The Anime Business Speaks with Author & Expert Jonathan Clements

A new installment of the documentary series The Anime Business, produced by AnimEigo and MediaOCD, delves into the history of anime’s presence in the United Kingdom with an interview featuring Jonathan Clements. Clements, a translator, editor, journalist, and writer, shares insights gleaned from nearly four decades immersed in the U.K. anime industry and fandom.

The Anime Encyclopedia: A Cornerstone Resource

Central to Clements’ work is The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917, a comprehensive reference book co-authored with Helen McCarthy. The book, now in its third edition, contains over 10,000 entries and is considered an essential resource for fans and industry professionals alike. The new Anime Business episode builds upon a previous segment featuring McCarthy, offering a broader perspective on the evolution of anime appreciation.

Early Days and Key Players

Clements’ journey began after studying Chinese and Japanese, quickly leading to translation work for companies like Kiseki Films and Manga Entertainment. He also contributed to U.K.-based anime and manga publications, including Anime UK, Anime FX, and Manga Mania (aka Manga Max). His experiences provide a firsthand account of the U.K. anime market’s formative years.

Did You Know? The Anime Encyclopedia, co-authored by Jonathan Clements and Helen McCarthy, first published in 2001 and now in its third edition, features more than 10,000 entries.

The late 1990s saw the emergence of various companies vying for a share of the growing U.K. anime market. Manga Entertainment, led by Andy Frain with Laurence Guiness as executive producer, was a prominent player, as highlighted in earlier episodes of The Anime Business.

Market Fluctuations and Fandom’s Influence

The 2000s brought increased competition and attempts to mainstream anime. While titles like Evangelion and Ghost in the Shell achieved widespread popularity, other releases—including Mahou Shojo Princess Sammy, Oh My Goddess!, IGPX, Ranma ½, and Mobile Suit Gundam—did not replicate their success in the U.K. and international markets.

Expert Insight: The varying success rates of anime titles in the U.K. demonstrate the complexities of international market adaptation and the importance of understanding cultural nuances when introducing content to new audiences.

Clements emphasizes the growing influence of international fandom on the Japanese anime industry, echoing Helen McCarthy’s observations about the enduring power of fan communities. He notes that overseas fans now play a significant role in shaping the direction of anime production.

The Anime Business, hosted by Justin Sevakis, is available to stream on the AnimEigo YouTube channel, along with bonus clips from the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Anime Business?

The Anime Business is a documentary series featuring interviews with entrepreneurs and visionaries who helped shape the North American anime and manga industries, produced by AnimEigo and MediaOCD.

Who is Jonathan Clements?

Jonathan Clements is a renowned translator, editor, journalist, and writer with nearly 40 years of experience in the U.K. anime industry and fandom, and co-author of The Anime Encyclopedia.

Where can I watch The Anime Business?

Episodes 1-11 of The Anime Business and bonus clips are available to stream on the AnimeEigo YouTube channel.

As anime continues to gain global prominence, how might the evolving relationship between Japanese creators and international fans further shape the future of the industry?