The latest issue of the Journal of Anime and Manga Studies reprints some of the papers from this summer’s Lancaster University symposium on “Transnational Perspectives on Anime”, including my speech on anime in the People’s Republic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a journal move so fast — sometimes you wait years, but JAMS have really kicked it out.

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The history of anime in China is a roller-coaster ride of diplomatic boondoggles, under-the-radar industries, unsanctioned releases and censorship scandals. Jonathan Clements investigates the fluctuating fortunes of Japanese animation in China, not only in terms of its reception among audiences, but of its hidden impact in the production sector, the politics of its distribution and exhibition, and the effect of recent government backlashes and clampdowns as the People’s Republic seeks animation autarky.