Week 6-7

According to Lent (2000), what place does animation occupy in Asian societies? How different is this across Asia (ie comparing China and Japan)?

As Lent(2000) states in his article, animation has served both political and economic goals in Asian societies. For instance, since the Cultural Revolution Interference (1966-1976) in China, the Chinese animation industry was practically put on pause during the Cultural Revolution. As a result, the majority of Chinese animation is produced to favour Nationalist Party and President Mao’s campaigns. In the meantime, the establishment of Vietnamese Animation indicates the Vietnam War and the violation of the human right.

Turning to the economic aspect, animation is considered as a significant cultural export of Korea. For example, some famous characters of Korean animation have thousands of spin-off products and according to the Souel (the capital of Korea) business agency; these characters will generate global sales of over one billion dollars annually. Another example is the establishment of the Disneyland theme park in Hong Kong. In 2006, Hong Kong Disneyland ranked among the top five most popular places to visit in Hong Kong, according to the Hong Kong tourism Boards Statistical Review. Furthermore, numerous researches have implied that Disneyland theme park offered a boost to the local services sector in the form of over 12 million visitors each year. As Lent(2000) emphasizes, Hong Kong Disneyland provides employment opportunities for nearly 4000 performers, technicians and other supporting staff. In my opinion, the economic benefit is countless.

Lent, A, J. (2000). Animation in Asia: appropriation, reinterpretation, and adoption or adaptation. Retrieved from: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/screeningthepast/firstrelease/fr1100/jlfr11c.htm