The rise of hentai can be traced back to the early days of Japanese art, where erotic themes were often incorporated into traditional forms such as woodblock prints and ukiyo-e paintings. However, it was not until the late 19th century that hentai began to take on its modern form, with the publication of manga and anime featuring sexualized characters and situations.

In the early 20th century, Japan experienced a period of cultural upheaval, which saw the emergence of new forms of popular culture and entertainment. This included the growth of the manga industry, which quickly became one of the most popular forms of media in Japan. As manga grew in popularity, so too did the depiction of sexuality within it, leading to the development of what would become known as “hentai.”

Hentai is typically defined as Japanese animation or manga that features sexualized characters and situations, including nudity, masturbation, and other forms of explicit content. It has been characterized by its use of exaggerated and stylized artwork, as well as its focus on fantasy and supernatural elements.

Over time, hentai has evolved to include a wide range of genres and styles, from classic shoujo romance stories to more mature and graphic depictions of sex and violence. Today, hentai continues to be a popular form of entertainment around the world, with fans drawn to its unique blend of storytelling, artistry, and explicit content.