OVA

Etymology

Abbreviation of "Original Video Animation"; also called OAV (Original Animation Video), though OVA is the usual term in Japan.

Usage

OVAs often have higher production values than TV anime, more mature or niche content, or side stories and sequels to popular series.

Common collocations

• OVA化(か): OVA adaptation
• OVA版(ばん): OVA version
• OVA作品(さくひん): OVA title/work

Cultural note

The format flourished in the 1980s and 90s, when home video gave creators more freedom. Less common in the streaming era, OVAs are still made, often bundled with special editions of manga volumes.