ANIME 101: 

Anime is a Japanese style of animation and is heavily influenced by Manga. Manga is another style of Japanese comics. Anime is known to date back all the way to 1917. Although there is a large fan base in Japan, enthusiast can be found all over the globe. 

Many consider Anime to be art because its varying styles found amongst various production studios.  Japanese calligraphy as well as painting have had heavy influences in the comics. 

Anime as a business started entering the markets in the 1960s but started gaining momentum in the 70s and 80s.  Today the market for Anime in the U.S. alone is 4.5 billion dollars.