ANIME'S PARADOX: SIMPLE IN A WORLD OF HYPER-REALISM

The animation industry around the world is at its most advanced stage ever in 2025. Hollywood studios and big streaming services use hyper-realistic 3D rendering, AI-driven visual effects, and immersive CGI to make animations that strive to replicate reality with utmost precision. In contrast, Japanese anime, which is much less advanced in terms of technology, still captivates people all over the world with its unique style and storytelling.

Anime has become a global phenomenon, with old favorites like Naruto and Dragon Ball and newer hits like Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer. What makes this strange situation possible? Why is a less advanced type of animation so popular in movies, fashion, and even on social media?

The Secret to Anime's Popularity

1. Storytelling Instead of Showmanship: Unlike Hollywood, which often prioritizes visual appeal over narrative depth, anime is a realm of rich storytelling. Works like One Piece and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood craft intricate worlds with emotional depth and moral complexity, drawing audiences into enduring sagas that span decades.

2. Universality of Culture: Anime characters, such as Goku, Naruto, and Tanjiro, embody struggles that resonate with people worldwide. While anime's themes are rooted in Japanese culture, they transcend borders, addressing universal concepts like friendship, hope, and perseverance.

3. Identity as an Artist: Anime doesn't try to be realistic; instead, it celebrates stylization. It is easy to tell what it is because of its over-the-top facial expressions, famous eyes, and color schemes that mean something. This artistic style makes it stand out in a sea of hyper-realistic Western animations that are often indistinguishable.

4. Culture of Community and Fandom: Anime is more than just a type of content; it's a cultural movement. Cosplay events, fan art, conventions like Anime Expo in Los Angeles or Comiket in Tokyo, and online sites like Crunchyroll and Netflix have made fandom a way of life.

5. Influence across industries: Anime isn't just for screens; it also affects music, fashion, and games. Anime-inspired campaigns by Louis Vuitton and Uniqlo x Demon Slayer show how anime styles have become part of the design language around the world.

What Creative Industries Can Learn

Anime shows that:

• People want stories that matter, not just technology.

• Stylization and identity can be stronger than realism.

• Content made by the community can last longer than one medium.

• Anime has taught the world that in the digital age, authenticity is more important than perfection.

Teaching the Next Generation of Artists

Our Digital Media Design program at Raffles Jakarta gets students ready for this exact future, where technology, storytelling, and a deep understanding of cultural references come together. We teach our students cutting-edge design tools and creative skills, along with the cultural knowledge that underpins the global appeal of anime, to help them succeed in fields like animation, gaming, fashion, media, and more. Anime teaches us that creativity with heart can beat even the most advanced technology. And that's what our students are making for the future.

Arman POUREISA

Marketing Manager

Business Management Lecturer

Raffles Jakarta

References

Crunchyroll. (2025). Anime popularity and streaming growth report. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.crunchyroll.com

Netflix. (2024, October 18). Netflix doubles down on anime with new global partnerships. Netflix Newsroom. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://about.netflix.com

Statista. (2025). Anime industry worldwide – statistics and facts. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.statista.com

The Japan Times. (2024, December 14). Why anime resonates globally in the streaming era. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.japantimes.co.jp

Vogue Business. (2023, August 25). Anime aesthetics reshape global fashion collaborations. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.voguebusiness.com