Why the world is so animated about anime

Japan’s cartoons have conquered its screens, and more

MOST ATHLETES raise their fists in triumph after a win. When Noah Lyles, an American sprinter, won gold in the Olympics 100-metre race in August, he held his hands out in front of him, wrists together and fingers extended, as though getting ready to catch a large ball. The gesture may have seemed odd, but fans of Japanese animation knew immediately that Mr Lyles, an avowed fan of the genre, was making a reference to a popular franchise, “Dragon Ball”.

This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Who are you calling cute?”

From the October 19th 2024 edition

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