You cannot understand modern Japanese entertainment without acknowledging its past. The influence of (stylized drama) and Bunraku (puppetry) is evident in the dramatic pacing and character designs of modern animation.

Anime and manga are two of Japan's most iconic and influential forms of entertainment, with a global following. Anime, or Japanese animation, has a history dating back to the early 20th century, with classics like Astro Boy (1963) and Kimba the White Lion (1965) gaining popularity worldwide.

For more in-depth exploration, the Japan National Tourism Organization provides excellent guides on experiencing the country's entertainment firsthand.

: It's part of a series called "Sky Angel," which suggests it's one of many productions under this brand. The volume number (Vol.140) indicates it's the 140th installment.

Japan has a love-hate relationship with its own live-action cinema. While Drive My Car earned an Oscar nomination and Godzilla Minus One won the Academy Award for Visual Effects, the domestic box office is dominated by sanitized manga adaptations and "tarento" (TV personality) vehicles.