Alakazam the Great (Saiyuki) Began the 1960s With a Major International Anime Project

Heading into the 1960s, the anime industry looked immensely different from what it does in the modern era.

1961's Instant History (1961) Is One of the Longest-Running Anime of the Decade

Unlike later decades, the 1960s weren't necessarily brimming with high-profile anime TV series.

Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad Was the Most Notable Release of 1962

In 1962, Toei Animation released the studio's fifth feature-length film: Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad.

Astro Boy Changed Anime Forever With Its Release in 1963

Of all the anime released in the 1960s, none has been more influential than Astro Boy.

Samurai Kid (1964) Is an Early Precursor to Modern Shonen Anime

Today, ninja anime are much more commonplace than they were in the 1960s; however, when Samurai Kid first hit the airwaves in 1964, the concept was significantly more novel.

1965's Kimba the White Lion Brought Color to Japanese TV Screens

As the first color anime in the history of Japanese television, Kimba the White Lion's release in 1965 marks a major landmark in anime history.

Sally the Witch (1966) Helped Establish the Magical Girl Genre

While action and adventure dominated much of the early anime landscape, 1966’s Sally the Witch introduced a different type of storytelling to Japanese animation.

Speed Racer (1967) Is One of Anime’s First True Global Hits

Minus Astro Boy, no anime from the 1960s achieved the same level of international success as 1967's Speed Racer.

Sabu to Ichi Showcased a More Mature Side of Anime in 1968

By the late 1960s, anime had begun to significantly diversify in tone and target audience thanks to various successes earlier in the decade.

Doraemon Closed the 1960s By Introducing One of Anime's Most Enduring Icons

Few characters in anime history are as recognizable as the titular star of Doraemon.