What's Behind the Growing Popularity of Japanese Comics and Animations in the U.S.?
Ask students: What was the peak of manga sales in the U.S.? Where did the film "Everything Everywhere All at Once" win best picture?
Japanese animation and comic books have exploded in popularity in the United States over the last few years. From floats in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to a win at this year's Oscars, the genre has seen an increasing amount of visibility in American culture. Ali Rogin reports.
View the transcript of the story.
Discussion Questions
- Who is Ale Guevara?
- What was the peak of manga sales in the U.S.?
- Where did the film "Everything Everywhere All at Once" win best picture?
- When did manga sales in the U.S. quadruple?
- Why did Guevara's cousins recommend One Piece?
Focus Questions
Think about the media and entertainment you consume.
- Is most of it produced in the United States or in other countries?
- Are you a fan of any shows, movies, books, comics or art from other countries? If so, what?
- What do you think is the impact on U.S. culture from artistic imports such as maga and anime?
Media literacy: What do you think manga and anime creators might think about their international popularity when making their art, or do you think they focus primarily on Japanese audiences?
Extension Activity
Watch the following video about American comics creator Stan Lee. How do you think Lee's values are reflected in Marvel comics and movies? Do you think comics and superheroes can influence broader cultural trends?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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