* Early Japanese Animation: Early animation in Japan was influenced by Western animation, particularly from Disney. Notable early Japanese animators include Osamu Tezuka, often called the "God of Manga" for his influential works like Astro Boy.
* Manga: The development of manga (Japanese comics) played a key role. Many anime series are adapted from manga, and the storytelling techniques and art styles of manga have heavily influenced anime.
* Technology: Advances in animation technology, like cel animation and later, digital animation, allowed for greater complexity and fluidity in animation.
So, there's no single "inventor" of anime. It's a collective effort by numerous animators, artists, storytellers, and technological advancements that led to the birth and evolution of this distinct art form.