Is Anime Childish? Everyone Says No - Here's Why You Should Watch It
Popular all around the world and watched by many ages is anime, though it has caused controversies. Despite this, there are many reasons to watch it, supported by other fans and interesting, personal stories that will surprise you. It's even easily accessible on sites like Netflix.
Anime is Japanese animation for film or TV shows made for all different ages and genres.
First, it's like watching other amazing TV shows but in a different language. It's been part of my childhood from a young age where I've been exposed to many different kinds from people recommending numerous shows and saying why I should watch them.
However, many people don't like anime for various reasons which are often illogical. One of the most heard reasons is that it's "childish".
Why is anime treated as childish?
The main reason that's heard for why anime is treated as childish is that people equate it to Western cartoons as both are animated, bright and colourful. Since cartoons are made for children, people call them childish. Although some cartoons aren't for children like Family Guy so anime shouldn't be called childish.
Clearly, people treating anime don't know anime well or the many different types and only think of or watch kids anime like Digimon. Other comments say that people think the "intense screaming and superpowers" make it childish.
On the other hand, I think the intense screaming and superpowers are iconic conventions and it's only a tiny part of a mature story so it's not childish. Additionally, lots of movies like Marvel and DC Comics have superpowers and they aren't considered for kids so anime shouldn't be either.
Is anime childish and only for little kids?
While some people believe anime is childish because it's animated, it's not childish as most have mature content and themes. Explained as a film medium, I want to emphasise that anime are shows that tell many stories for different ages and just like TV shows, there are a variety of genres - most of which suit older viewers.
Indeed, it's not just kid anime you might be thinking of like Pokemon. As many people say, "very few animes are 8 and under friendly" like Yo-Kai-Watch.
Lots of popular anime have sexualisation, swearing, gore, horror and blood - such as Attack on Titan or Tokyo Ghoul. In addition, there are adult characters who face adult and real-life problems like war, mental health issues, grief/death, complex ethical or moral decisions like revenge, drugs and drinking. For example, Death Note questions if people have the right to choose who dies.
In conclusion, when I think of anime, the first ones that I think of, like Naruto, have violence, fighting and often sexual depictions of women. Through watching a lot of anime and engaging with other fans, I don't think most anime is for kids and it's clear that many are not childish. As someone commented, "many animes require the person to be mature" so it's not for immature people.
Moreover, if adults are watching anime, it's not a bad thing and you shouldn't stop them from watching it. I think you should let people watch what they enjoy as anime can be meaningful, entertaining and it's just like any other movie.
12 Reasons why you should watch anime:
1. Anime can be as entertaining as other shows
First of all, if you don't give it a chance, you won't know how good it can be. I suggest that if you're not sure if you'll like it but it sounds interesting, try watching it and you can stop if you don't like it. But, many fans watch it because it's good and entertaining - just like other shows or movies.
Furthermore, some are funny with iconic and memorable parts that are so lovable. They're fun and have great plot twists.
So, I don't understand people hating on it when it's just like TV shows but in a cool animated form and Japanese. Maybe you're not used to it, but trust me, I know many people who have started anime and now love it.
2. Anime has subtitles and teaches you about Japanese culture
So, subtitles seem like a weird reason but quite valid according to personal experiences. Years ago, a classmate said she hated K-pop because it was in Korean. Similarly, my mother won't watch K-dramas because she doesn't know Korean. I didn't understand it back then because there are translations and like anime, there are subtitles. Like me, you will get used to hearing it.
Importantly, I think it's a way to be more open and get more Japanese cultural knowledge, especially in a world that's focused on being global. It's also a great opportunity to learn a new language and the stories show Japanese culture.
3. Anime stories and universes are well thought out
Just like the first reason, I want to emphasise again that the stories and universes of anime are just as well created as other TV shows. Moreover, the stories are deep, complex, creative and original. As people say, "there are endless possibilities" with unique, crazy concepts beyond your wildest imagination.
Correspondingly, fans say they watch it to escape boring, normal reality to different worlds with many possibilities. Like I have, you'll fall in love with their worlds and be amazed by new things.
Some anime are very long, with over 100 episodes so if you want in-depth stories and universes or something to keep you entertained for a long time, you should watch anime. On the other hand, there are short animes if you feel like something short.
4. Anime can be relatable
Anime, despite being fiction, shows many relatable, real-life situations and faults of society. Significantly, fans say they are more realistic than other movies or TV shows. Anime involve philosophical, moral decisions, dealing with loss or mental health issues and more. Therefore, I think you get more immersed in it and it's more emotional. There are also deep meaningful quotes.
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest, so let's keep on going till the very end" - Natsu Dragneel (from Fairy Tail)
5. You can learn things from anime and optimistic friendship messages
Moreover, anime can teach you valuable, useful life lessons such as the classic 'not giving up' and to be yourself with the unique characters different from society. So, if you are now worried about anime being violent, most anime (despite having lots of fighting) have a theme of friendship. Many animes express the power of friendship and hardwork, such as Fairy Tail, a classic anime I always think of in terms of teamwork strength.
They can motivate you to think optimistically to achieve your dreams or teach you about love. In addition, you can even learn new things from mental health to how I learnt about volleyball in Haikyu!!
6. There are a variety of genres of anime for all ages
As previously said, there are many types of anime that are aimed at little kids to adults. Likewise, there are a variety of genres including action, horror, mystery, comedy, romance and more. Therefore, there's something for everyone and you're sure to find something of your taste.
7. Anime has great opening soundtracks
One of the things my friends love about anime is the beautiful opening soundtracks with instruments including the piano and violin. I feel like they often have a catchy, powerful and heart-warming vibe that makes you energised and excited for the episode, perfectly reflecting the mood of the anime. The music is probably a bigger part of anime for a great experience than it is in movies.
Furthermore, famous singers like N.Flying have covered the soundtracks and some even sing the original one for the show like TXT did for Black Clover.
8. There are many great, unique characters in anime
I've found that anime characters are really diverse and interesting or even weird with different looks, powers, talents and personalities. Anime characters have great depth and character development. Fans also say that they're not like characters in normal TV shows. There's characters like ninjas to pirates to talking cats.
Importantly, they can be relatable and inspiring, especially with people dressing up as them for cosplay. This is also due to how I think anime characters are really beautiful, creative or unique in their design, including crazy hairstyles.
9. There are strong female characters
Next, many fans praise the portrayal of strong female characters who fight just as well as the men. Many female anime characters are independent, determined and prove to be equal to males. Clearly, it shows that gender doesn't matter. They're relatable with all different shapes, sizes and ages. In effect, they help inspire many females and give them strength.
10. Anime can inspire you and create new hobbies
As someone commented, you can get inspired by anime just like movies and other shows. An interesting thing you don't hear often is how anime can create new hobbies for you. While it can be related to anime like drawing, writing or learning Japanese (all of which my siblings and I have done), it can also be other things.
After watching Haikyu!!, my brother started loving volleyball, learned how to play it and joined a team, getting really into it and playing well at competitions. I found it surprising but inspiring how anime about realistic things like swimming, singing and other things can teach you new hobbies or life knowledge.
11. Anime has awesome action scenes
Ultimately, you can't forget the amazing action scenes that anime is known for and many people always compliment it as a reason to watch anime. The fighting with great effects, sounds, powers, suspense and plot twists are everything that'll satisfy your imagination and need for action.
As a fan said, "in animes you can do the impossible things" which you can't in live-action. And although editing can make a live-action fight scene look cool, I think it doesn't have the same effect as anime since anime makes it more epic, engaging and emphasised to look awesome.
12. The animation of anime is fantastic and beautiful
Correspondingly, the animation and backgrounds of anime make it look that much more fantastic to hype the action. As someone praised, the animation is "awe-inspiring, it's visually stunning and high quality". Indeed, anime is a truly beautiful form of art with different styles and unlike what you've seen before. The amazing colours, professional production and effects make watching it more enjoyable and engaging.
Recommended anime with amazing visuals include Fate Zero, No Game No Life, Sword Art Online and The Garden of Words.
In summary, from my friends who now love anime and other people, they've shared many great reasons for why you should watch anime and why it's actually good. Being well created stories and animation by adults, anime is clearly not childish as it has mature themes and content.
In conclusion, you should watch anime because you're sure to find something entertaining that suits your genre taste and it could even inspire you.