The Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) is celebrating 100 years of Japanese animation. Now, they have compiled a new video which takes a look at the history of anime. It features several notable anime, from classics like Astro Boy to more recent ones like The iDOLM@STER. Here it is:

It’s hard to imagine that crude black and white silent films, as well as stop-motion works would lead to what we have today. It takes a look at Japanese animation’s journey, from 1917 all the way to present day.

As for the video’s theme song, 23 Japanese musical acts are responsible for performing it. Titled  “Tsubasa wo Motsu Mono ~Not an angel Just a dreamer~”, the song serves as the Anime 100th anniversary theme song. i☆Ris, Azumi Inoue, Wake Up, Girls!, Maaya Uchida, Akira Kushida, GRANRODEO, Isao Sasaki, Hiro Shimono, JAM Project, Konomi Suzuki, Kenichi Suzumura, Ayana Taketatsu, Minori Chihara, TRUE, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, Shoko Nakagawa, Wataru Hatano, Mitsuko Horie, Minami, Ichiro Mizuki, Suzuko Mimori, May’n, as well as Chihiro Yonekura, all perform the song.

Finally, the AJA and NHK will be airing a New Year’s Eve TV special. The program will include several festivities, including a look at the history of anime in general. They will also reveal the results of the “Most Popular Anime Character” fan poll.