Sword Art Online Director Highlights Japanese Anime’s Potential Against Hollywood
Japanese anime has been steadily gaining global recognition in recent years, with several works achieving box office success and audience acclaim rivaling or surpassing Hollywood films. Tomohiko Ito, the renowned director of Sword Art Online, shared his thoughts with Daily Shincho, highlighting the potential of Japanese anime on the international stage while cautioning against over-prioritizing global audience appeal.
Japanese Anime Has Power to Challenge Hollywood
Ito stated that the success of films like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc demonstrates that Japanese anime is making significant strides abroad. He noted that key turning points included Aniplex’s acquisition of Crunchyroll in 2020, the writers’ strikes in Hollywood, and the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which reduced Hollywood’s influence and opened opportunities for anime to become a major global entertainment choice.
Caution Against Over-Globalization
However, Ito warns that aiming too much for “universal appeal” can backfire. He explained that attempting to cater to international audiences sometimes leads to failure, as Japanese creators’ expectations of foreign preferences may not align with reality. Moreover, differences in political correctness and cultural perspectives between the U.S. and Japan are part of what makes anime unique and appealing to international viewers.
This perspective aligns with Hideaki Anno, director of Neon Genesis Evangelion, who previously stated that he never creates works primarily for foreign markets but focuses on satisfying Japanese audiences first. If these works gain overseas popularity, it is seen as a bonus rather than a primary goal. This reflects a consensus among top Japanese creators that authenticity and distinctiveness are anime’s greatest strengths.
Even as Japanese anime continues to expand globally, Ito’s warning underscores that sustainable success comes not from merely conforming to international tastes, but from preserving the originality and charm that have captivated audiences worldwide for decades.
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Source: Automaton
