movies/tv Why do people act like Anime is somehow "different" Cartoons?

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

I see alot of anime fans insist that anime is not the same as Cartoons and that they're somehow for adults. It's funny because in Japan Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, Sailor Moon, Fairy Tail, hell, almost anything from Shonen Jump are aimed at kids. It may have some more blood and violence than our cartoons for young audiences, but that's because Japan has looser standards for kids. Also, in japan, ANYTHING animated is considered anime there. It's nothing more than a japanese slang term for animation. So why even make this abritrary separation? 

[Commissar Alexer 763]

They want to seperate themselves from the filthy gaijin.

[TheJLeeTeam 914]

Maybe anime is just a much more intricate art style?

[Moonlight 7,279]

Some animes are for older people, because nothing screams "kids!" like something like Attack On Titan or Tokyo Ghoul lol.

 

But Japan overall seems to be more lenient on what is for kids and what isn't. Anime is still different from cartoons in the way it's designed and where it's designed at. You wouldn't call something like Gravity Falls anime so you wouldn't call something like Death Note a cartoon.

 

It more or less just comes down to the animation style, anime is overall more detailed while cartoons seem to focus on easier to animate shapes, not all of course but a decent amount.

[Guest]

I mean it is essentially "cartoons" I think people just call anime anything japan makes animation wise. Cartoons all in general are animated . 

 

But the "anime genre" typically just refers to the Japanese style I believe. 

[Venomous 18,820]

Technically, anime is still a cartoon. It's just a different style.

[kanashimi purinsesu 244]

i had a friend on psn rage at me for this before. i asked him why isn't Avatar considered anime if it looks exactly like anime does. he raged hard at me and it prompted a deletion. this is why growing up i watched anime but never discussed it with others. the fans are something else. it's all animated in my book wether they are cartoons or not. i don't understand it either. i do understand it as a genre though or a style when you say that to find anime looking things specifically.

[FlitterFlutter 1,569]

So they feel better about themselves, they don't want to think they are watching a kid show. Though some anime is for older audience, just like some cartoons are for older audience. Their is really no difference but the art style.  

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

So they feel better about themselves, they don't want to think they are watching a kid show. Though some anime is for older audience, just like some cartoons are for older audience. Their is really no difference but the art style.  

Not to mention, many Western Cartoons use a lot of anime Influence. Avatar, Korra, Teen Titans, Steven Universe, Star vs. The Forces of Evil, even Friendship is Magic has some.

Edited May 11, 2015 by TheMisterManGuy

[KiteDarkness 5]

Maybe anime is just a much more intricate art style?

 

In a way. However, it's actually a bit of a trade off. Anime is often mass produced and each episode/OVA/Movie is made on a lower budget and in quicker time than usual. This means that they have to cut back a lot on the animation, so a good deal of episodes/films are filled with static shots, and characters not making much motion other than their mouths flapping up and down during non-action sequences. Pan shots are used a lot to give a sense of movement too.

 

There are exceptions to that(the Otomo movies Akira and Steamboy are notable for using full animation akin to the expensive style Disney films and other Hollywood animated features utilize), and every show/movie varies in quality, but more often than not the focus on the animation is a lot more minimalistic, with high quality artwork being a nice gain from that sacrifice. It's easier to make detailed drawings when you're not animating them much.

 

I like it when both the art quality and the animation is outstanding, and one can usually look to Disney for that perfect marriage of both qualities at their best. It's unfortunate that they don't produce traditional animated features these days...

Edited May 11, 2015 by Master

[ZaccMDL 9]

Its actually hentai is for adults kind of like how family guy is because it is technically rated x so that is why it is for adults but pokemon and dragon ball Z are made for kids. hentai either has adulyts humor contnet like boku no pico eww and highschool oif the dead and mor than most are made into mangas and or originate from them

[Blaze Bronson 343]

If you can find the cartoon equivalent to Death Note, then I'll join you in the belief that both cartoons and animes are for all ages.

As it stands thought, anime tackle much more serious and deep questions. Cartoons are more often light hearted and humorous.

[KiteDarkness 5]

If you can find the cartoon equivalent to Death Note, then I'll join you in the belief that both cartoons and animes are for all ages.

As it stands thought, anime tackle much more serious and deep questions. Cartoons are more often light hearted and humorous.

 

There's a lot of cartoons and animated features that delve into thought provoking concepts, themes, and have a modicum of depth to them. Gargoyles, the various DC Animated series, the Avatar/Korra franchise, etc. While there is a significant amount of animated shows that focus on humor, it isn't wise to just sweep under the rug any of the more sophisicated series out there. That's like saying "all anime is porn or loli moe crap."

[~Sugar Sprinkles~ 637]

I wondered the same thing...

 

I consider them as cartoons. I mean look. Cartoons don't always have to be for kids. Take a look at Family guy, American dad, Simpsons, Bob's burgers, King of the Hill, Beavis and Butthead, Futurama, Archer, and the list goes on. Sure, Anime is a little different, but its still animated. I think thats why its called Anime really.

 

But like everyone else said, so they separate themselves. Not judging any anime fans, but some get really into it and classify it "cooler" than the average cartoons. I like anime, dont get me wrong, just not OBSESSED and still see it as a type of cartoon.

[MLG4Ever 876]

Anime is just Eastern Cartoons

Cartoons is Western cartoons

Anime almost has similar styles in animation

And cartoons has different styles from each ones

So maybe that's why

[AlbaTross 1,581]

In my experience, anime tends to be more centred around a central plot, and the majority of anime series are written with the intention of being finite stories with a planned ending from the start. Aside from that, anime has a distinctive art style, Japanese tropes and design elements that may differ from what we may normally see in the West, and is known for covering virtually any story genre imaginable. It's also known for its weirdness, and I mean that in a good way as weirdness provides a series with a unique identity. Most anime series don't have many off episodes if any, which can be defined as episodes that don't have relevance to the overarching plot, and said episodes are often considered filler by fans.

 

Cartoons have made a recent comeback, and by that I mean there have been quite a few series that have made a splash that are neither adult comedies or shows that only appeal to young kids. FiM is one such example, because though it's technically a kid's show it has managed to win over an audience outside of its target demographic. It is true that a number of cartoons have borrowed elements from anime, and cartoons are starting to take themselves relatively seriously again, not that there's anything wrong with animated comedies, mind you.

 

That said, Western animation has its own flavour, and while I think it can only go so far in emulating anime, I think that actually works in its favour. I mean sure, I think Japan's animation style is great, but there's more to anime than just the art style, and I think elements such as Japanese tropes and trademark Japanese weirdness are a distinctly Japanese thing. But, the West has its own tropes and other elements to draw upon. FiM may look kind of like anime at times, but Lauren Faust was smart to draw upon Greek mythology among other things, and the writers draw on media known in NA for much of their inspiration, and I think that's great. I don't think one style is better than the other, so there's nothing wrong with cartoons being different than anime, and I'm actually glad they are.

[Discordian 6,013]

There is a difference whether you want to see it or not. It's not different necessarily because it has to be but there's a certain culture about anime that separates it from cartoons. The two have mixed on several occasions but generally speaking you can tell the difference between what is and isn't an anime. You wouldn't look at Spongebob and call it anime and the only people who call something like Naruto a cartoon are those who don't really know what anime is, or are purposefully trying to ignore the difference.

 

Even if the difference is completely artificial, it's there.

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

There is a difference whether you want to see it or not. It's not different necessarily because it has to be but there's a certain culture about anime that separates it from cartoons. The two have mixed on several occasions but generally speaking you can tell the difference between what is and isn't an anime. You wouldn't look at Spongebob and call it anime and the only people who call something like Naruto a cartoon are those who don't really know what anime is, or are purposefully trying to ignore the difference.

 

Even if the difference is completely artificial, it's there.

I know there are differences between western animation and anime, but my point is, anime fans seem to want to claim that anime is somehow not a cartoon, or that cartoons are for kids and anime is for adults, despite the fact that some of the most popular anime are kids shows in japan. I know I wouldn't really call SpongeBob anime, but I would call Gurren Laggan a cartoon, because at the end of the day, anime is a type of cartoon.

Edited May 11, 2015 by TheMisterManGuy

[Discordian 6,013]

I know there are differences between western animation and anime, but my point is, anime fans seem to want to claim that anime is somehow not a cartoon, or that cartoons are for kids and anime is for adults, despit the fact that some of the most popular anime are kids shows in japan.

So let them claim it. In the end it doesn't really matter. When people spread misinformation like anime being only for adults then correct them on it. These are the people who spend more time talking about entertainment than actually being entertained by it anyway, or they're just starting out and don't want to think rationally about it.

 

Besides, what defines a cartoon isn't the animation. Animation is simply a branch of cartooning. I've yet to properly research the subject (as an animation enthusiast, I am ashamed) but a quick Wikipedia search would tell you more about it.

[Blaze Bronson 343]

There's a lot of cartoons and animated features that delve into thought provoking concepts, themes, and have a modicum of depth to them. Gargoyles, the various DC Animated series, the Avatar/Korra franchise, etc. While there is a significant amount of animated shows that focus on humor, it isn't wise to just sweep under the rug any of the more sophisicated series out there. That's like saying "all anime is porn or loli moe crap."

 

Strawmaning my argument. I didn't say all, I said most cartoons. Thus their reputation of being kids shows.

Yes there will always be exceptions, but that's what they are, exceptions.

 

Anime is more normal for all ages to watch, therefore there exists more anime tackling deep content. So since it is more spread out age wise, it's also less considered to be for kids only.

Remember this is all reputation we are talking about. It being a cartoon or an anime doesn't actually mean it must be a certain way.

 

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Taking all of this back to OP's question. Anime is often defined as a genre of it's own because of it's style, it's Japanese like social interactions, often complex narratives and deep themes. There is a obvious separation between Cartoons and Animes.

 

If you compare the original Oldboy with the american remake, you can clearly see the difference in "cartoon" and "anime". Obviously it's neither as it is a acted movie, but it's the same story told in a Japanese (anime) way and an american (cartoon) way.

 

The Japanese version the narrative is very hard to follow, and gives pointers to deeper themes of psychology and self punishment. Typical anime ways of storytelling.

The american remake is easier to follow and ends with a more feelgood and conclusive ending. Typical cartoon ways of storytelling.

 

And lastly, not to grind anyone's gear too much, I never mentioned quality in either ways of storytelling. 

[Megas 27,183]

Because Otaku's want to feel special

 

Anime handles things differently from western animation and a lot of Anime have different kinds of styles and genres that are more popular in Anime compared to the styles and genres that are popular among western animation. That said you still have anime that have styles similar to western animation and vice versa

 

They have a lot of differences, but at their cores they are the same thing.

Edited May 11, 2015 by Megas75

[The Awesome One 1,314]

They are cartoons but they are usually much less childish than their Western counterparts. Many animes are not for kids at all and the art style in many animes makes it not look like a kid's show.

[Aleh 481]

Because they don't want to be associated with watching childrens cartoons. Because some people can't distinguish the difference between a childish anime and one intended for adults (Because obviously some animes are definitely very mature). Mostly just being over defensive because of the age range people associate cartoons with. 

Which is kind of derpy because there are adult(or at least teenage) cartoons over here. Not to the same level of Japan (that I know of) that aren't suitable for kids at all xD (South park, archer etc).

 

tl;dr: Both are cartoons, but watching cartoons sound childish so people get defensive .

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

They are cartoons but they are usually much less childish than their Western counterparts. Many animes are not for kids at all and the art style in many animes makes it not look like a kid's show.

While there are some anime aimed at an older audience, it's usually niche seinen or hardcore shonen. The most popular anime in the US, Naruto, InuYasha, Dragon Ball, Bleach, One Piece, etc. are all kids shows in japan. The reason they have more violence and blood than our kid show is because Japan has looser standards for children.

[whitetiger187 197]

Because in western culture, cartoons and animation are associated with being kids things, whereas in Japan animation is made for just about everyone.