For years, mainstream society dismissed anime as mere entertainment for children, but it is so much more than that. Most anime are adaptations of manga, Japanese graphic novels or comic books. Today, both anime and manga are more widespread and influential than ever, which has been a gift for people like me. Anime is one of those things that have deeply shaped my personal growth and even influenced my academic interests.
Studying anime can be just as insightful as analyzing a film. Elements like shot composition, visual style, music, and character development all play a crucial role in storytelling. Some anime, such as Tokyo Ghoul (one of my favorites), are clearly intended for mature audiences, while others, like Pokémon, are designed to be more child-friendly. Of course, cultural differences can lead to mismatches in how content is perceived. What may be considered appropriate for a certain age group in Japan might be viewed differently in other countries. In the U.S., for example, young people are often more heavily shielded from mature themes, which can result in a different level of media maturity compared to their peers in Japan or parts of Europe.
With that said, I’ve been thinking about how I can help educate others about the impact anime has had on me and at the same time give it the rigorous study that I feel it deserves. Just as some films inspire individuals to become directors, or certain video games spark one’s interest in game development, anime ignited a passion in me that has shaped both my personal and academic journey. Passion has the power to drive people toward incredible achievements. Maybe one day I’ll write a book, but for now I’m starting small and building my way up. I’ve taken the time to write an academic-style research paper (non-peer-reviewed), hoping it will serve as a steppingstone toward more substantial work in the future. After all, it’s almost never too early, or too late, to pursue something meaningful.
Link:
Cultural Translation and Censorship Localizing Japanese Media