From Namakura Gatana to Noragami Season 3: The Complete Journey of Anime (1917–2025)

Anime has become a global phenomenon, but have you ever wondered how it all began? From the first anime film in 1917 to the most anticipated releases of 2025, the journey of anime is nothing short of legendary. In this detailed article, we’ll cover the first anime ever created, the major milestones in anime history, and the latest anime coming in 2025 with official trailers and images.

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The First Anime Ever Made (1917)

Title: Namakura Gatana (The Dull Sword)
Year: 1917
Creator: Jun’ichi Kōuchi
Length: ~4 minutes
Significance: Considered the oldest surviving Japanese animation, Namakura Gatana marks the birth of anime. It’s a silent short film about a samurai who buys a dull sword and faces comedic misfortune.

Though simple in design, this short film laid the foundation for Japan’s animation industry. It introduced hand-drawn art techniques that would evolve into today’s multi-billion-dollar anime industry.

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Evolution of Anime – A Timeline of Growth

The journey from 1917 to 2025 spans over a century of creativity. Here’s a quick look at the major milestones:

• 1917: First anime short films like Namakura Gatana appear.
• 1960s: Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka launches TV anime era.
• 1980s: Golden Age – Mecha anime and classics like Dragon Ball dominate.
• 2000s: Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece take anime global.
• 2020s: Streaming revolution with hits like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man.

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Anime Growth in Numbers

As of 2025, more than 14,000 anime titles have been created, including TV series, movies, and OVAs. Here’s a breakdown:

• TV Series: ~10,000
• Movies: ~3,000
• OVAs & Specials: ~1,000

Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Disney+ have accelerated anime’s global reach, making 2025 a record-breaking year for releases.

Watch: The History of Anime Explained

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The Latest Anime in 2025 – What’s Coming?

Now that we’ve seen where anime started, let’s talk about the latest releases of 2025. Here are the top upcoming titles that every anime fan is waiting for:

1. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex

Release Date: Mid-2025
Episodes: TBA
Hindi Dubbed: Expected on Crunchyroll

This is the official sequel to Boruto, continuing the next-generation ninja story after a major time skip. Fans can expect intense battles and the rise of new villains.

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2. Solo Leveling Season 2

Release Date: Winter 2025
Episodes: 12–13
Hindi Dubbed: Likely on Crunchyroll

The Monarch War arc begins! Sung Jin-Woo will face the most dangerous enemies yet in this high-stakes continuation of the fan-favorite series.

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3. Noragami Season 3

Release Date: Late 2025
Episodes: 12
Hindi Dubbed: TBD

After years of waiting, Yato is finally back! Season 3 promises epic godly battles and emotional storytelling fans have been craving.

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Then vs Now – A Century of Anime

From a 4-minute silent short in 1917 to multi-million-dollar productions with global premieres in 2025, anime has come a long way. Technology, storytelling, and audience demand have shaped anime into a universal language of imagination.

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Conclusion

The journey of anime from Namakura Gatana to Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, Solo Leveling S2, and Noragami S3 is a story of art, passion, and evolution. As we look toward the future, one thing is certain: anime’s influence will only continue to grow. Which is your favorite anime era? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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