Ask John: Are “Anime” and “Japanimation” the Same Thing?

Question:
What is the difference between “anime” and “Japanimation” if there even is one. I’ve heard that there is a difference, but I don’t know what it is.

Answer:
As far as we’re concerned, “anime” and “Japanimation” are different names for exactly the same thing.

In Japan, the word “anime” refers to any animation of any style or origin. This means it’s common for Japanese natives to call Cowboy Bebop, Powerpuff Girls, Disney movies, Shrek and Bugs Bunny all anime or make slight distinctions like “Japan anime” and “USA anime.” However, around AnimeNation the common belief is that this definition of “anime = animation” is only a Japanese definition exclusively appropriate for use in Japanese conversations in Japan. Japanese definitions should be used in Japan, just as it’s only natural that English language definitions and terms should be used in the West.

Especially in America, the word “anime” has been adopted into English language and along the way developed a distinct English language definition different from its Japanese usage. Although some fans would like to argue otherwise, just as the word “otaku” does not have the same meaning in America that it does in Japan, the word “anime” does not mean the same thing in America that it does in Japan. In Western and English speaking countries, the word “anime” is defined as “Japanese animation,” not just “animation.” While the average person on the street in Tokyo may think of Woody Woodpecker as anime, Americans do not normally consider Bugs Bunny, Shrek or Snow White examples of anime. In effect, especially in America, “anime” is in fact defined as “Japanimation.” “Anime” is simply the preferred term because it sounds less racist and inflammatory than “Japanimation.”