Katsura Hime

You might think that "anime" started with the first serialized TV shows in the 1960s, but Japan had been making animation long before this, in the form of short films. This article aims to give a tour through the history and evolution of early Japanese animation that led to the serialized shows of the 1960s that eventually led to where we are today. At present, there are over 200 early Japanese animations that have survived and are easily viewable. Here, 44 stand-out works in the chronological evolution of early animation are highlighted for you to check out. All animations listed here can be found online, with English subtitles when needed!

Mostly short pieces of Japanese animation dating back to the early XX century. Pre Astro Boy works only. For those who want to explore the very beginnings of anime history before it took its current culture, tropes and technological advancements.