’s history is long and complex, rooted in centuries of visual storytelling
traditions that evolved alongside Japan’s social and political landscape.
Ancient Origins: From Scrolls to Woodblock Prints
The roots of manga can be traced back to ancient Japanese art forms. One of the earliest examples
of sequential art is the Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga ("Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans") from
the 12th century. These humorous scrolls depicted anthropomorphic animals engaging in human-
like activities, using exaggerated expressions and dynamic motion—elements that would later
define manga.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), Japan saw a flourishing of popular culture, especially in urban
centers. Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” were woodblock prints that depicted everyday
life, kabuki actors, beautiful women, and folklore. Artists like Katsushika Hokusai, known for The
Great Wave off Kanagawa, also created sketchbooks known as Hokusai Manga. Though not manga
in the modern sense, these collections of drawings showed movement, humor, and daily life,
foreshadowing the visual style of later manga.
Modern Beginnings: Meiji Era to Post-War Japan
With the Meiji Restoration in 1868 and the subsequent modernization of Japan, Western influences
began to shape Japanese art and literature. Western-style political cartoons, known as ponchi-e,
introduced new visual techniques and humor.
In the early 20th century, manga began to take its modern form. Artists like Rakuten Kitazawa
were pioneers of political satire and comic strips in newspapers, creating characters with speech
bubbles and exaggerated facial expressions. These early works were aimed at adults but used
techniques that became foundational in manga.
After World War II, Japan experienced a cultural and economic transformation. During the U.S.
occupation (1945–1952), American comics such as Disney cartoons and superhero stories entered
Japan. These had a lasting impact on young artists, none more so than Osamu Tezuka, often called
the “God of Manga.”
The Tezuka Revolution and the Birth of Modern Manga
Osamu Tezuka’s work marked a turning point in the history of manga. In 1947, he published New
Treasure Island, a cinematic adventure story that used dramatic panel layouts and emotionally rich
storytelling. Inspired by Walt Disney's animations, Tezuka gave his characters large, expressive eyes
and employed techniques similar to film editing, such as close-ups and jump cuts.
Tezuka’s influence was vast. His 1952 creation, Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom), became one of
Japan’s first animated TV shows and a symbol of postwar optimism. Other works like Black Jack,
Buddha, and Princess Knight explored themes ranging from medicine to gender identity to
spirituality.
Tezuka’s approach established many conventions of modern manga, including long-form
storytelling (serialized narratives), emotional depth, and genre variety. His legacy paved the way for
manga to become both a mass entertainment medium and a respected art form.
Manga’s Expansion: 1960s–1980s
During the 1960s and 1970s, manga grew rapidly in popularity. Weekly and monthly manga
magazines like Shōnen Jump, Shōjo Friend, and Big Comic emerged, catering to different
demographics:
• Shōnen (boys') manga focused on action, adventure, friendship, and perseverance. Titles
like Golgo 13 and Kamen Rider were popular.
• Shōjo (girls') manga explored romance, fantasy, and emotional relationships, with
pioneering artists like the Year 24 Group, an influential collective of female creators, who
brought psychological depth and complex themes to the genre.
In the 1980s, manga became a dominant force in Japanese publishing. Weekly manga magazines
sold millions of copies, and many series were adapted into anime. This era saw the emergence of
legendary titles like:
• Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama
• Fist of the North Star by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara
• Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi
• Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo
These works were not only domestic successes—they also laid the groundwork for manga’s global
reach.
Global Explosion: 1990s–2000s
The 1990s and early 2000s marked manga’s international breakthrough. As anime gained popularity
outside Japan—through shows like Pokémon, Naruto, One Piece, and Neon Genesis Evangelion—
interest in the original manga soared. English translations became widely available, and manga
sections appeared in Western bookstores.
What set manga apart from Western comics was its emotional storytelling, diverse genres, and
accessibility. Manga was read by people of all ages and backgrounds, and the stories covered
everything from sports and romance to horror and politics.
Major manga publishers like Shueisha, Kodansha, and Shogakukan began licensing titles
worldwide. Manga conventions, fan translations (scanlations), and online communities further
fueled global fandom.
Digital Age and Modern Manga
Today, manga is a global industry with millions of fans around the world. The digital age has made
it even more accessible through apps like Shonen Jump, Manga Plus, and Webtoon platforms that
publish manga-style webcomics. Japanese manga continues to dominate the print industry, both
domestically and abroad.
Contemporary series like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen
have achieved both critical and commercial success, influencing fashion, music, and even tourism.
The manga industry also reflects ongoing social shifts, with growing representation of LGBTQ+
characters, mental health themes, and diverse storytelling perspectives.
Conclusion
The history of Japanese manga is a story of artistic evolution, cultural resilience, and global
connection. From ancient scrolls and woodblock prints to multi-million-selling graphic novels,
manga has always reflected the spirit and struggles of its time. It is not merely a genre or a product
—it is a dynamic cultural language, capable of exploring the full range of human experience. As
manga continues to grow and diversify, it remains one of the most exciting and influential forms of
storytelling in the world.
