Anime leans on modern themes while donghua draws from Chinese myths and historical stories
Japan has a long-established animation industry, whereas China is growing rapidly with strong government and industry support
Anime enjoys a global fanbase, but donghua is still in the process of expanding its international reach
Japanese anime has been the face of East Asian animation for years. Naruto, Attack on Titan, and Spirited Away have had audiences laughing, crying, and binge-watching entire weekends. Recently, though, Chinese animation, or donghua, has been catching up in a big way.
Not only is it improving technically, but it is also starting to win more affection from viewers internationally. So, which one comes out on top?
Japanese anime has a very distinctive appearance: large, emotive eyes, wild hair colors, and wildly over-the-top fight scenes. But it is not just about the visuals. The plots dive deep into issues such as mental illness (Neon Genesis Evangelion), friendship and ambition (One Piece), or simply the daily grind (Your Lie in April). The stories blend contemporary life with classic Japanese concepts, which is part of the reason anime resonates with so many people worldwide.
Chinese animation, or donghua, focuses a lot on its history and culture. Shows like Mo Dao Zu Shi and Fog Hill of Five Elements use Chinese myths, martial arts, and old ideas to tell their stories. They feel like big fantasy adventures, but with a unique cultural touch. While Japanese anime might take viewers to a future Tokyo or a school with magic, donghua often shows worlds based on ancient Chinese kingdoms and legendary heroes.
Japan's anime industry has been around for decades. It has had time to master its craft, establish great studios, nurture talented artists, and learn how to license its shows—from Netflix to comic conventions. That is why quality tends to remain high, and global fans know what to expect.
China's animation community is younger but developing rapidly. The government is investing heavily in the field, and more schools are training the next generation of animators. That explains why more donghua titles are surfacing online each year. The only caveat is that censorship is significant in China, so creators often have to hold back on certain topics or avoid sensitive subjects altogether.
Japanese anime has fans almost everywhere, not just in Asia. People in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and even Africa enjoy it. Anime merchandise can be found in malls, anime filters on social media platforms, and anime references appear in everything from pop songs to Hollywood films.
Chinese animation is still catching up. It keeps improving, and some shows have gone viral abroad. But so far, most of its fans remain local or in neighboring countries. Interestingly, even within China, many viewers watch more Japanese anime than local shows, which illustrates just how big the Japanese wave still is.
That depends on individual preferences. For those who appreciate complex characters, emotional drama, or sci-fi concepts, Japanese anime may offer more. Those who enjoy historical fantasy, Chinese myths, and beautiful artwork inspired by traditional ink paintings might prefer donghua.
The great thing is that there is no need to choose between the two. With streaming sites introducing more donghua to international audiences, one can watch a Japanese mecha show one night and a Chinese fantasy romance the next. This variety enriches the viewing experience, as there is more great animation available than ever before.
Ultimately, both Japanese anime and Chinese donghua offer fans new ways to experience storytelling. One is the seasoned veteran; the other, the rapidly rising contender. Either way, those who appreciate phenomenal animation are the big winners.