Anyone who has multiple offspring, will be well aware of how different they all can be. Each have their own personality, loves and dislikes, emotional wiring and thoughts. It’s what makes us all individuals. As a parent, I try to learn more about whatever it is that takes their interest. In the case of today’s post, this would be Anime.
For those not familiar –
I had no idea what Anime was until about 6 years ago, nor how huge the following and fandom was, with kids and adults! Our middle son was the first to jump on-board, who then convinced our daughter to watch, then my husband. Now they’re all fans. Our daughter loves to Cos-Play whenever Supa-Nova (Comic-Con) is in town. And our son refers to himself as an ‘Otaku.’ (More on THAT in a minute)
‘How obsessive is he?’ you ask.
Well…recently, we decided to have a weekend away, and he offered to babysit the house and pets which was great. We arrived home around 4.00pm Sunday afternoon to find him passed out on the couch. He looked particularly haggard. Being a mother, I immediately assumed he’d hit the turps with his friends, and checked the alcohol cabinet for missing bottles. But no…he was exhausted because he’d binge watched Gintama on Netflix until 5 in the morning. Something, I learned later, he does quite often.
I was of course relieved, but also stunned that he could watch/read subtitled TV all night. He’s even gotten to the point where he can leave the room to go to the kitchen and continue to listen and understand the gist of what’s being said.
As mentioned, my son refers to himself as an ‘Otaku’, though not in the true Japanese sense of the word, but rather the Western version. (Though he is interested in the culture in general as well). In Japan, the term borders on an insult, which I only recently discovered. So, suggested he might want to rethink his self-reference, especially since he’s keen to travel there.
In both Japan and Western countries, the term does have some similarities in so far as referring to someone who’s into Anime culture and Manga. And he’s heavily into both. (Manga is the written version.)
But it was in the late 1980s that the term in Japan took a steep nose dive. This was due to a child murderer by the name of Tsutomu Miyazaki, who the media labelled The Otaku Murderer because of the significant amount of Anime and Manga located in his home following his arrest. I’ve purposely not linked this, but if you want to read up on him, be warned, it’s horrendous. Though does explain Japan’s change in attitude and the negativity surrounding the label.
But to bring things back to a more light-hearted note. Let’s talk about how to engage with your Anime/Manga enthusiast.
From personal experience, here’s what not to say –
- ‘Why are you watching that cartoon?’
As any Anime fan will tell you through clenched teeth – it’s not a cartoon, it’s animation.
You’d be tempted to say ‘Potato, Potahto’, but trust me, just back away, slowly.
- ‘Why are they screaming so much?’
In my defence, my first real exposure to Anime was listening to Attack on Titan from the next room.
My husband even has a ringtone on his phone of one the characters, Armin Arlet. Those in the know will already be chuckling. Thought I might share my pain (sorry, I meant, ‘this’) with you. (You may want to turn the volume down.)
Now imagine that going off late at night just as you’ve dropped off to sleep, or engrossed in the latest thriller on TV.
They’ll argue it’s for dramatic effect. Well, it has an effect alright.
- ‘Are you reading a comic?’
While yes, technically Manga has drawn images accompanied by written dialogue, don’t refer to it as a ‘comic.’ They get particularly upset.
- ‘I’ve watched Anime with you,’ when they ask me to sit and watch an episode with them. ‘Remember we watched The Last Airbender?’
The look of disgust on my kids’ faces. Not that they didn’t like The Last Airbender, but to call it Anime was insulting, apparently. Technically it is, but it’s Western. There’s a difference. Personally, I loved it! And I have watched a few other series in the meantime. P.S. Don’t even think about mentioning Pokemon. (Even though my son loved that too when he was younger)
For the parent –
As with any media, Anime has ratings and age restrictions. Don’t think because it’s animation it’s suitable for your 10-year-old to watch. This was another lesson for me, as some of it can have sexual content, language and violence. Not that there isn’t anything suitable for the younger audience, just be aware. There are so many to choose from, but if you’re new to Anime and have younger kids in the home, this site may be useful to help you choose. Common Sense Media
On a side note from my daughter who perused this list – it depends on the child. Make sure you read the blurb first. Even she was surprised by some of the recommendations around the 11 – 13-year-old bracket. (And that’s saying something).
If you’re an Anime fan reading this and have age group or first-time viewer recommendations, feel free to share them. Or even just your favourites.
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