Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:59:13 +0000

Discover the Shocking Truth About the Oldest Anime You’ve Never Heard Of! When people think of anime, familiar names like Astro Boy, Lupin III, or Neon Genesis Evangelion flood the conversation—but behind these legendary titles lies a hidden gem from a bygone era: the oldest anime you’ve probably never heard of. Prepare to be surprised as we uncover the shocking truth about Katsudō Shashin Harris (Production!), often hailed as Japan’s very first animated film—a groundbreaking work that predates most anime by decades. ### The Surprising Origins: Katsudō Shashin Harris – The Birth of Animation in Japan Released in 1917, Katsudō Shashin Harris (“Animation Pictures”) is widely recognized as Japan’s first animated work. Created by purpose-driven filmmakers at a time when motion pictures were still a novelty, this short silent film showcased rudimentary cel animation techniques, limited storytelling, and a revolutionary spirit.