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 strategies to enhance their positive effects while minimizing any negative influences.
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, this study focuses specifically on Dong Hai Primary School in Hai Phong city due to the vast number of students in the area.
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 deep roots in earlier Japanese artistic traditions, 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, derived from the Japanese term meaning "flowing words" or "undisciplined words," 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 broad cultural interpretation allows for the possibility of anime being produced in other countries, though many in the West tend to define it strictly as a product of Japan Some scholars argue that this narrow definition may reflect a modern form of orientalism.
Anime refers to Japanese animation, a term primarily used by those outside Japan to describe animated series or films produced in the country In English, it essentially denotes Japanese cartoons, encompassing both series and movies.
Literature Review
Overview of Japanese manga and anime
1.1.1 General theoretic issues about manga and anime
Manga refers to comics or graphic novels originating from Japan, characterized by a distinctive 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 derived from Japanese meaning "flowing words" or "undisciplined words," is an ancient art form that has served as a source of entertainment for centuries Essentially, it refers to Japanese comic books, which can be readily 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, a term derived from the Japanese word for animation, encompasses all forms of animated media However, outside Japan, it specifically refers to animation originating from Japan, characterized by colorful graphics, vibrant characters, and fantastical themes This cultural interpretation may allow for the inclusion of anime produced outside Japan, although many in the West tend to define it strictly as a Japanese product Some scholars argue that this narrow definition reflects a new form of orientalism.
Anime, as defined by Brad Stephenson (2019), refers to the animation produced in Japan and is commonly used by those outside of Japan to describe these works In English conversations, the term essentially equates to Japanese cartoons, encompassing both series and animated films originating from Japan.
1.1.1.2 Trait and roles of Japanese manga and anime
Manga has a rich history that dates back to ancient Japan, where early forms consisted of short 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 as calendars, adorned with symbolic images and animal characters that mirrored human actions, laying the groundwork for manga The notable artwork Choju-jinbutsu-giga exemplifies this blend of human and animal portrayals Furthermore, during the Edo Period (1603-1867), the Toba Ehon illustrated the foundational concepts of manga, although the term itself was not coined until 1798, when it was used to describe the picture book Shiji no Yukikai.
In 1814, "Four Seasons" reemerged as the title of Aikawa Mina's manga "Hyakujo," as well as the renowned "Hokusai Manga" series, featuring illustrations by the iconic ukiyo-e artist Hokusai.
Manga, a term popularized by the artist Hokusai, emerged from a unique painting philosophy that diverged from contemporary art norms Known for his rebellious spirit, Hokusai frequently challenged his teachers and their techniques, which fueled his creativity Over his lifetime, he produced around 30,000 works, including various anthologies and published books, significantly contributing to the evolution of this art form.
Hokusai redefined "manga," which translates to "bizarre painting," by emphasizing the importance of improvisation in art rather than meticulous detail or character-driven storytelling His approach encouraged artists to create spontaneous pen-based images, often focusing on landscapes that reveal intricate details unique to Japanese culture This natural yet innovative style laid the groundwork for the diverse narratives found in contemporary manga While Hokusai's techniques marked a significant breakthrough in painting, they also paved the way for the evolution of modern manga-ka and their varied storylines.
“manga” stories had not appeared until the very beginning 20 th century
As Japan entered the 20th century, its diplomacy expanded globally, leading to the introduction of "short comic strips," which became a key catalyst for the rise of manga in the Japanese publishing market This era of manga, known as Ponchi-e, saw the publication of magazines featuring caricatures that ranged from 1 to 4 pages in length Additionally, Japan began hiring foreign artists to educate local students on techniques related to lines, colors, and shapes, further enriching the art form.
During the war, Japanese comics and caricatures served multiple purposes, providing humor and entertainment while also adapting Western stories They were utilized for propaganda and satire to support national interests and boost soldier morale However, following significant defeats by the Allies at the end 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 Disney's animation style with German and French cinematography His innovative approach established the first true model of manga, laying the foundation for an industry that continues to hold a significant place in modern Japanese culture.
Japanese animation, or anime, began commercially in 1917 and has seen consistent growth since then The distinct anime art style, popularized by Osamu Tezuka in the 1960s, gained international acclaim by the late twentieth century, attracting a vast audience both domestically and globally Anime is available through various distribution channels, including theatrical releases, television broadcasts, home media, and online platforms, and it encompasses a wide range of genres to appeal to both broad and niche audiences.
Anime is a unique art form that has evolved over time, integrating innovative production methods and techniques in response to new technologies It merges graphic art, characterization, and cinematography, focusing on realistic settings and camera effects like panning and zooming rather than just movement The hand-drawn nature of anime creates a fictional gap that allows audiences to easily escape into its imaginative worlds With a variety of art styles and diverse character designs, anime often features exaggerated or realistically sized eyes to convey emotion effectively.
Japanese anime and comics serve as a vital gateway for the younger generation to explore and understand Japanese culture, while also influencing their lifestyle choices.
Generic manga and anime of Japanese
1.2.1 Japanese manga and anime industry
According to Hays (2009), the manga industry in Japan has become a significant force, accounting for one-third of the country's book and magazine market, equating to approximately $10 billion in annual sales With around two billion manga sold each year, they represent 40 percent of all books and magazines in Japan Successful manga often transition into popular animated television shows and films, gaining a growing fanbase in the United States and Europe Additionally, they spawn various merchandise, including video games, trading cards, and character goods, 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 growth for seven consecutive years, achieving its highest sales for the fourth straight year The market size surpassed two trillion yen, reflecting a 110% increase year-on-year While videogram sales plummeted by 84.9%, and other sectors like TV (98.8%), merchandising (97.1%), and pachinko (95.8%) also saw declines, areas such as movies (141.4%), music (110.5%), internet distribution (109.4%), live entertainment (129.5%), and overseas markets (131.6%) experienced significant expansion.
The blockbuster hit "Your Name" significantly boosted movie sales, with overseas markets showing particularly impressive figures Notably, 2017 marked a pivotal year as the Japanese animation market achieved record-breaking sales for the first time.
(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-breaking sales Notable increases were observed in TV (100.9%), Internet Distribution (113%), and Live Entertainment (116%), while five genres, including Movies (61.7%) and Music (99.2%), experienced declines Strong overseas growth (129.6%) helped offset these declines, highlighting a shift in genre performance over the past decade TV has seen a steady growth of 115.7% since its peak in 2015, while Internet Distribution surged dramatically by 551.0% Although Merchandising (87.6%) has gradually declined since its 2014 peak, it could have shown more substantial growth if sales from unaccounted digital merchandise were included Music has remained stable since its peak in 2009, performing well compared to Videogram Overseas sales have rebounded significantly since 2015, becoming the largest genre today, while Pachinko (175.9%) and Live Entertainment (251%) have shown varying growth trends since their respective peaks.
1.2.2 The influence of Japanese manga and anime on international market
By 2007, manga had significantly influenced international comics, impacting both the global comic markets and the artistic styles of creators worldwide over the previous two decades.
Manga stories typically follow a top-to-bottom and right-to-left reading direction While some publishers maintain this original format for translated manga, others opt to mirror the pages horizontally, converting the reading direction to a left-to-right format This adjustment aims to accommodate Western readers and those accustomed to traditional comics, a practice known as page mirroring.
Flipping comics often disrupts the original intent of the creator, as it alters text and imagery in ways that can confuse readers For instance, when a shirt with "MAY" is flipped to read "YAM," it complicates the reading experience, especially since comics require a smooth visual flow If translations aren't carefully adapted to the flipped artwork, mismatches can occur, such as text referring to the left while the image points right Additionally, characters who are right-handed may appear left-handed in flipped versions, and familiar objects like cars can be depicted inaccurately, such as having the gas pedal on the left While these issues may seem minor, the unnatural reading flow remains a significant concern, highlighting the need for adaptations that extend beyond simple flipping and translation.
The European market has been uniquely influenced by manga, particularly through the broadcast of anime in France and Italy during the 1970s, which opened doors for manga's popularity French art has a long-standing connection to Japan, dating back to the 19th century with Japonism, and boasts a rich tradition of bande dessinée cartooning Since the mid-1990s, manga has gained significant traction in France, capturing approximately one-third of the country's comic sales since 2004 In 2006, the Japan External Trade Organization reported that manga sales reached $212.6 million in France and Germany, with France alone accounting for about 50% of this market.
The European manga market is the second largest globally, following Japan In 2013, France had 41 manga publishers, with manga accounting for approximately 40% of new comic releases, surpassing Franco-Belgian comics for the first time Notable European publishers translating manga into French include Asuka, Casterman, Glénat, Kana, and Pika Édition, while translations are also available in Dutch, German, and Italian In Germany, manga represented around 70% of all comic sales in 2007 In the UK, manga publishers such as Gollancz and Titan Books are prominent, alongside a significant presence from American publishers like Random House's Tanoshimi line.
Manga gradually entered the U.S market, initially linked to anime, with early awareness among fans in the 1970s and 1980s Anime was more accessible than manga, particularly for college-age fans who preferred subtitled video tapes over translating and distributing 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 more manga increased between the mid-1980s and 1990s, including notable titles like Golgo.
In 1986, the comic scene saw the emergence of notable titles such as 13, followed by Lone Wolf and Cub from First Comics in 1987, alongside Kamui, Area 88, and Mai the Psychic Girl, all published by Viz Media-Eclipse Comics This wave of popularity continued with significant releases like Akira from Marvel Comics' Epic Comics imprint, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind from Viz Media, and Appleseed from Eclipse Comics in 1988 The trend persisted with the introduction of Iczer-1 by Antarctic Press in 1994 and Ippongi Bang's F-111 Bandit in 1995, solidifying the influence of manga in the comic industry.
In the 1980s to mid-1990s, Japanese animation, exemplified by titles like Akira, Dragon Ball, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Pokémon, significantly influenced fan experiences and the market more than manga This dynamic shifted with the establishment of Studio Proteus by translator-entrepreneur Toren Smith in 1986, which facilitated the translation and distribution 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, Shogakukan launched a U.S market initiative through its subsidiary Viz, allowing it to leverage Shogakukan's extensive catalog and translation expertise.
In the mid-1990s, Japanese publishers sought to enter the U.S market due to stagnation in the domestic manga scene, coinciding with the rising popularity of anime and manga like Masamune Shirow's Ghost in the Shell, translated by Frederik L Schodt and Toren Smith Sailor Moon emerged as a major hit during this period, with its manga being exported to over 23 countries, including North America and much of Europe, between 1995 and 1998 In 1997, Mixx Entertainment began publishing Sailor Moon alongside other titles such as CLAMP's Magic Knight Rayearth and Hitoshi Iwaaki's Parasyte in the monthly magazine MixxZine, which was later rebranded as Tokyopop in 1999 before its discontinuation in 2011 Tokyopop, like Viz, aggressively marketed manga to both young male and female audiences, significantly contributing to the growth of the U.S manga market.
In recent years, manga has surged in popularity, with new publishers entering the market and established ones expanding their catalogs The Pokémon manga, Electric Tale of Pikachu, achieved remarkable success, selling over one million copies in the U.S., making it the best-selling comic book since 1993 By 2008, the U.S and Canadian manga market generated $175 million in annual sales, attracting attention from mainstream media outlets like The New York Times and Time magazine As of 2017, Viz Media emerged as the largest publisher of graphic novels and comic books in the U.S., holding a 23% market share Notably, manga is one of the fastest-growing segments in the comic book industry, with BookScan reporting significant growth compared to the overall market's 5% Additionally, the NPD Group highlighted that manga readers tend to be younger and more diverse, with a notably higher female readership.
Besides, The Japanese animation on international market is undeniable as seen in the figure below
Since 2015, the overseas market has experienced significant growth, nearly surpassing the domestic market, which peaked in 2014 and has since declined for three consecutive years due to downturns in key sectors like Merchandising and Pachinko Although including sales from application games and other digital merchandise could indicate a potential increase in the domestic market, current data highlights Japan's heavy dependence on overseas sales While the substantial growth in the overseas market compensates for the domestic decline, it raises concerns about Japan's reliance on international markets.
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's integration of 4.0 technology allows for easy access to manga through electronic devices; however, the printed manga market remains vibrant and active According to Mrs Men, the owner of a manga store, new manga shipments arrive in Hai Phong every Tuesday, highlighting the continued demand for physical copies.
Friday With a large fan base of a young section, her store sells about 350 kinds of story books every week”
1.3.2 Real situation of watching anime on the internet in HP
The rising GDP in Hai Phong has led to widespread access to personal devices like computers, iPads, and smartphones Coupled with advancements in technology that enable constant internet connectivity, residents can now enjoy anime at their convenience This accessibility has resulted in a significant surge in views on anime websites, highlighting the growing popularity and strong 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, expressing significant enthusiasm for these genres Early exposure to manga and anime can greatly influence their development, although the extent of this impact varies among individual children.
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 Additionally, 8% participate on weekends, and 6% enjoy these activities once a week This trend highlights the challenge parents face in managing their children's screen time as manga and anime become increasingly popular leisure activities.
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
The most prevalent genres of manga and anime for children are adventure (41%) and horror (35%), followed by action and detective stories (29%) These genres often contain intense themes such as fighting, murder, and supernatural elements, which can negatively impact a child's psychology 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 suitable for children, providing both knowledge and enjoyment Historical manga and anime can particularly spark interest in history Additionally, genres like Romance (7%) and Others (11%) are intended for ages 16 and up, so parents should restrict access to these types for younger viewers.
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 primary means for children to read manga and watch anime, accounting for 47% of usage This trend indicates that parents are permitting unrestricted access to mobile phones, which can be detrimental to children's well-being Following mobile devices, computers are used by 23% of children, while iPads account for 19% These statistics highlight the ease with which children can access advanced technology In contrast, television is the least favored medium, representing only 2% of usage To promote better management and protect children from the potentially negative influences of manga and anime, parents should encourage viewing on TV and through printed materials.
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
A recent survey reveals that 72% of children prefer enjoying manga and anime at home, followed by 40% who favor bookstores, 25% who choose other locations, and only 10% who visit libraries The rise of digital technology has facilitated easy access to manga and anime from home, leading to a decline in library popularity among children Bookstores remain a popular choice as they offer the latest manga releases, while coffee shops and internet cafes are also common spots for kids to read and watch their favorite content.
Students’ feelings about read manga and watch anime
Figure 8: Students’s feelings about the influence of manga and anime
The chart indicates that 90% of children exhibit sexual awareness, followed by 56% showing personality development, 47% engaging with aesthetics and art, and 35% involved in languages, actions, and hobbies 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 contribute positively to children's understanding of behavior and a strong lifestyle, some content may also promote violence and unruliness.
Manga and anime, originating from Japan, offer an engaging way for children to practice their Japanese language skills, enhancing their listening and speaking abilities while expanding their vocabulary Additionally, the dialogues featured in these mediums are educational, promoting politeness and fostering a culturally rich and ethical lifestyle among young viewers.
Japanese manga and anime significantly influence children's behavior, instilling virtues such as kindness and a strong work ethic 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, similar to online gaming, as they immerse viewers in a captivating 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 trend among many young people in Japan, who isolate themselves in their rooms, leading to broader societal implications, including economic downturns.
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 help their children cultivate these artistic abilities from an early age, making it a valuable pursuit worth considering.
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, particularly for children in Hai Phong who face stressful academic pressures The comic elements in these mediums provide a refreshing escape, allowing kids to unwind and forget their fatigue after school Moreover, these stories foster social connections as children bond over shared laughter about their favorite characters Beyond entertainment, manga and anime also offer positive effects that enhance children's well-being.
They contribute to establish civilized behavior and ethical behavior for children
Manga and anime often convey profound educational messages through their narratives A prime example is the beloved series "Doraemon," which resonates with children in urban areas by promoting the values of friendship and unity among peers The characters, including Chaien, Nobita, and Suneo, exemplify respect for their elders and demonstrate a commitment to environmental protection, encouraging young viewers to appreciate these important virtues.
Nguyen Ngoc Minh Chau, a primary school student, expresses that characters from popular shows like Doremon, Conan, and Yugi teach valuable lessons about kindness, altruism, and independence These stories emphasize the importance of helping friends, honesty, and hard work, highlighting that true friendship and love require mutual support during tough times, trust, and sharing both joys and sorrows for a harmonious life.
Aesthetic education plays a crucial 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 characters with striking features but also stunning landscapes and cultural symbols, such as cherry blossoms and samurai imagery These elements resonate deeply with children, shaping their perception of beauty Utilizing comics as an educational tool is particularly effective for this age group, as it aligns with their visual learning preferences As noted by Danh Hai, to embody charm and beauty, one must prioritize personal style over fleeting trends, reflecting individuality, intelligence, and domestic skills.
Sexual education is a recurring theme in manga and anime, addressing early emotions and the experiences of boys and girls as they reach puberty These narratives often highlight the innocent desires and strategies of young characters, such as Nobita, Suneo, and Chaien, as they seek the affection of their classmate, the academically talented Xuka.
Children can enhance their knowledge and creativity through engaging resources like the "Doraemon book - maths cube," which serves as a fun and educational pocketbook This book encourages learning through play, allowing children to explore their creativity with activities such as jigsaw puzzles, assisting with household tasks, carpentry, and crafting toys These hands-on experiences not only stimulate their imagination but also require critical thinking skills As a result, children can discover effective methods for quick and easy calculations, which they can apply in their school subjects.
Japanese manga and anime offer valuable insights into the beauty of nature and the human soul Through stories like "Queen of Egypt," readers can explore historical landmarks such as the Nile and ancient temples, while series like "Doraemon" introduce iconic landscapes like Mount Fuji and the Hawaiian Sea These narratives enrich our understanding of diverse cultures and environments.
In the Doraemon series, a third-grade child can easily describe the types, origins, and extinction of dinosaurs from millions of years ago Additionally, the show explores celestial bodies and universal laws through a mystical Japanese lens, fostering critical thinking and curiosity in young viewers.
The manga's engaging plot and appealing subject matter are complemented by its simple yet flexible drawing style, which effectively highlights key elements while vividly conveying the story This unique artistic approach captivates students, inspiring them to explore their creativity and envision their interpretations Additionally, manga not only introduces children to the beauty of art but also transforms their perception of painting, demonstrating that with uncomplicated strokes, like those of manga characters, they can articulate their thoughts Furthermore, the integration of geometry and math in manga helps students enhance their skills in scaling and balancing images with greater precision.
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 inactive reception among "amateur painters," particularly children interested in manga, is evident in Vietnam, where three major comic magazines—Vietnamese Prodigy Fanclub, M’heaven, and Young Comics—boast a monthly circulation of nearly 50,000 copies These publications primarily feature works from the 8X (1980) and 9X (1990) generations Critics argue that the comics in these magazines heavily reflect Japanese style This influence is notably observed in the entrance exams for Yet Kieu Fine Arts University, where professors have expressed concerns that contemporary students portray their family members through the lens of Japanese comic characters, lacking the depth and completeness seen in previous generations.
+ 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 been at the forefront of children's comic book creation in Vietnam since 1999, launching annual campaigns that attract professional artists nationwide With a focus on manga-inspired styles, the publisher emphasizes the importance of unique layouts and emotional depth in children's comics, aiming to create strong visual impressions Competitions have showcased works by renowned artists, resulting in engaging comic books that resonate with contemporary children's imaginations Notable series like "Ti and Teo Adventure Ky" by Dao Hai blend humor and intelligence, capturing the essence of student life With its soft educational content and unexpected discoveries, this series has successfully captivated a young readership.
The "Vietnamese Prodigy" series, produced by Young Publishing House in collaboration with Phan Thi Company, marks a significant milestone as the first manga-style comic series in Vietnam Iconic characters like Ty, Ox, Tiger, and Tips have resonated deeply with readers, transcending comic pages to become cultural icons featured on merchandise such as T-shirts Their enduring popularity has enabled authors to explore historical themes through comics, effectively merging storytelling with visual art This innovative approach transforms history into an engaging cinematic experience, making comic books a vital cultural medium for contemporary audiences in the age of audiovisual civilization.
Phan Thi and his team have partnered with Kim Dong Publishing House to create a comprehensive 14-volume historical comic series that reinterprets the Hung Vuong era through the legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, despite the existence of numerous previous comic adaptations of this myth.
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 several benefits, they also pose negative effects on teenagers and children A survey of parents and teachers reveals concerns about the influence of manga on language use, with many children adopting short phrases and mimicking the speech patterns of martial artists and detectives This includes replacing traditional terms like "children" or "grandchildren" with "I" in conversations with adults and peers, such as saying "I will go now" or "I will help you." Such shifts in communication can negatively impact writing skills and literary thinking, leading parents to believe that comics, particularly manga, have diminished their children's literary development.
The manga prominently features themes of detective work and action, showcasing dynamic character movements and expressions through onomatopoeic words like "boom," "bup," and "flap." These elements create a vivid portrayal of combat, with tables and chairs reflecting similar fighting styles An illustrative case involved a student who, after being reprimanded by a teacher, expressed her frustration by drawing a dagger-wielding girl piercing her own heart, accompanied by hateful words, reminiscent of comic book narratives.
Solutions to the impact of Japanese manga and anime on primary
Local authorities must implement age verification measures for accessing manga and anime sites that are unsuitable for children Furthermore, it is essential that retailers refrain from selling manga and anime containing 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 assist parents in identifying appropriate content This labeling not only aids distributors and retailers in effectively categorizing products by audience and age suitability but also promotes stricter regulation of black cultural products in the marketplace.
Parents should familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of manga and anime to effectively guide their children towards age-appropriate films and comics By selecting suitable films, they can ensure a positive viewing experience Additionally, it's important for parents to manage both the content and the time spent on these media before introducing them to their children.
Elementary students should avoid cultural products featuring violence, pornography, and horror If you're unsure about which films are appropriate, it's best 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 certain limitations, particularly regarding data collection, as the exercises were only conducted with a small group of primary school students due to time and financial constraints Therefore, it is recommended that future research expands the sample size to gain more comprehensive insights.
The reliability and accuracy of collected data were significantly influenced, suggesting that future studies should target secondary, high school, or university students Additionally, this minor thesis primarily investigates the impact of manga and anime while proposing solutions, indicating that upcoming research could explore and address the effects on different age groups.
Despite the identified 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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APPENDIX Questionnaire about the influence of Japanese manga and anime
Bảng câu hỏi vềảnh hưởng của manga và anime Nhật
This questionnaire aims to explore the impact of Japanese manga and anime on Dong Hai primary school students Your honest responses to the following questions are greatly appreciated, as they will remain confidential and will solely be utilized for research purposes Your assistance is vital for my graduation, and I sincerely thank you for your participation.
Bảng câu hỏi này nhằm điều tra tác động của truyện tranh và phim hoạt hình Nhật Bản đối với học sinh tiểu học Đông Hải Tôi rất mong các em dành thời gian trả lời trung thực các câu hỏi dưới đây Tất cả thông tin sẽ được bảo mật hoàn toàn và chỉ sử dụng cho nghiên cứu Sự hỗ trợ của các em sẽ giúp tôi hoàn thành khóa luận tốt nghiệp Xin chân thành cảm ơn các em.
Gender (Giới tính): Male (Nam) Female (Nữ)
Class (Lớp): Lớp 3 Lớp 4 Lớp 5
Your age (Tuổi của em):
Here are some prepared questions for you to choose from Please indicate your answers by circling the options.
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)