Japan's Anime Revolution! : Twenty Animated Films That Changed the World By Jonathan Clements

Twenty pivotal moments in anime filmmaking—and the untold drama behind them. From secret production battles to box-office triumphs, Japan's Anime Revolution reveals how each landmark film transformed Japanese animation

Japan's Anime Revolution!
Twenty Animated Films That Changed the World

By Jonathan Clements

Anime expert Jonathan Clements presents game changing moments in Japanese film history—from Japan's first black-and-white animated feature to modern blockbusters which have redefined the art form. From box-office hits to career-threatening flops, each of these case studies has changed the anime world in its own unique way, influencing developments in content, production methods, or distribution, capturing all the vibrancy and diversity of this world-beating medium.

This illuminating book describes the twenty most notable films in anime history, including:

• Momotaro—Released at the end of World War II, this was Japan's first feature-length anime
• My Neighbor Totoro—Miyazaki's iconic work, consciously created as an alternative to formulaic animated films with no conflict or antagonist
• Ghost in the Shell—The influential sci-fi feature that inspired The Matrix
• Spirited Away—The first Oscar-winning anime—and highest-grossing Japanese film of all time!
• A Silent Voice—Adapted from a popular manga, an essential entry from a woman director
• Plus 14 other landmark films!

Clements reveals behind-the-scenes decisions that changed the course of Japanese animation. Which movie was finished by a staff of out-of-work waitresses? Which animator hated his work so much that he threatened to shave off his own eyebrows? How did a maverick producer enlist fans to drive his movie to box-office gold? Which director learned his trade by watching The Bad News Bears ten times?

Illustrated with full-color images, this fascinating book is a must-read for every devoted anime fan!

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS:

Jonathan Clements is the author of Anime: A History and A Brief History of Japan. He's a contributing editor of The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and has worked on dozens of anime films as a translator, voice actor, or dubbing director—including Grey: Digital Target, Sol Bianca, and Musashi: Dream of the Last Samurai. He has provided commentary tracks to films including Vexille, Golgo 13, and Weathering With You, and has been jury chairman at the Scotland Loves Anime film festival for the last decade.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Japan's Anime Revolution!
Twenty Animated Films That Changed the World
By Jonathan Clements
ISBN: 978-4-8053-1924-6• $24.99 • Hardcover Paper over boards • May 5, 2026 • 224 pages