Anime

__ Japanese Anime vs. American Cartoons __ Intro Animation has become very popular in both Japan and America. Both countries have their own style of animation. Some examples of Japanese animation are Death Note, Naruto, and One Piece. Some examples of American animation are Donald Duck, Bugs Bunny, and Superman. Animation in Japan and America can be very different yet also similar in ways. Animation in Japan is commonly referred to as anime while American animation is commonly referred to as cartoons. Some people argue that these terms are the same exact thing while others think that they are different. Japanese and American animations are very similar and different in the visual look or feel, content and audience, and roles of different groups.

Visuals In both styles of animation characters do completely real. Japanese illustrations are generally known to be exaggerated for physical features but still human-like. Japanese anime characters are often seen to have large eyes, big hair, and elongated limbs. Cartoons are usually less like reality compared to Japanese anime. Resemblances to humans can be seen in some cartoons though. However, some cartoons are exaggerated such as Marge Simpson’s hair in “The Simpsons.” Some cartoons are even farther away from reality. Characters sometimes have features that are not relative to the rest of their body. For example a character might have a head that is about the size of his or her body. In Japanese anime facial expressions can be very exaggerated. Angry characters might exhibit a "vein" or "stress mark" effect while nervous or embarrassed characters might produce massive sweat drops. Overall both Japanese and American animation are similar and different to reality in different ways.

Content and Audience Japanese and American animation have different focuses with content and audiences. American cartoons are generally used to induce laughter so they use humorous content. This appeals more to children than adults. For example cartoons such as Mickey Mouse are focused on making people laugh and target a child audience. Japanese anime concentrates mostly on life issues or things tied closer to human emotion. Japanese anime targets all age groups with the anime. For example Death Note focuses on themes of life, death, and life issues and is more complicated than American cartoons. Japanese and American animat ion both don't have to follow these topics. Some American cartoons are focused more on serious matters and appeal to adults. Some Japanese anime can tell about pirate attacks to humorous adventures to tales of a samurai.

Roles of Groups In Japanese and American animation the roles of different groups of people such as different genders and people of different age. In American cartoons women are usually not very helpful and need to be saved by the male protagonist. Males are usually portrayed as very strong, handsome, and smart. The male protagonist needs to same the "damsel in distress" and often does so without the woman's help. In Japanese anime women are frequently adventuring along with the male protagonist or are the protagonist themselves. Males In Japanese anime are still usually the main character but are sometimes even weaker than the female companion. In American cartoons old people, especially old women, are sometimes portrayed as evil, cunning, or as witches. In Japanese anime old people are considered to be very wise and helpful and should be respected.

Conclusion Japanese and American animation are very different yet similar at the same time. There are many similarities and differences in the visual look or feel, content and audience, and roles of different groups. Both types of animation are very interesting and have their own styles. Some people like Japanese anime and some like American cartoons while some people like both. Overall, even if the many things are different between Japanese anime and American cartoons, they are both types of animation and many people around the world enjoy them.