Anime, or Japanese animation, shows a lot of Japanese history, folklore, traditions, and religion. When these videos or television programs are viewed by anime fans and other viewers that are not Japanese, or not from or living in Japan, they can become a way of these foreigners to learn and experience Japanese culture. The article “Cartoons from another planet: Japanese animation as a cross-cultural communication” by Shinobu Price really illustrates what the title suggests, and shows how that anime can really be a cross-cultural communication between Japan and many western countries, primarily the United States of America. Anime is not a cartoon, like western stories that are animated by Disney; it is not full of children-oriented fairy tales about princesses and knights in shining armor with happily ever after endings of endless romance. There is a handful of anime that follow that guideline slightly, but in a very different style. However, there are tons of anime geared towards mostly adults that don’t always have happy endings, and may include the princess being a flesh-craving cyborg and devouring the prince who was willing to die for his code of honor. Most Americans may think that anime is either characterized by characters like Pikachu or school girls in sailor outfits with big boobs and eyes. However, anime is usually a lot edgier, fast-paced, and violent.
I will go on to explain more about this article talking about a bit more about misconceptions of anime and more about how cultural exchange takes place in the medium of anime and what exactly is exchanged.
I will also summarize an article on Anime Fans and DVDs, and an article on "anime students" and literacy through Japanese culture which both relate directly to the first article on cross-cultural exchange through anime.
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I think you picked a very interesting topic, as I am also an anime fan. I think you did a good job showing the misconception of anime to people that do not understand Japanese culture. The only thing I can suggest is to change the wording on a couple sentences. For example, I would say, "However, there are many types of anime geared towards adults that don’t always have happy endings,..." Good luck!
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