In what century did anime start in Japan?

Anime as a distinct form of media and cultural expression began in the 20th century. This is when the modern style of animation that we recognize as anime started to take shape, particularly with the release of significant works in the 1930s and onwards. While earlier forms of Japanese visual storytelling, such as emakimono (painted handscrolls) and ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), date back to centuries prior, they do not fit the definition of anime as it is understood today.

In the context of animation specifically, it was in the early 20th century that Japanese creators began experimenting with animated films, leading to the development of the first notable works and ultimately the anime industry. The establishment and popularization of anime in Japan became pronounced post-World War II, but its roots and initial efforts trace back to the 20th century rather than the 12th century or any earlier periods.

This historical context is crucial to understanding not just the timeline of anime, but also how and when it became a recognized cultural phenomenon in Japan and later worldwide.