Fujimoto Hiroshi and Motoo Abiko (Research Paper Sample)

Name
Course
Instructor
Date
Fujimoto Hiroshi and Motoo Abiko
There are various forms of Japanese Manga art as demonstrated by the artists Hiroshi Fujimoto and Motoo Abiko who capture numerous anime characters including Doraemon. The two artists had a unique collaboration resulting to the presentation of various iconic manga figures. Since they collaborated on children comic related content, they created figures relevant to children helped in the growth of popularity in Doraemon manga art. To highlight on the importance of manga art is the recognition of Doraemon as being symbolic of the Japanese pop culture through anime depictions (Muljadi 5). The character of Doraemon was robotic cat that came to help Nobita a boy struggling in school, and Doraemon establishes human relationships while also using gadgets to suit Nobita’s challenges (Japan reference). This paper focuses on manga art and Doraemon by Fujimoto Hiroshi and Motoo Abiko.
Doraemon is one of the of the signature works by Fujiko Fuji the name given to the two artists, with the character a robotic like cat who has a pouch. The Doraemon became of the most icon manga art in Japan and beyond, and the art was mostly visibly during the 1970’s to the 1990’s but is still common even today. Since there are numerous versions of the manga art depicting Doraemon, there are animated films which capture and depict the character. There were over seventeen Doraemon Films by 1996, may which have been top grossing in Japan (Schodt 217). The success of manga art demonstrates that, manga artists have the potential to reach out to wider audiences besides focusing on children and the Asian audience.
Manga art developed over time and Fujimoto asserted that development of Doraemon involved trial and error before the art was finally accepted (Schodt 218). This demonstrates that, often art goes through numerous changes, and artists first molded characters like ghosts before creating Doraemon. Animation of previous art and that of Doraemon had a dramatic effect on manga popularity as there was increased merchandising based on the manga art and characters. Through focusing on familiar surroundings and integrating unusual elements, Doraemon manga art has been able to capture minds and focus on science fiction and comedy at the same time (John-Woods 42).
The Doraemon manga is low key and reassuring and the artists did not want to focus on sensationalism and violence. This approach has also made the art popular even with the parents of small children, showing that art that captures the minds of the intended audience is more likely to be popular (Copper-Chen 56). At the same time, this has made the art to transcend across cultures in different countries in both the animated and printed formats. Even though, the art is not popularity in North America in comparison to Japan, by avoiding scatology, the two artists create a more enduring form of art that is easily acceptable. In any case, globalization has led to culture being a form of soft power, with iconic Doraemon gaining more recognition (Watanabe & McConnell 45).
Art often reflects the society, Doraemon is a cultural ambassador of Japan, and the choices of the anime character have sought to impart and influence. The animated character further highlights the character of the Japanese people as it is more associated with Japanese culture (Katzenstein & Shiraishi 231). Self-expression is important for art to thrive, and manga artists have the potential to improve understanding among young people it as though the Doraemon character has become symbol to be shared among young people and improving Japan’s image (Newcomb). Essentially, art may help to improve the image and enhance cultural dynamism of Japan, showing that the creation of Doraemon improves people’s perception abound anime creations and manga art.
Positive reception of manga culture in Asia and Europe, demonstrates that the art has helped to bridge cultural difference and increased awareness about Japanese culture. At the same time Japan occupies a central position in Asia and this could explain why some forms of Japanese art are popular (Lent & Fitzsimmons 50).Nonetheless, the role of merchandising and distribution should not be ignored in popularizing art. For instance, relative success of manga art is a result of a thriving comic industry for adults, and it was easier for Japanese manga artists to build a fan base (Craig 204). Essentially, the role of the prevailing market conditions particularly distribution influence availability of manga art including Doraemon outside Asia, and areas that are popular with animation are more likely to be receptive to manga culture and art.
Essentially, man...