Anime Interest (PS)

I am going to use this week’s blog to talk about an interest of mine that I have had since I was just entering into adolescence, namely, anime. Yes, I am one of those guys. Really though, since I play RPGs like Final Fantasy, this should not come as a huge shock to anyone.

One of my main things about anime is they are just fun to watch, and there are so many different genres of anime that anyone could find something they like, story-wise. Whether you like watching people with over-exaggerated features is, obviously, a completely different subject. Apparently, this was one of a few reasons why no one else in my family wanted to watch anime with me. Another, being not able to get into the storyline, but my favorite excuse was because they thought anime was for kids.

Wait a second; I am sorry, I did not give a proper definition of anime. That happens sometimes when I get into a subject; I forget to explain things to those who might not know what I am talking about. Anime is actually a Japanese word. I’ll give one try to anyone who wants to guess the meaning…if you guessed animation that would be correct. Basically, Japanese cartoons are the best way to think about anime. However, anime is not considered in the same light in Japan as cartoons are in America. In Japan, anime is more like another form of media medium, rather than shows mostly for kids. Sure there are a lot of anime generated for kids, but a good portion of it is not. Though, it is true a lot of anime that comes to the U.S. is pretty much child oriented.

In truth, there are many different styles of anime both good and bad. I found a decent site that has some definitions of different types of anime. (Warning: some of the definitions will describe genres that are, in my opinion, perverse, and should be avoided.) My favorite style is called Shonen, which is geared toward young boys under eighteen. Okay, so maybe there was some legitimate claim to the “that’s for kids argument” when it comes to what I like to watch. Though, in my defense I have to say the stuff for men between eighteen and middle-age has elements I do not think anyone needs to watch. That could be said of a lot of cartoons these days as well. Besides, the general plot for Shonen is the coming-of-age storyline, and there are a lot of good lessons depicted in them. This is especially true of my favorite title Naruto Shippuden. The official site for this show is through Vizmedia, which is responsible for bringing Shonen Jump, the official producer, to the United States. The site has a lot of information about the show and plot line. For those not aware of Naruto the anime is about a young bright-eyed-gung-ho ninja and his pursuit to become the best ninja and leader in his village, the Hokage. Hokage is the title of the head ninja, in Naruto’s village, that means “dancing flames.” Come on, how can anyone not want to know more about that!? Well that is my brief plug for anime; I hope it sparked some interest.