Ask John: Is Anime Worth Devoting Your Life To?

Question:
Do you think American people are foolish for devoting a lot of their life to anime? Simply, I want to know if you agree to American anime fans, or disagree to American anime fans. I sometimes think that Japanese people dislike American anime fans because we are taking their tradition. Do you think that’s true?

Answer:
Speaking as an American that has devoted a lot of his life to anime, I don’t think my chosen hobby is foolish at all. In fact, I think that my addiction to anime has cultivated within me a respect for cultural diversity, an appreciation for art, and elevated my critical and rational analytical skills. I’m a firm believer that everyone needs some sort of hobby or interest, and I think there are plenty of hobbies with fewer positive qualities than an interest in Japanese animation. Personally, I am generally only offended by people who call themselves anime fans just to pose a social status. Such “fans” aren’t really aficionados of Japanese animation; they’re only trend chasers riding on the coattails of the latest hot ticket. But I do have to respect anyone that genuinely loves the art form of Japanese comics and animation. Furthermore, I respect people who have the motivation and determination to set goals for themselves and strive toward creating their own art. On the other hand, as an extension of my appreciation for Japanese art, I’m rather disappointed by Western artists that perceive only the most superficial aspects of manga and anime and fail to comprehend that it’s the unique Japanese culture and artistic perspective behind anime that makes anime what it is. Speed lines and big eyes, cat girls and guns, unusual hair colors and monochrome comics don’t constitute real manga and anime to me. These characteristics reflect only a pale imitation of manga and anime based on a lack of understanding and appreciation of the true culture of manga and anime.

But I digress. Simply put, I do vigorously approve of American anime fans, and I do recommend anime as something worth devoting one’s life and energy to. What I do not approve of is Americans who see anime as only a means to an ends. Editing and altering anime to make it more profitable in America; creating “anime style” works that bear only a superficial resemblance to Japanese art; and claiming “otaku” status just to seem trendy are all signs of people who fundamentally don’t understand or appreciate the artistic and creative beauty of anime and manga.

Regarding the usurpation of Japanese animation by Americans, I don’t believe that this is the case. I’ve been to Tokyo four times since becoming an obsessive anime fan. I’ve also met many professional anime and manga artists. In my experience, I think that Japanese fans are just as willing as anyone to embrace others who share their appreciation and respect for anime. During the hours I’ve spent in Japanese anime stores including Mandarake, K Books, Melon Books, Animate, and Gamers, I’ve never been treated coldly or rudely, I think because it’s clear that my adoration for anime is equal to that of Japanese fans. We are brothers in arms. Likewise, Japanese professionals that attend American anime conventions frequently seem awed that so many American fans appreciate their works. It’s hard to imagine an artist being angered or outraged that fans enjoy his or her art, regardless of what language the fans speak or where they originate from. I suspect that Japanese fans who may seem outraged or resentful of a foreign usurpation of a traditional Japanese hobby are actually only angered by foreigners that latch on to the superficial and overt aspects of Japanese culture without trying to understand or appreciate any of its depth or meaning or culture.