Disney’s head of anime says that while Japanese storytelling remains constant, some more acceptable expressions may be necessary to avoid offense.
Disney head of anime Takuto Yahata says that while Japan’s fundamental storytelling remains constant, some more acceptable expressions may be necessary to avoid offense.
Yahata recently spoke to Mantan Web regarding Disney’s position in the anime market and how it’s transformed over the last few years. “Japanese anime is now entering a golden age. The size of the market has exceeded three trillion yen and continues to reach new highs,” Yahata said, before highlighting that the medium has expanded beyond a small set of fans who bought Blu-rays and DVDs. With anime now streaming worldwide, Yahata was asked whether Japan’s “unique” and “radical” form of expression needed to change.
“I don’t think any major shift has been made,” Yahata said. “The fundamental storytelling, the precision of the action, etc. have not changed, but there may be a shift toward adopting more acceptable expressions. To be seen by many people, expressions that do not hurt or mislead people are a given. That is not a negative thing, but perhaps an evolution. When videograms were the focus, there was a tendency for only those who wanted to buy to buy. Now that we’re distributing to a larger market with a service that can be viewed by adults and children at any time, our awareness is changing.”
Disney Head of Anime Comments Cause Worry Over Censorship & Political Correctness
Yahata’s words attracted concern from some anime fans, who believe the appeal of Japanese anime is that it doesn’t cater to Western sensibilities. Some creators, like Black Jack and Mysterious Disappearances episode director Kentaro Mizuno, share the same sentiment, posting via X that “anime could easily fall into the trap of political correctness to sell in the Western and Chinese cultural spheres.” Others disagree that anime’s continued globalization is a cause for concern, like One Piece Film: Red and Code Geass director Goro Taniguchi, who says that anime has always considered overseas reception and has made changes to be appreciated by all.
Yahata concluded his interview by saying, “I believe that no matter the setting, the points that impress people remain the same. What is the best storytelling that is universal and of any era? I believe that it can deliver equal excitement to all countries, regions, and generations. The combinations are endless, and although new things continue to be created, there are some things that will never change.”
Source:
https://www.cbr.com/disney-anime-acceptable-wide-market-audience/
