Introduction 1.1 Rationale
Aims of the study
This study investigates the impact of Japanese manga and anime on primary school children in Hai Phong city, focusing on ways to enhance their positive effects while mitigating any negative consequences.
Two research questions were addressed as follow:
What are the influences of Japanese manga and anime on primary schoolers in Hai Phong city?
What are the solutions to Japanese manga and anime’s impact on primary schoolers in Hai Phong city?
Methods of the study
In order to complete this study, the following methods were employed:
The study employed both analytic and synthetic methods to comprehensively review theories from various credible sources, establishing a robust framework for data analysis.
Second, survey methods were used to gather data of the primary schoolers to have an overview and the most accurate view of the current situation
Third, interview methods were used to add several information from schoolers’ parents and bosses of book stores.
Scope of the study
The impact of Japanese manga and anime on primary school students is significant; however, my study focuses specifically on Dong Hai Primary School in Hai Phong city, where I previously studied, due to the extensive nature of the topic.
Design of the study
This study is composed of three main parts:
Part 1 is the introduction which consists of rationale, aims, study methods, the scope and design of the study
Part 2 is the development- the main part of this paper which is divided into four chapters :
- Chapter one is theoretical background of Japanese manga and anime
- Chapter two shows detailed explanation of the methodology
- Chapter three indicates real situation and the influence of Japanese manga and anime on primary schoolers in Hai Phong city
- Chapter four is comments and solutions to the impact of Japanese manga and anime on primary schoolers in Hai Phong city
Part 3 is the conclusion which summarizes what was given in previous parts.
Development
1.1.1 General theoretic issues about manga and anime
Manga refers to comics or graphic novels originating from Japan, characterized by a unique style that emerged in the late 19th century This art form has a rich and intricate history rooted in earlier Japanese artistic traditions.
The term “manga” in Japan is a word used to refer to both comics and cartooning “Manga” as a term used outside Japan refers to comics originally published in Japan
Manga, a term meaning "flowing words" or "undisciplined words" in Japanese, is an ancient art form that has served as entertainment for centuries Essentially, it refers to Japanese comic books that can be easily translated into English.
And Cataphract (2004) is thought that “Manga is to Anime what Comics is to Cartoons”
Anime is hand-drawn and computer animation originating from or associated with Japan
Anime, derived from the Japanese term for animation, encompasses all forms of animated media However, outside Japan, it specifically refers to Japanese animation, known for its colorful graphics, vibrant characters, and fantastical themes This broader interpretation allows for the possibility of anime produced in other countries, though many in the West traditionally view it as exclusively a Japanese product Some scholars argue that defining anime as quintessentially Japanese may reflect a new form of orientalism.
Anime refers to animated works created in Japan, as noted by Brad Stephenson (2019) The term is commonly used by those outside Japan to describe both animated series and films originating from the country Essentially, using "anime" in English conversations equates to referring to Japanese cartoons or animated shows.
Literature Review
Overview of Japanese manga and anime
1.1.1 General theoretic issues about manga and anime
Manga refers to a style of comics or graphic novels that originated in Japan, characterized by its unique artistic style that developed in the late 19th century This genre has deep roots in earlier Japanese art, showcasing a rich and intricate history.
The term “manga” in Japan is a word used to refer to both comics and cartooning “Manga” as a term used outside Japan refers to comics originally published in Japan
Manga, a term that translates to "flowing words" or "undisciplined words" in Japanese, is an ancient art form that has served as a source of entertainment for centuries Essentially, it refers to Japanese comic books that can be easily translated into English.
And Cataphract (2004) is thought that “Manga is to Anime what Comics is to Cartoons”
Anime is hand-drawn and computer animation originating from or associated with Japan
Anime, derived from the Japanese term for animation, encompasses all forms of animated media However, outside of Japan, it specifically refers to animation originating from Japan, characterized by colorful graphics, vibrant characters, and fantastical themes This culturally nuanced understanding of anime may also allow for the recognition of animated works produced in other countries Nevertheless, many in the West tend to view anime strictly as a product of Japan, with some scholars arguing that defining it as quintessentially Japanese reflects a new form of orientalism.
According to Brad Stephenson (2019), the term "anime" refers to animated works created in Japan, as understood by audiences outside the country In English discussions, it is synonymous with Japanese animated series or films, highlighting its distinct cultural origin and artistic style.
1.1.1.2 Trait and roles of Japanese manga and anime
Manga has a rich history that dates back to early Japan, where it began as simple comic strips that captivated audiences with their entertainment value This art form has played a significant role in the evolution of Japanese art In the 6th and 7th centuries, monks created parchment rolls with symbolic images, including animal characters that mirrored human actions, laying the groundwork for modern manga The Choju-jinbutsu-giga paintings celebrated the connection between animals and humans, serving as an early precursor to manga The term "manga" was first officially used in 1798 to describe Santou Kyouden's picture book "Shiji no Yukikai" (Four Seasons), and it reemerged in 1814 with Aikawa Mina's "Manga hyakujo" and the renowned "Hokusai Manga" by the famous ukiyo-e artist Hokusai, further embedding the concept of manga in Japanese culture during the Edo Period (1603-1867).
Manga, a term popularized by the artist Hokusai, represents a significant shift in artistic philosophy during his time Known for his rebellious spirit, Hokusai often clashed with his teachers and challenged traditional methods Throughout his career, he produced approximately 30,000 works, many of which included anthologies and published books.
Hokusai defined "manga" not as a meticulous art form focused on detailed character drawings or narratives, but rather as "bizarre painting," emphasizing improvisation in pen-based illustrations His approach, which often resulted in intricate landscape paintings, encouraged artists to express spontaneity rather than strictly planning their work This natural and innovative method laid the groundwork for the diverse styles and storylines seen in modern manga Hokusai's breakthrough in this painting style marked a significant shift in artistic expression, influencing future generations of manga artists.
“manga” stories had not appeared until the very beginning 20 th century
As Japan entered the 20th century, its diplomatic engagement with the world led to the introduction of "short comic strips," which became a pivotal influence in the rise of manga as a dominant force in the Japanese publishing market This era's manga, known as Ponchi-e, saw the publication of magazines featuring caricatures ranging from 1 to 4 pages, with foreign artists brought in to educate Japanese students on techniques involving lines, colors, and shapes.
During the war, Japanese comics and caricatures served multiple purposes, providing humor and entertainment while also incorporating Western narratives They were utilized for propaganda and satire to promote national interests and boost soldier morale However, following significant defeats by the Allies at the conclusion of World War II, their role and impact shifted dramatically.
II, many Japanese comics were subject to heavy censorship by the victors, and the development of what would become "manga "Japan seems to be postponed indefinitely
After the war, Osamu Tezuka emerged as a pivotal figure in revitalizing the manga art scene, introducing a new genre that blended elements of Disney's animation style with German and French cinematography His innovative approach laid the foundation for the first true manga model, establishing an industry that continues to hold a significant role in modern Japanese culture.
Japanese animation, or anime, has its roots in 1917 and has experienced steady growth in production over the years The distinctive anime art style, popularized by Osamu Tezuka in the 1960s, gained international recognition in the late twentieth century, attracting a vast audience both domestically and globally Anime is distributed through various channels, including theatrical releases, television broadcasts, home media, and online platforms, and encompasses a wide range of genres to appeal to both broad and niche audiences.
Anime is a unique art form that has evolved with technology, blending graphic art, characterization, and cinematography Its production emphasizes realistic settings and camera effects like panning and zooming, rather than just movement Hand-drawn animation creates a fictional gap that allows audiences to escape into imaginative worlds easily With a variety of art styles and diverse character designs, including large emotive eyes, anime captivates viewers with its individualistic techniques.
Japanese anime and comics serve as a gateway for the younger generation to explore and understand Japanese culture, significantly influencing their lifestyle and perspectives.
Generic manga and anime of Japanese
1.2.1 Japanese manga and anime industry
According to Hays (2009), the manga industry in Japan represents a significant portion of the book and magazine market, accounting for one-third of total sales, which amounts to approximately $10 billion annually With around two billion manga sold each year, they constitute 40 percent of all books and magazines in the country Successful manga often lead to animated television shows or films, gaining popularity in Japan and a growing fan base in the United States and Europe Additionally, these franchises expand into video games, trading cards, and merchandise, with the character goods market alone valued at $3.5 billion.
In 2007, the sale of manga books and magazines stood at around ¥470 billion.Most years about 20 to 30 percent of television dramas are derived from manga
According to a research of Hiromichi Masuda: “The market recorded 108.0% growth and the highest sales in 2017, finally crossing the 2 trillion yen mark driven by overseas sales”
The Japanese animation market, which experienced a downturn in 2009, rebounded in 2010 and has since recorded seven consecutive years of growth, achieving its highest sales for the fourth year in a row The market size surpassed two trillion yen, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 110% While videogram sales plummeted by 84.9%, and declines were also seen in TV (98.8%), merchandising (97.1%), and pachinko (95.8%), sectors such as movies (141.4%), music (110.5%), internet distribution (109.4%), live entertainment (129.5%), and overseas markets (131.6%) showed significant expansion.
The success of the blockbuster film "Your Name" significantly boosted sales in the Japanese animation market, particularly in overseas markets, which saw the highest revenue Notably, 2017 marked a pivotal year as it was the first time the Japanese animation market surpassed previous sales records.
(From a report about anime industry data in 2018)
The market achieved sales of 2 trillion 152.7 billion yen, marking eight consecutive years of growth and five years of record-high sales Key genres that expanded include TV (100.9%), Internet Distribution (113%), and Live Entertainment (116%), while five genres—Movie (61.7%), Videogram (97.1%), Merchandising (93.0%), Music (91.6%), and Pachinko (95.8%)—experienced declines Notably, overseas sales surged by 129.6%, offsetting the downturn in the other five genres Over the past decade, TV has grown by 115.7%, peaking in 2015, while Movie sales have consistently expanded at 193.4% Internet Distribution has shown dramatic growth at 551.0%, while Videogram declined to 59.9% Although Merchandising decreased to 87.6% since its peak in 2014, it is believed that the genre could have grown significantly if sales from uncounted areas like app games were included Music has remained stable at 99.2% since peaking in 2009 Overseas sales, after a significant drop post-2000s peak, have surged again since 2015, now leading the market Pachinko, a genre introduced nine years ago, peaked in 2014 but has seen gradual decline, while Live Entertainment, introduced four years ago, has experienced remarkable growth at 251%.
1.2.2 The influence of Japanese manga and anime on international market
By 2007, manga significantly impacted international comics, reflecting its growing influence over the previous two decades This influence encompasses both the effects on global comic markets and the aesthetic inspiration it provided to artists worldwide.
Manga stories typically read from top to bottom and right to left, a format preserved by some translated manga publishers However, other publishers opt to mirror the pages horizontally, altering the reading direction to a more familiar left to right for Western audiences, which aims to prevent confusion among readers accustomed to traditional comics This practice is known as page mirroring.
Flipping comics can disrupt the original intentions of the creator, as it alters text and visuals in ways that may confuse readers For instance, when a shirt labeled "MAY" is flipped, it becomes "YAM," which can detract from the reading experience This flipping can lead to disorienting scenarios, such as text contradicting the imagery, where a character references something on their left while pointing right Additionally, characters who are right-handed may appear left-handed post-flip, and familiar objects may be misrepresented, like cars with reversed pedals While these issues can be addressed with careful adaptation, the primary concern remains the unnatural reading flow that results from flipping without thoughtful consideration.
The influence of manga on the European market differs significantly from that in the U.S., with broadcast anime in France and Italy paving the way for manga's popularity since the 1970s French art has historically drawn inspiration from Japan, a trend that began in the 19th century with Japonism By the mid-1990s, manga had captured a substantial audience, making up about one-third of comic sales in France since 2004 The Japan External Trade Organization reported that manga sales reached $212.6 million in France and Germany in 2006, with France alone accounting for approximately 50% of the European market, making it the second largest globally after Japan In 2013, 41 publishers in France produced manga, which, along with other Asian comics, constituted around 40% of new comic releases, surpassing Franco-Belgian comics for the first time European publishers such as Asuka, Casterman, Glénat, Kana, and Pika Édition translate manga into French, Dutch, German, and Italian, while in Germany, manga comprised about 70% of all comics sold in 2007 In the UK, notable manga publishers include Gollancz and Titan Books, alongside American publishers like Random House's Tanoshimi line, which have a strong marketing presence.
Manga gradually entered the U.S market, initially linked to anime, which was more accessible to fans in the 1970s and early 1980s College-age audiences found it easier to acquire and share anime on videotapes than to translate and distribute manga One of the first English-translated manga was Keiji Nakazawa's Barefoot Gen, an autobiographical account of the Hiroshima bombing, published by Leonard Rifas and Educomics between 1980 and 1982 The translation of manga increased significantly during the mid-1980s to 1990s, further expanding its presence in the U.S market.
In the late 1980s, a surge of influential manga titles emerged in the U.S., starting with "13" in 1986 and "Lone Wolf and Cub" from First Comics in 1987, followed by notable releases such as "Kamui," "Area 88," and "Mai the Psychic Girl" from Viz Media-Eclipse Comics This trend continued with iconic works like "Akira" from Marvel Comics' Epic imprint, "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" from Viz Media, and "Appleseed" from Eclipse Comics in 1988 The momentum carried into the mid-90s with titles like "Iczer-1" and Ippongi Bang's "F-111 Bandit," both published by Antarctic Press.
From the 1980s to the mid-1990s, Japanese animation, including titles like Akira, Dragon Ball, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Pokémon, significantly influenced the fan experience and market, overshadowing manga The landscape shifted with the establishment of Studio Proteus by translator-entrepreneur Toren Smith in 1986, which facilitated the translation of notable Japanese manga such as Masamune Shirow's Appleseed and Kōsuke Fujishima's Oh My Goddess! for publishers like Dark Horse and Eros Comix Concurrently, the Japanese publisher Shogakukan launched a U.S market initiative through its subsidiary Viz, allowing direct access to Shogakukan's extensive catalogue and translation resources.
In the mid-1990s, Japanese publishers sought to enter the U.S market due to stagnation in domestic manga sales, coinciding with a surge in popularity for anime and manga like Masamune Shirow's Ghost in the Shell This era also saw the immense success of Sailor Moon, which was translated and dubbed in English, and by 1995-1998, its manga was exported to over 23 countries, including China and North America In 1997, Mixx Entertainment launched the monthly manga magazine MixxZine, publishing titles such as Sailor Moon, CLAMP's Magic Knight Rayearth, and Hitoshi Iwaaki's Parasyte MixxZine was rebranded as Tokyopop in 1999 and continued publishing manga until its discontinuation in 2011, targeting both young male and female audiences through aggressive marketing strategies.
In recent years, manga has surged in popularity, with new publishers entering the market and established ones expanding their offerings The Pokémon manga, Electric Tale of Pikachu, made history by selling over one million copies of its first issue in the United States, becoming the best-selling comic book since 1993 By 2008, the U.S and Canadian manga market reached annual sales of $175 million, attracting attention from major media outlets like The New York Times and Time magazine As of 2017, Viz Media emerged as the leading publisher of graphic novels in the U.S., holding a 23% market share Notably, manga is one of the fastest-growing segments within the comic book industry, outpacing the overall market's growth of 5% Furthermore, manga readers tend to be younger and more diverse, with 76% under 30 and a 16% higher female readership compared to traditional comic book audiences.
Besides, The Japanese animation on international market is undeniable as seen in the figure below
The comparison of domestic and overseas market sizes reveals that since 2015, the overseas market has seen significant growth, nearly surpassing the domestic market, which peaked in 2014 and has since declined for three consecutive years, particularly in major genres like Merchandising and Pachinko While the inclusion of sales from application games and other digital merchandise could indicate a potential increase in the domestic market, the current reliance on overseas sales is evident This dependence raises concerns, especially given the risks posed by political changes in China and the dominance of U.S platforms in distribution Despite record sales in the market, the animation industry remains stagnant, likely due to limited opportunities for studios to benefit from the surge in internet distribution and application game sales It is crucial for the transitioning domestic market to stabilize for the benefit of both the industry and overall market health.
Real situation of publishing, consuming Japanese manga and watching
watching anime on the internet in Hai Phong
1.3.1 Real situation of publishing and consuming Japanese manga in HP
In today's digital age, Vietnam has embraced 4.0 technology, making it easy to access manga through electronic devices Despite this advancement, the printed manga market remains vibrant and active According to Mrs Men, the owner of a manga store, "Manga is imported to Hai Phong every Tuesday and Friday," and her store caters to a large young fan base, selling approximately 350 different storybooks each week.
1.3.2 Real situation of watching anime on the internet in HP
The GDP growth in Hai Phong has led to widespread ownership of computers, iPads, and mobile phones among residents With advancements in technology, internet access is now available anytime and anywhere, allowing fans to enjoy anime at their convenience This accessibility has resulted in a significant surge in viewership on anime websites, highlighting the immense popularity and appeal of Japanese anime among the youth in Hai Phong.
Methodology
Data collection and analysis
In total of 200 questionnaires, I have obtained the following results:
Data analysis reveals that 89% of children enjoy manga and anime, demonstrating significant enthusiasm for these genres Early exposure to manga and anime can greatly influence children, with the extent of this impact varying based on individual preferences.
Figure 3: The popularity of Japanese manga and anime
Findings and discussion
Primary schoolers’s popularity of reading manga and watching anime
In total of 200 questionnaires, I have obtained the following results:
Data analysis reveals that 89% of children enjoy manga and anime, demonstrating a significant enthusiasm for these genres However, early exposure to manga and anime can have lasting effects on children, with the degree of influence varying based on individual characteristics.
Figure 3: The popularity of Japanese manga and anime
Primary schoolers’s frequency of reading manga and watching anime
Figure 4: The frequency of reading manga and watching anime
A significant 66% of children engage in reading manga and watching anime during their free time, while 21% do so multiple times a week, 8% on weekends, and 6% once a week This trend highlights that the majority of children prefer these activities in their leisure time, often making it challenging for parents to monitor their screen time effectively.
In addition, reading manga and watching anime too much can make their eyes become tiring and make children inactive.
Types of reading manga and watching anime
Figure 5: Types of manga and anime the children likes
Adventure is the most popular genre of manga and anime for children, accounting for 41%, followed by horror at 35% Action and detective genres are also favored by 29% of children These genres can have a significant impact on a child's psychology and personality, often featuring violent themes such as fighting, murder, and supernatural elements, which may negatively influence young viewers without proper parental guidance In contrast, educational and entertaining genres like comedy (19%), historical (16%), science fiction and fantasy (19%), and sports and games (16%) are more beneficial and should be encouraged by parents for post-school viewing Historical manga and anime, in particular, can spark children's interest in history Additionally, romance (7%) and other genres (11%) are suitable only for those aged 16 and older, and parents should limit access to these types for younger audiences.
Ways of reading manga and watching anime
Figure 6: Ways of reading manga and watching anime
The bar chart illustrates that mobile devices are the predominant means for children to read manga and watch anime, accounting for 47% This trend indicates that parents are permitting unrestricted access to mobile phones, which can be detrimental to children's well-being In second place is the computer at 23%, followed by the iPad at 19%, highlighting children's easy access to advanced technology Conversely, television is the least preferred option, comprising only 2% of the total To ensure better management of their viewing habits, parents should encourage children to use TV and printed materials, which can also shield them from the potentially negative influences of manga and anime.
Locations for reading manga and watching anime
Figure 7: Locations for reading manga and watching anime
The chart illustrate the ideal places for children to read manga and watch anime
Home is the preferred location for enjoying manga and anime, with 72% of children choosing it, followed by bookstores at 40%, other venues at 25%, and libraries at just 10% The rise of digital technology has facilitated access to manga and anime from home, leading to a decline in library popularity among children Bookstores remain popular as they offer the opportunity to read new manga, while coffee shops and internet cafes also serve as alternative places for children to indulge in their favorite media.
Students’ feelings about read manga and watch anime
Figure 8: Students’s feelings about the influence of manga and anime
The chart reveals that sexual awareness in children stands at 90%, followed by personality development at 56%, aesthetic appreciation and art at 47%, and languages, action, and hobbies at 35% Most children recognize the differences between boys and girls, enabling them to identify inappropriate behavior from strangers and report it to their parents Furthermore, while manga and anime can positively influence children's understanding of behavior and a strong lifestyle, some content may lead to increased violence and unruliness.
Manga and anime, originating from Japan, offer an excellent resource for children interested in the Japanese language These mediums allow kids to practice listening and speaking, enhancing their vocabulary while exposing them to culturally rich and educational dialogue Additionally, they promote politeness and instill a sense of cultural and ethical values, making them beneficial tools for language learning and character development.
Japanese manga and anime significantly influence children's behavior, promoting virtues such as kindness and hard work These mediums teach children to be more aware of their surroundings and daily responsibilities, making them effective tools for cognitive education from an early age.
Manga and anime significantly influence children's interests, much like online games, by immersing them in a fantasy world This immersion can lead to a preference for fictional experiences over real-life interactions, resulting in social withdrawal A notable example is the increasing number of young Japanese individuals who isolate themselves in their rooms, which has contributed to the country's economic challenges.
Manga and anime can significantly enhance children's artistic skills, particularly in painting Many enthusiasts of these art forms often engage in painting as a hobby By fostering a supportive environment, parents can nurture their children's artistic abilities from an early age, making this an important consideration for their development.
Comments and solutions to the impact of Japanese manga and
The impacts of Japanese manga and anime on primary schoolers in HP
First of all, it is undeniable that manga has a significant influence on the formation of the personality of children
Manga and anime play a significant role in entertainment, especially for children in Hai Phong facing stressful academic pressures The comedic elements in these mediums provide a refreshing escape, allowing kids to unwind and bond over shared laughter about characters in the stories Beyond mere entertainment, manga and anime also offer positive effects that contribute to children's overall well-being.
They contribute to establish civilized behavior and ethical behavior for children
Manga and anime frequently convey profound educational themes, as exemplified by the beloved series Doraemon This story resonates with children in urban areas, promoting values of friendship and unity among peers Characters like Chaien, Nobita, and Suneo exemplify respect for elders and highlight the importance of environmental awareness.
Nguyen Ngoc Minh Chau, a primary school student, highlights the valuable lessons learned from characters like Doremon, Conan, and Yugi These lessons emphasize kindness, altruism, independence, and the importance of helping friends Minh Chau believes that true friendship and love are built on mutual support during tough times, trust, and the ability to share both joys and sorrows, fostering an open and harmonious life.
Aesthetic education plays a vital role in developing children's artistic tastes and enhancing their ability to appreciate and create beauty in both life and art Japanese manga and anime have significantly influenced young minds, showcasing not only captivating characters with long legs and large eyes but also stunning landscapes and cultural symbols, such as cherry blossoms and samurai These elements resonate deeply with children, forming lasting impressions of beauty For children who primarily learn through visual perception, incorporating comics into their education proves to be an effective method As Danh Hai noted, to embody charm and beauty, one must choose outfits that reflect their unique personality and intelligence rather than merely following trends.
Sexual education is a recurring theme in manga and anime, addressing early emotions and the secret experiences of boys and girls during puberty These narratives often depict the innocent desires and strategies of young characters, such as Nobita, Suneo, and Chaien, as they seek the affection of their attractive classmate, Xuka.
Children can enhance their knowledge and creativity through engaging activities The "Doraemon book - maths cube" serves as an entertaining resource for kids, allowing them to learn while playing It promotes creativity through various tasks, such as solving jigsaw puzzles, assisting with household chores, and engaging in carpentry projects These activities not only stimulate critical thinking but also help children discover effective methods for quick calculations, which they can apply in their school subjects.
Japanese manga and anime offer valuable insights into the beauty of nature and the human spirit Through titles like "Queen of Egypt," readers can explore the rich history of the Nile and ancient temples, while "Doraemon" introduces them to iconic landscapes such as Mount Fuji and the Hawaiian Sea.
The episode "Dinosaur" from the Doraemon series allows third-grade children to easily understand the types, birth, and extinction of dinosaurs millions of years ago Additionally, it explores the mysteries of stars and the laws of the universe through Japanese mysticism, fostering logical thinking and curiosity in young minds.
The manga captivates readers not only with its engaging plot and attractive themes but also through its simple yet flexible drawing style This unique approach highlights key elements while effectively conveying the story, creating an intriguing visual charm that encourages students to explore and imagine Through art, children are guided to appreciate beauty and enjoy creativity, transforming their perspective on painting With straightforward strokes reminiscent of manga characters, they can express their thoughts and ideas Additionally, manga serves as a tool for students to understand concepts of geometry and mathematics, helping them achieve better accuracy in scaling and balancing images.
It is worth noting that manga and anime not only affects children's cultural activities, but also the painting style for children in Vietnam, including Hai Phong
Unlike reading, the influence of Japanese manga on Vietnam's art of drawing comics through two distinct trends: active and non-active reception
The phenomenon of "amateur painters" among children in Vietnam, particularly those interested in manga and comic drawing, reflects a growing trend influenced by Japanese styles The three leading comic magazines in the country—Vietnamese Prodigy Fanclub, M’heaven, and Young Comics—boast a monthly circulation of nearly 50,000 copies and primarily feature works from the 8X and 9X generations However, many critics argue that the comics published in these magazines heavily borrow from Japanese aesthetics This influence is evident in the art styles of students applying to Yet Kieu Fine Arts University, where professors have noted a shift in how children depict their family members, suggesting that their portrayals lack the roundness and completeness of previous generations, instead mirroring the flat, stylized characters found in Japanese comics.
+ Active reception is shown in publishers such as Kim Dong Publishing House, Educational Publishing House, comic book bookstores, such as Phan Thi
Kim Dong Publishing House has successfully tapped into the appeal of manga-style comics for children, launching annual campaigns that attract talented artists nationwide Since its inaugural competition in 1999, the publisher has emphasized that children's comics should feature unique layouts and evoke strong visual emotions This has led to the emergence of notable works that resonate with young readers, such as "Ti and Teo Adventure Ky" by artist Dao Hai, which captures the essence of childhood through humor and engaging storytelling The series combines entertaining narratives with educational content, fostering a love for reading among the youth while reflecting the imaginative spirit of contemporary children.
The "Vietnamese Prodigy" series, produced by Young Publishing House in collaboration with Phan Thi Company, marks a significant milestone as the first Vietnamese manga-style comic series Featuring beloved characters like Ty, Ox, and Tiger, this series has transcended comic pages to become a cultural phenomenon, appearing on merchandise such as T-shirts and school supplies, similar to iconic figures like Hello Kitty and Doraemon The enduring popularity of these characters has enabled authors to explore historical narratives through comics, effectively merging storytelling with visual art This innovative approach allows readers to experience history in a dynamic, engaging format, positioning comic books as a vital cultural medium in the modern audiovisual era.
Phan Thi and his team have partnered with Kim Dong Publishing House to create a 14-volume historical comic series that reinterprets the Hung Vuong era, focusing on the legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh This project stands out despite the existence of numerous previous comics based on these myths.
Faced with the passion of young people, many universities have opened a new major: Animation - Manga- Digital for young people who are passionate about creating comics
As such, manga style has had a great influence, not only on the art of painting in Chinese and Korean comics, but also in Vietnam
Besides, primary schoolers in Hai Phong also received numerous benefits from Japanese manga and anime as well as historical manga of Viet Nam
While Japanese comics offer positive experiences, they also pose negative effects on teenagers and children A survey of parents and teachers reveals concerns about the impact of manga on language use, with many children adopting shortened phrases and mimicking the speech patterns of martial artists and detectives This shift includes using "I" instead of more appropriate terms like "children" or "grandchildren" when speaking to adults or peers Such changes in communication styles not only affect verbal interactions but also impair writing skills and literary thinking Consequently, parents believe that both comics in general and manga specifically have adversely affected their children's literary development.
The manga explores the detective genre, showcasing dynamic action figures and character movements through vivid onomatopoeia like "boom," "bup," and "flap," which enhance the fight scenes This creative expression often spills over into real-life scenarios, as illustrated by a student who, after being reprimanded by a teacher, drew a dagger-wielding girl piercing her heart, reflecting her feelings through comic-inspired imagery and intense emotions.
Solutions to the impact of Japanese manga and anime on primary
Local authorities must implement age verification measures for accessing manga and anime sites unsuitable for children Furthermore, it is essential that retailers refrain from selling manga and anime that contain violence or pornography to protect young audiences.
At the same time, reviewing and preventing products with inappropriate content including gun items, plastic swords should be strictly superivised
4.2.2 Solutions to publishers and manufacturers
Publishers and manufacturers must include clear warnings on the outside of manga and CD covers to help parents identify appropriate content This labeling also assists distributors and retailers in classifying products by audience and age, resulting in more effective management of culturally sensitive products in the market.
Parents should familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of manga and anime to help direct their children towards age-appropriate films and comics By selecting suitable movies and managing viewing time and content, they can ensure a positive experience for their kids.
Elementary students should avoid cultural products that include violence, pornography, and horror If you are unsure about which films are appropriate, it’s important to consult your parents before watching This approach helps ensure your safety and well-being.
Conclusion 1 Summary
Limitations
Although this research was carefully prepared, I am still aware of its limitations and shortcomings
First of all, I haven't analyzed in depth the influence of manga and anime on each category individually
Besides, I also haven't taken many measures to minimize the negative influence of manga and anime.
Recommendations for further study
This study acknowledges limitations in its data collection methods, primarily due to time and financial constraints, which resulted in the designed exercises being administered to a small sample of primary school students Consequently, the researcher suggests that future studies should expand the participant pool to enhance the validity and reliability of the findings.
The reliability and accuracy of the collected data were significantly impacted, indicating a need for future studies to target students in secondary, high schools, or universities Additionally, this minor thesis primarily focuses on understanding the influence of manga and anime while proposing solutions Therefore, upcoming research should explore and offer solutions for individuals of various age groups.
Despite the noted shortcomings, this study aims to significantly mitigate the negative impacts of manga and anime on primary school students in Hai Phong.
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February 3 rd 2017 from https://pantherperspectives.wordpress.com/2017/02/03/the-importance-of- manga-and-anime/
8 Schodt, F L (1996) Dreamland Japan: Writings on Modern Manga
Berkeley, California: Stone Bridge Press
9 Simon, B (2003) Manga Retrieved October 2 nd 2003 from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=manga
APPENDIX Questionnaire about the influence of Japanese manga and anime
Bảng câu hỏi về ảnh hưởng của manga và anime Nhật
This questionnaire aims to explore the impact of Japanese manga and anime on students at Dong Hai Primary School Your honest responses are greatly appreciated, as all information will remain confidential and solely utilized for research purposes Your participation is vital for my graduation, and I sincerely thank you for your assistance.
Bảng câu hỏi này nhằm điều tra ảnh hưởng của truyện tranh và phim hoạt hình Nhật Bản đối với học sinh tiểu học Đông Hải Tôi mong các em dành thời gian trả lời trung thực các câu hỏi dưới đây Mọi thông tin sẽ được giữ bí mật và chỉ sử dụng cho mục đích nghiên cứu Sự giúp đỡ của các em rất quan trọng cho việc hoàn thành khóa luận tốt nghiệp của tôi Xin chân thành cảm ơn!
Gender (Giới tính): Male (Nam) Female (Nữ)
Class (Lớp): Lớp 3 Lớp 4 Lớp 5
Your age (Tuổi của em):
Here are some pre-prepared questions Please select your answers by circling the options provided.
1 Do you like reading Japanese manga and anime? (Các em có thích đọc truyện tranh và xem phim hoạt hình Nhật Bản không?)
2 How often do you read manga and watch Japanese anime? (Các em có thường xuyên đọc truyện, xem phim hoạt hình Nhật Bản không?)
A Once of week (1 lần 1 tuần)
B Many times of week (Nhiều lần 1 tuần)
C Saturday and Sunday (Thứ 7 và chủ nhật)
D Free time (Lúc rảnh rỗi)
3 What kind of Japanese manga and anime do you like? You can choose multiple answers (Các em thích thể loại truyện và phim nào? Các em có thể chọn nhiều phương án)
H Science fiction and fantasy (Khoa học viễn tưởng và giả tưởng)
I Sports and games (Thể thao và trò chơi)
4 In what ways do you read manga and watch anime? (Các em đọc truyện và xem phim bằng cái gì?
A Phone (Điện thoại di động)
D Paper manga, CD (Truyện giấy, đĩa)
5 Where do you often read manga and watch anime? (Các em thường đọc truyện và xem phim ở đâu?)
B In the library (Ở thư viện)
C In the book store (Ở hiệu sách)