Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S.

Anime, or Japanese animation, is Asia's equivalent of the Harry Potter phenomenon--an overseas export that has unexpectedly taken America by storm. While Hollywood struggles to fill seats, Japanese anime releases are increasingly outpacing American movies in sheer numbers and, more importantly, in the devotion they inspire in their fans. But just as Harry Potter is both "universal" and very English, anime is also deeply Japanese, making its popularity in the United States surprising. "Animation Attacks "is the first book that directly addresses the American experience with anime--from Hayao Miyazaki's epics to the burgeoning world of "hentai," or violent pornographic anime. With expert insight from both nations, this book highlights the shared conflicts both America and Japan face as anime becomes a global form of entertainment, tracing its roots and transformations via technology, and highlighting the changes it is making in both cultures.