Why Anime?
 

Hello, everyone!
I'm a Japanese student working on my master's thesis on Anime.

I would like to know few things from American anime fans:

1) Do you like anime more than live-action films? If yes (or no), why?

2) When you watch anime, does that encourage you to like Japan?
(*never mind the fact that I'm Japanese:) You can say whatever you want.)

3) Do you find anime characters look like Western people or Asians, or something else? Do you identify yourself with anime characters?

4) If there is any, what do you learn from anime?

5) Have you ever talked to any Japanese people about anime, and found something different in your understanding of anime and theirs?


If it's too much, you don't have to answer them all. I just wanna know little more how American people are perceiveing Japanese pop-culture.

Thanks!

try reading through this thread of similar topic,

http://www.japanforum.com/forum/anim...ike-anime.html

you'll find some loads of information...happy reading! :vsign:

hmmmmm... only americans????

I'm not American. I'm English. But I'll answer.

Depends really. Its a mixture of both. For an obvious reason, Anime can capture emotions MUCH better than real live action. This usually makes anime more interesting and more enjoyable. But then again. Theres Pirates of the Carribean. That film rocks.

No. It doesn't encourage me to like it. What happened to me was the other way. I liked Japan since I knew about it. Beautiful scenery and the people. I've always wanted to see Japan. Then, I heard about Anime. Watched it. Thought it was cool. That was it.

Nope. Hardly ANYONE , no matter what race or colour, looks like anime. It's been drawn to not look like people. Sure you might find one or two. But no. Hardly ANYONE looks like an Anime.

I personally haven't learnt anything from Anime that I didn't already know. I don't find believing in morals from a story that has people that can fly in it very wise. There are ofc a few things. But it doesn't teach you much.

Believe it or not. Most Japanese people I talked too, aren't addicted to Anime. Most I talked to. And when I asked one about anime, they usually frown, as if, waiting on this huge bombardment of animes which I like and how I'm in love with the characters. They are usually relieved when they hear I like a few, but I'm not crazy about it.

Hope that helps.

And one bit of advice. Do remember that the world isn't America + Japan :P There are MANY countries between them:P

Thank you!
 

Thank you for writing me back everyone!
Your opinions are so very helpful and yes, I'll try to check another thread related to this topic.

Dear Terra104:
You're more than welcome to write your opinion! Sorry that was my mistake to say American anime fans. I should have said anime fans in U.S. (Though I'm not sure you're in U.S. or not..)

I'm interested in knowing how this Japanese pop-culture (anime) influence the way yourth in U.S. constructs their identity.

Does any one of you consider yourself Otaku?

What do you think of being one, or being considered to be one??

What do you think of people called Otaku?

After you find yourself so drawn (if you are) to the world of anime, do you find the reality as boring??

I never have. And never will. My friends do though.

I wouldn't want too. I enjoy it. I Don't WANT to be one.
Might be slightly over addicted to anime.

Nope never.

I'm British but I really wanted to answer, so I hope you don't mind :)

Hmm that depends, I do like alot of Anime more in comparison to live action, I like hoe you are escaping into another world that does or may not be real, it allows your mind to wonder and escape from this world, but Live action is more real and you can't get lost in the story so easily.

I've always loved Japan, anime or no anime:vsign:

I think some characters have a western influence towards them, to make them appealing to us, but I would prefer them more Japanese looking

now that I'm not sure of myself, I think I get too engrossed in it to learn much really

I spoke to my Ex about it a few times, but we were pretty similar in our thoughts on subjects raised in animes

I hope you really don't mind me being a brit, but I am half American, so maybe I can count :D


Edit

I do

I find it an honor really

Well there meant to be quite well like my Japanese people, so I like em, there interesting to talk to cus we have similar interests

hmm tough question really, I'm not too sure on that one

1) Do you like anime more than live-action films? If yes (or no), why?
- Yeah i do... simply because theres waaaaay more fantasy in Anime then a movie.....

2) When you watch anime, does that encourage you to like Japan?
(*never mind the fact that I'm Japanese You can say whatever you want.)
- Yeah it does..

3) Do you find anime characters look like Western people or Asians, or something else? Do you identify yourself with anime characters?
- yeah they look western.. but with japanese voices and clothes (Like school uniforms)

4) If there is any, what do you learn from anime?
- I learn how to skip homework for watching anime lol...

5) Have you ever talked to any Japanese people about anime, and found something different in your understanding of anime and theirs?
- Don't care about others understandings.