Anime (アニメ,
Anime?) (
pronounced [anime]
listen (help·info) in
Japanese, but typically
pronounced /ˈænɪmeɪ/ or /ˈænɪmə/ in
English) is an abbreviation of the English word "
animation", originating in
Japan. Although the term is used in Japan to refer to animation in general, in English usage the term most popularly refers to material originating from Japan, a subset of animation.
Anime is traditionally hand drawn, but
computer assisted techniques have become quite common in recent years. The subjects of anime represent most major
genres of
fiction, and anime is available in most motion-picture media (
television broadcast,
DVD and
VHS distribution, and
full length motion pictures).