The Roots of Japanese Anime — Until the End of WWII – YouTube.
Japanese filmmakers first experimented with the animation techniques (also pioneered in France, Germany, USA & Russia) in the early 20th century. By the 1930s anime, typically aimed at adults as well as children, was well established in Japan.
In this selection, the 1942 anime clip (1:03) features bear-like aviators with rising sun banners attacking a “Red demon enemy” battleship.