What do you think?
Rate this book
100 Years of Anime
Relive a full century of artistic innovation, iconic moments, and technological advancements in this gorgeously illustrated definitive history of anime.
Paying tribute to a century of one of the world’s most popular and enduring genres, 100 Years of Anime follows the beloved medium from its earliest beginnings to its current blockbuster success. Learn all about the technological inventions and artistic genius that shaped the genre in this authoritative account of anime, illustrated with stunning full-color stills. Revisit much-loved series, including Dragon Ball, Akira, Cowboy Bebop, Pokémon, and Studio Ghibli films—and discover new favorites—in this complete guide!
LAVISH ILLUSTRATIONS Pore over full-color stills that showcase how changing technology, culture, and artistic innovation have influenced and enhanced the narrative themes and aesthetics of the genre.
ALL YOUR FAVORITE ANIME This book features popular anime titles including Dragon Ball, Akira, Pokémon, Cowboy Bebop, and Studio Ghibli films, as well as more niche works that helped define the genre.
DEFINITIVE HISTORY Celebrating a century of success, this title covers the earliest days of the genre and contemporary examples, exploring all the evolutionary steps in between.
Paying tribute to a century of one of the world’s most popular and enduring genres, 100 Years of Anime follows the beloved medium from its earliest beginnings to its current blockbuster success. Learn all about the technological inventions and artistic genius that shaped the genre in this authoritative account of anime, illustrated with stunning full-color stills. Revisit much-loved series, including Dragon Ball, Akira, Cowboy Bebop, Pokémon, and Studio Ghibli films—and discover new favorites—in this complete guide!
LAVISH ILLUSTRATIONS Pore over full-color stills that showcase how changing technology, culture, and artistic innovation have influenced and enhanced the narrative themes and aesthetics of the genre.
ALL YOUR FAVORITE ANIME This book features popular anime titles including Dragon Ball, Akira, Pokémon, Cowboy Bebop, and Studio Ghibli films, as well as more niche works that helped define the genre.
DEFINITIVE HISTORY Celebrating a century of success, this title covers the earliest days of the genre and contemporary examples, exploring all the evolutionary steps in between.
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Published October 21, 2025
About the author
Matthieu Pinon
20 books2 followersNé en 1977, Matthieu Pinon se consacre depuis quinze ans aux BD et dessins animés japonais dont il a vécu l'expansion en France. Collaborateur de longue date avec les principaux magazines spécialisés (AnimeLand, Coyote, Japan Lifestyle, Japan Live...), il a découvert au cours de ses nombreux voyages au Japon une culture populaire bouillonnante et fascinante. Une culture qu'il s'efforce de faire découvrir au public français, à travers le prisme des mangas (Histoire(s) du manga moderne avec Laurent Lefebvre) ou au-delà (108 étoiles du Japon).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 23, 2025
Exploring the technological developments and innovations that made our fave anime shows (and movies) possible. 100 Years of Anime is an incredible read, that walks readers through the history of Japanese animation, and the pioneers responsible for shaping the industry we’ve all come to know and love.
The history we delve into was incredibly expansive and details not only the visionaries who made everything possible. But also the impact that wars, economic hardships, societal shifts and even the success of international rivals (namely Disney and Fleischer) had on Japan’s burgeoning industry!
I know it sounds a little dizzying (it does span a century after all) but I promise, it’s a really fascinating read. And with chapters broken into four different sections: 1917-1957, 1958-1982, 1983-1995 and 1996-2017 you’ll be able to dip into it whenever the mood strikes!
I also have to say, I was soo impressed by how much thought went into the visual details. As the book contains at least one image for every anime featured (including the earliest animation attempts, as far back as 1907!)
The historical and cultural context was really fascinating too (like did you know a serial killer very nearly destroyed the genre? Cause I didn’t!)
But it was the behind the scenes insights into how Japan’s various animation studios were founded (Toei Animation, Madhouse, Studio Ghibli, etc.) And the painstaking work that made some of the most iconic anime shows possible (in-spite of financial struggles, creative differences or budget constraints) that really interested me the most.
I don’t want to give too much away. So I’ll just say, this is a really interesting read that has me excited to check out so many anime I either hadn’t heard of before (Candy Candy), or not had a chance to watch (The Rose of Versailles)
If you’re even remotely interested in anime then this is definitely a book you’ll want to check out. And if you’re not a fan, but know someone who is, then this would make the perfect gift for a birthday or special celebration!
Also, a huge thank you to Rachel Quin and Insight Editions for this stunning finished copy.
The history we delve into was incredibly expansive and details not only the visionaries who made everything possible. But also the impact that wars, economic hardships, societal shifts and even the success of international rivals (namely Disney and Fleischer) had on Japan’s burgeoning industry!
I know it sounds a little dizzying (it does span a century after all) but I promise, it’s a really fascinating read. And with chapters broken into four different sections: 1917-1957, 1958-1982, 1983-1995 and 1996-2017 you’ll be able to dip into it whenever the mood strikes!
I also have to say, I was soo impressed by how much thought went into the visual details. As the book contains at least one image for every anime featured (including the earliest animation attempts, as far back as 1907!)
The historical and cultural context was really fascinating too (like did you know a serial killer very nearly destroyed the genre? Cause I didn’t!)
But it was the behind the scenes insights into how Japan’s various animation studios were founded (Toei Animation, Madhouse, Studio Ghibli, etc.) And the painstaking work that made some of the most iconic anime shows possible (in-spite of financial struggles, creative differences or budget constraints) that really interested me the most.
I don’t want to give too much away. So I’ll just say, this is a really interesting read that has me excited to check out so many anime I either hadn’t heard of before (Candy Candy), or not had a chance to watch (The Rose of Versailles)
If you’re even remotely interested in anime then this is definitely a book you’ll want to check out. And if you’re not a fan, but know someone who is, then this would make the perfect gift for a birthday or special celebration!
Also, a huge thank you to Rachel Quin and Insight Editions for this stunning finished copy.
Displaying 1 of 1 review