Summary
Manga and anime have gradually become some of the most popular mediums in the world, with both acquiring a mass global audience over the years. This proved to be quite beneficial for the anime industry in Japan as it saw a boom in the animation entertainment market. With this, the global audience was gradually introduced to some new genres that previously would’ve been considered niche to fans outside of Japan. Some such genres include Josei, Ecchi, Harem, and others. Although the Josei and Harem genres have become quite mainstream, the Ecchi genre remains a niche one thanks to its often explicit content.
The Ecchi genre is not something new, instead, it traces its origin to the Heian period of Japan’s history. Even though this particular genre of anime became full-fledged and was introduced to the rest of the world comparatively late in recent decades, it has successfully become immensely popular among anime and manga audiences across the globe. Here’s a look at how the Ecchi genre got to be so prevalent in the industry.
RELATED:Fate: The Most Twisted Holy Grail Wars
The History of Ecchi Anime
Japanese Ecchi or erotic art’s origin can be traced back to the Heian period, and it was always evident in the hand scrolls often showcasing the erotic scandals inside courts or monasteries. Afterward, the Ukiyo-e art and the woodblock-to-print technique were used for erotic drawings whichenjoyed a huge consumer shipamong the Japanese people. However, it was not until the 20th century that the Japanese audience was introduced to the proper Ecchi anime. It all started with the release of anime series likeLupin the Third(1971) andCutie Honey(1973) which had some instances of sexually suggestive content in them. These anime series helped pave the way for the Ecchi genre to enter the mainstream anime scene. These works were mainly targeted at men and would showcase extremely beautiful female characters. Ecchi works targeted towards women came into existence way later.
The 1990s was the period when the Ecchi genretook an important turnthat was pretty relevant to its existence as it started to have a more refined and proper identity. During this time some of the most widely known and cult classic Ecchi anime series surfaced likeGolden Boy(1995) which captured the story of a 25-year-old Kintarou Oe who is a genius and deviant, he drops out of law school and becomes a wandering student who comes across many Ecchi twists; andLove Hina(2000) which follows the story of two childhood sweethearts with many Ecchi instances in the plot. These are the cult classics that popularized the Ecchi genre in anime throughout the decade. The major reason behind theseseries gaining large viewershipwas them being successful in smoothly blending humor, fan service, and storylines involving strong emotions.
The Success of Ecchi Anime
In the new millennium, ecchi anime reached unprecedented levels of popularity with series likeTo Love-Ru(2008) andHigh School DxD(2012) breaking new ground in fan service. These shows attractedboth immense attention and criticismdue to their explicit content. While some heavily rely on fan service for its own sake, others skillfully employ it as a storytelling tool or a source of comedic relief. This diverse approach allows the genre to appeal to a wide range of viewers with varying preferences and interests.
Over time, ecchi anime has undergone significant evolution, giving rise to new sub-genres and innovative approaches. Notably, fan service has found its way into a wider array of genres, including action, drama, and sports. Series likeKill la Kill(2013) andKeijo!!!!!!!!(2016) have showcased how fan service can blend seamlessly with intense action and competitive sports, providing audiences with a distinct and enjoyable viewing experience. Furthermore, the genre has made strides in gender equality, with shows now incorporating fan service tailored to female viewers. Examples likeFree!(2013) andYuri on Ice(2016) feature attractive male characters, proving that ecchi is no longer solely oriented toward male audiences. The Ecchi genrekeeps growing more and morein terms of content quality as well as enjoying global viewership because a huge chunk of the anime audience likes sexually suggestive or soft-core content in anime as well in the name of fan service which is specifically delivered by the Ecchi genre.
