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Do you want anime to become
Yes
36.8%
7
No
47.4%
9
Not Sure
15.8%
3
19 votes
Aug 27, 2013 8:11 PM
#1

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-Is it possible?
-Do you want it to be?

Here's the YouTube video that gave me the idea for this topic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryzAJqGDz40

Hopefully we can get a discussion going here.
~One last thing, the word mainstream is usually used in a negative way. What I mean is could anime ever become extremely popular and do you want it to~

Jym brought up a great point, do you think anime will become more profitable in the future(for licensing companies outside of japan). After all a business needs to make money in order to justify its actions.
FallenkingzeroAug 31, 2013 2:07 PM
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

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Aug 27, 2013 8:17 PM
#2

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Why would we want that? American TV already exists.
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Aug 27, 2013 8:22 PM
#3

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I don't follow American tv is terrible imo. I only watch around 2 shows.
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

Aug 27, 2013 8:38 PM
#4

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Jul 2012
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It's what anime would have to become to be popular.
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Aug 27, 2013 8:41 PM
#5

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Aug 27, 2013 8:43 PM
#6

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GrinfilledCelt said:
It's what anime would have to become to be popular.


Did you watch the video, what I mean is could it become popular and would you want it to. By popular I mean anime being on many more channels and having a much larger fan base.
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

Aug 27, 2013 9:02 PM
#7

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Jul 2012
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Now I have. I agree with the guy and it doesn't change anything I said.
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Aug 27, 2013 9:08 PM
#8

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Jun 2012
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*sigh*
Obviously anime can't become like "real life" TV shows due to the fact that anime is animated.

The question is could anime ever be on tv on a regular basis and be as popular as (insert popular show here).

GrinfilledCelt said:
It's what anime would have to become to be popular.

Unless your talking about the plot I don't see how this could ever happen.
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

Aug 27, 2013 9:31 PM
#9

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Jul 2012
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You'd either have to change anime or change Americans. The cultural differences are too vast. Didn't you see that video posted at the top of the page?
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Aug 27, 2013 9:36 PM

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GrinfilledCelt said:
You'd either have to change anime or change Americans. The cultural differences are too vast. Didn't you see that video posted at the top of the page?


Maybe I missed it XD

So just say no, it was a yes or no question.
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

Aug 27, 2013 9:47 PM

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Here's the problem. Go out and take a survey. Ask people if they watch anime. You will have to explain to half of them what anime is. Mostly this is the basic response you will get, "Cartoons are for children. I am no longer a child. Therefore I do not watch cartoons." You can explain till you are blue in the face the differences between cartoons and anime. Many will listen politely to you but it has nothing to do with them because, "Cartoons are for children..." You can butt your head against this all day. That's the way it is with most Americans and that is why anime will never gain much traction here.
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Aug 27, 2013 9:54 PM

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GrinfilledCelt said:
Here's the problem. Go out and take a survey. Ask people if they watch anime. You will have to explain to half of them what anime is. Mostly this is the basic response you will get, "Cartoons are for children. I am no longer a child. Therefore I do not watch cartoons." You can explain till you are blue in the face the differences between cartoons and anime. Many will listen politely to you but it has nothing to do with them because, "Cartoons are for children..." You can butt your head against this all day. That's the way it is with most Americans and that is why anime will never gain much traction here.


Wait were you under the impression that I was trying to say anime would become really popular? I was definitely not, I'm not even sure I want it to be. A little understanding toward anime would be nice but if everybody liked it then we'd just have been hipsters who were watching before it was cool.
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

Aug 27, 2013 10:15 PM

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What is popular? I don't know. How many people have to buy a song to put it at the top of the charts? I'll bet it's a lot less than 5%
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Aug 28, 2013 5:29 AM

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Aug 2013
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I think more people will watch it tho it will not become mainstream kinda like the psy trance scene in music it was never mainstream but millions of people listen to it !

to make it mainstream it would mean that they need to buy time on international TV like for us, They would need to buy tme on dutch television and then they need a lot of people to watch to make it stay , so good rattings are needed ! (and channels change and fail more often these days)

But i think it will stay the way it is a internet thing or underground series ones that are openminded to it can appreciate therefor if people become more openminded more people will watch it but for it to become mainstream lots and lots more will need to be happening and takin in consideration !
Aug 28, 2013 5:43 AM

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Pardon me for seemingly butting in here, but in my opinion, here's the analogy:

Cartoons (Western animation) = for kids only
Anime = for all ages

The sad thing is, many Westerners miss this point. How many light novels, VNs, and manga have had their anime adaptations? The bigger question is this: Do they not realize that the plot of some of the anime titles we know are actually oriented towards older audiences? I'm not really challenging them to go to Japan and try watching late-night anime, which they'd eventually find to be extremely popular elsewhere in the world. With the attitude called ethnocentricity in each of us, that makes it difficult for them to have a good understanding of what anime really is.

I'm not really trying to force anyone to agree to this; 'to each his own', as the saying goes. Just added my two cents on this discussion.
Aug 28, 2013 5:52 AM

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I think that is also a truth in some way people tent to diss me for watching anime for that reason; it is drawn like a cartoon so it is for childern or I will not watch it I dont like it when it is drawn !

I also try to tell them that it doesnt really matter what medium a story has a good story is a good story ...it doesnt really matter if it is written , Filmed or animated !

but prejudgement (hope i say this the right , judging something you no nothing about ) Is probably a big issues in breaking on through to the (mainstream) other side (The doors :P)
Aug 28, 2013 6:29 AM
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Well, you could say that when Disney brought Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away as well as his other major hits, to the U.S., and did a great English dub. Disney took a Japanese anime product and turned it into a mainstream product. So it can be done.

There have also been American animations like Ratatouille, Wall-E and other Pixar films that were a hit with adults. So animation is not always seen as only for kids. How about Archer, Venture Brothers, South Park, Simpsons and many more adult series.

The biggest obstacle for some anime becoming mainstream in the U.S. is lack of consistant quality dubbing.
Aug 28, 2013 9:21 PM

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No, then people will buy all the manga/anime and i have to hunt down copies -_-
anime is like this special something that i enjoy, its not like a tv show everyone watches, it feels like your an exception or something, lol, i cant really explain it
Fear leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate. Hate leads to Suffering. (Yoda)
Aug 28, 2013 9:31 PM

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akatsukireunites said:
No, then people will buy all the manga/anime and i have to hunt down copies -_-
anime is like this special something that i enjoy, its not like a tv show everyone watches, it feels like your an exception or something, lol, i cant really explain it


^god status
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

Aug 28, 2013 11:00 PM

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Fallenkingzero said:
akatsukireunites said:
No, then people will buy all the manga/anime and i have to hunt down copies -_-
anime is like this special something that i enjoy, its not like a tv show everyone watches, it feels like your an exception or something, lol, i cant really explain it


^god status
Loved by God.
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Aug 29, 2013 9:07 AM

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GrinfilledCelt said:
Fallenkingzero said:
akatsukireunites said:
No, then people will buy all the manga/anime and i have to hunt down copies -_-
anime is like this special something that i enjoy, its not like a tv show everyone watches, it feels like your an exception or something, lol, i cant really explain it


^god status
Loved by God.

hahaha maybe XD
Fear leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate. Hate leads to Suffering. (Yoda)
Aug 29, 2013 11:23 PM

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Looks like "No" is in the led, we are a selfish fan base =)
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

Aug 29, 2013 11:45 PM

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Not really. It's just that it's becoming popular would change it in ways we wouldn't like.
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Aug 29, 2013 11:48 PM

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Hence the word selfish, we want anime to be for our kind only ;)
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

Aug 30, 2013 12:19 AM

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No, that isn't it either, We want anime to continue to be the anime we love and not become something else for the sake of popularity.
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Aug 30, 2013 8:16 AM
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I am going to clarify my last comment.
If you are talking about Japanese Anime, then No, Japanese anime will never be mainstream in the U.S., there is too great a cultural divide. One has to be interested in Japanese culture and their unique background too enjoy their anime. Most Westerners just wouldn't get it, with a few exceptions like Studio Ghibli films.
However, if you define anime as any animated film or series, produced in the U.S. or other non Asian countries, then I do believe it can become mainstream. I am seeing more and more animated series and movies all the time now that the cost of producing them has come down. Example, South Park is a hit show and it only takes a week or less to create a 30 min show. It's not for kids either.
Aug 30, 2013 8:22 AM

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GrinfilledCelt said:
No, that isn't it either, We want anime to continue to be the anime we love and not become something else for the sake of popularity.


^doesn't realize I was kidding.

Jym said:
I am going to clarify my last comment.
If you are talking about Japanese Anime, then No, Japanese anime will never be mainstream in the U.S., there is too great a cultural divide. One has to be interested in Japanese culture and their unique background too enjoy their anime. Most Westerners just wouldn't get it, with a few exceptions like Studio Ghibli films.
However, if you define anime as any animated film or series, produced in the U.S. or other non Asian countries, then I do believe it can become mainstream. I am seeing more and more animated series and movies all the time now that the cost of producing them has come down. Example, South Park is a hit show and it only takes a week or less to create a 30 min show. It's not for kids either.


To be considered anime there are certain requirement that need to be met, anything from the U.S is just animation or dubs of anime. Most cartoon are either for children or adults while in japan there is anime for all ages.
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

Aug 31, 2013 11:10 AM
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In Japan, anime refers to Any animated work by any country.
Aug 31, 2013 11:33 AM
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ON THAT TOPIC A FUN READ FOR U =P


Japanese word for cartoon and animation. In Japan, "anime" refers to any and all animation or cartoon - regardless of the genre, style, or nation of origin. Outside of Japan the word "anime" has come to refer specifically to animation of Japanese origins, or animation of a particular style (see below). Because of this, it is pronounced the Japanese way: "a-nee-may".

While it is clear that the word anime derives from a western term, there is some debate as to its exact origin. One very common interpretation is that it comes from the French term for cartoon, "dessin animé", which translates literally to "animated drawing". However, others believe it's simply a contraction of the word "animation" as pronounced in English.

While the French origin is perhaps the most widely spread theory, it may simply be a myth related to the popularity of anime in France in the late 70s and the 80s which was so spectacular it even led to some French-Japanese co-productions. But animation in Japan has existed for longer than that, and the full word for animation there is アニメション (animeshon) which follows the English pronunciation, not the French one. Combined with the fact that Japanese have a habit of incorporating English words into their language much more often than other western languages, this makes a strong case that "anime" is actually the short form of the Japanization of the English word "animation."

There is much controversy as to whether or not the label "anime" can be extended to non-Japanese animation that looks like Japanese animation. Whether or not the label can be extended to non-Japanese animation depends largely on the technical definition of "anime" that one choses to accept:

Defined by origin: Defining "anime" as animation produced in Japan allows for a fairly black and white application of the label. The only gray area occurs with co-productions that may have had a portion of their animation, and/or scripting produced outside of Japan.

Defined by style: Defining "anime" as a style of animation that originated in Japan is much more complicated, however this definition would allow animation produced outside of Japan, but conforming to the defined "style" to be called "anime." It is difficult to determine if this "style" should be determined solely on drawing style (ie: Big eyes, small mouth, pointy hair), if it should include editing techniques (Japanese animation typically makes more use of "cuts" and "camera angles" than most non Japanese animation), and whether the narrative or storytelling style should be included in the definition. Perhaps the biggest pitfall of this definition is that, due to the wide variety of Japanese animation, regardless of any style based definition, there will always be Japanese animation that would not fit the definition, creating a scenario where some Japanese animation would not be anime.

According to Anime News Network publisher, Christopher Macdonald, "On Anime News Network, we define anime based on the origin of the animation. If it is primarily produced in Japan, it is anime. It should be clear, that by adhering to a definition that defines non-Japanese animation that mimic common anime styles as 'not anime,' Anime News Network does not endorse the notion that these 'anime-style' works are in any way inferior to animation produced in Japan. "



Quoted from anime news network.
Aug 31, 2013 12:16 PM

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Jym said:
In Japan, anime refers to Any animated work by any country.


^I use MAL's Guidelines, I don't live in japan so my views differ.

@thedefiance thanks for the info,
If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

Aug 31, 2013 12:22 PM
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anytime =p
Aug 31, 2013 12:50 PM
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I'm fine with the accepted definition that anime be produced in Japan, I just felt that it wasn't made clear at the start of the discussion. To me, if you restrict anime to just made in Japan, and you wonder if will ever be mainstream in the U.S. as it is now, it probably won't be.
Now, by mainstream, do you mean popular? What percent of the U.S. population needs to watch it to be mainstream? If you want a serious discussion of this you need to clarify some things.

When the Japanese studio Trigger went to Kickstarter, an American fundraiser site, to raise $150,000 to extend the length of Little Witch Academia 2, they raised that amount in 6 hours. They went on to raise over $625,000 with a total of 7,900 backers, most of who were in the U.S. The point here is that Little Witch Academia transcends cultural differences, it's about witches, flying broomsticks, dragons etc. Sort of like Harry Potter.

If Japanese studios made more anime with the Western market in mind, the could become Very mainstream here (Depending on what you define as Mainstream).

Now I realize that the discussion started in reference to current popular anime series and not the occasional crossover anime like Spirited Away, but given time I think more and more Anime will be popular here in the U.S.
What do you think?
Aug 31, 2013 1:14 PM

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Yeah I can see what you mean about the word mainstream, I did put the word popular in parenthesis in the polls title but its probably easy to overlook.

Naturally everybody is free to come up with their own standards of what could be considered anime. Personally I just use MAL's standards when it comes to anime and anything else I just consider animation.(though anime is technically animation its easier to classify the two separately) Its a fine line and that's why every once in a while somebody tries to get Avatar onto MAL.(Not a bad show by any means, I haven't see the new one though)

To clarify on the percentages I mean will anime(Japanese animation) ever be as popular in lets say the U.S. as it is in Japan.

Anime should not have to change in order to become more popular in other countries so lets assume that it won't change in order to achieve more popularity.

Movies like Spirited Away are great but its a tiny percentage and half the people who watched it don't even realize it was originally a foreign production. The reason I wanted to discuss this was because in the last few years more anime has become available for legal streaming. Netflix and Hulu are prime examples of this.
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Aug 31, 2013 1:48 PM
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I think one reason anime is so popular in Japan is because almost half the population reads manga which then often becomes anime. That would never happen in the U.S. (at least in the foreseeable future).

If we want to make this discussion more interesting, lets ask if anyone thinks that anime will become economically more viable here. It will always have a niche market here among younger people, with some exceptions (me for instance, I'm 68 and got interested in amine a few years ago). Anime like Spirited Away are a gateway to other more obscure anime. That's how I got started, and so did many others. The DVD included previews of other Ghibli movies which many people saw. Hulu and netflix are another indication of the increasing popularity of anime as well as Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Every day more people are introduced to exciting new anime. In my case after seeing the more popular anime I started looking for older and more obscure titles. I became fascinated with the Japanese culture and their mythology.

As anime becomes more available here I believe the popularity will increase.
Aug 31, 2013 1:54 PM

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Jym said:
As anime becomes more available here I believe the popularity will increase.


Agreed.

"Climb the mountain not so the world can see you, but so that you can see the world."
Aug 31, 2013 2:02 PM

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@Jym
You bring up a good point, in order for anime to become more popular there needs to be a reason for companies to license it. This reason is obviously going to be profit. I'll add it to the discussion header.
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Sep 10, 2013 10:51 PM

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Fallenkingzero said:
Anime should not have to change in order to become more popular in other countries so lets assume that it won't change in order to achieve more popularity.
With that stipulated, then it's the American people will have to change. The main obstacle to anime becoming as popular here as it is in Japan is the American pre-concieved notion that "cartoons are for children".

This could be overcome the same way that soccer has been popularized amongst Americans. Decades ago, soccer was this weird sport that Europeans played. Nobody here was interested. Then someone sold it to the schools - an easy sell since the schools didn't have to buy much equepment. For a long time soccer became a children's game in America. When you grew up, you stopped playing it. But now, a few generations later, we have enough adults who are interested in soccer that major matches are broadcast here.

Now, unlike soccer, there isn't anyone broadly promoting anime, but go out and try to find a little kid who isn't aware of Pokemon or DBZ. They're out there but not as many as ten years ago. Eventually, most of them are going to find out about anime and that there is better stuff available to suit their maturing tastes. I think it could happen. Just don't hold your breath. If it happens, it's going to take a long time.
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Sep 11, 2013 12:41 PM
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GrinfilledCelt said:
Fallenkingzero said:
Anime should not have to change in order to become more popular in other countries so lets assume that it won't change in order to achieve more popularity.
With that stipulated, then it's the American people will have to change. The main obstacle to anime becoming as popular here as it is in Japan is the American pre-concieved notion that "cartoons are for children".

This could be overcome the same way that soccer has been popularized amongst Americans. Decades ago, soccer was this weird sport that Europeans played. Nobody here was interested. Then someone sold it to the schools - an easy sell since the schools didn't have to buy much equepment. For a long time soccer became a children's game in America. When you grew up, you stopped playing it. But now, a few generations later, we have enough adults who are interested in soccer that major matches are broadcast here.

Now, unlike soccer, there isn't anyone broadly promoting anime, but go out and try to find a little kid who isn't aware of Pokemon or DBZ. They're out there but not as many as ten years ago. Eventually, most of them are going to find out about anime and that there is better stuff available to suit their maturing tastes. I think it could happen. Just don't hold your breath. If it happens, it's going to take a long time.


@ Grin
As I mentioned earlier, more American animation shows like Archer, Venture Brothers, South Park, Simpsons and the Adult Swim line up are strictly for adults and are very popular. New shows are added all the time. The fans of these shows are the future viewers of Anime. The afore mentioned shows are also slowly changing our attitudes about animation being only for kids. Do you call Archer and Venture Brothers cartoons? I don't. Cartoons generally refer to childrens shows while adult shows could be called animated comedy/drama or something similar.

Another point: Fallenkingzero said:
Anime should not have to change in order to become more popular in other countries so lets assume that it won't change in order to achieve more popularity.

What about the anime Panty, Stocking with Garterbelt? That show struck me as an anime that could have been made for the American market.

All things change over time, and as anime becomes more popular over here, which it will, it will change to meet the international market. That is not to say that some anime will always be produced for Japanese consumption.
Sep 11, 2013 12:49 PM

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Panty and stocking was made to mock Americans.
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Sep 11, 2013 12:58 PM
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I wouldn't say mock, more like spoof the american style of some of our kids cartoons, similar to the art style of Powerpuff Girls spoofing anime characters. If Panty and Stocking was meant to mock us, it failed.
Sep 11, 2013 1:01 PM

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Jym said:
I wouldn't say mock, more like spoof the american style of some of our kids cartoons, similar to the art style of Powerpuff Girls spoofing anime characters. If Panty and Stocking was meant to mock us, it failed.


Maybe mock is the wrong word, I thought it was hilarious most of the time..
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Sep 11, 2013 1:08 PM
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I agree, I loved it. But what do you think of my point that American animation has an effect on Anime to a certain degree and that over time both art forms will be changed by the other.
Sep 11, 2013 1:31 PM

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Jym said:
I agree, I loved it. But what do you think of my point that American animation has an effect on Anime to a certain degree and that over time both art forms will be changed by the other.


You make a good point, I wouldn't say that American animation has an effect on the majority of anime though it's definitely present in some.


KatsuragiKeima01 said:
There seems to be a rise in casual anime watchers who only watch a few anime (usually popular) but as for anime becoming mainstream over here in the U.S. I don't think so.
Here's an article I mentioned a while ago but never posted in here. It may be of interest to some. It seems that the number of guest attending anime conventions are increasing, however a lot of those guest wouldn't consider anime as their primary fandom.

http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2013/08/14/feature-otakon-20-the-evolution-of-a-fandom


A lot of the time they dress up as comic/cartoon characters and aren't really interested in anime. I guess the conventions are for both but a lot of fans would prefer they be separated. During the CR live stream for otakon some viewers were making fun of non anime based costumes. I agree there does appear to be a rise in casual watchers but would they be considered real fans? I mean compare them to us......
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Sep 11, 2013 1:47 PM

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I say nay.

I like my little corner that most people don't understand. I'm the same way with my music, I kinda like the fact that most people don't get it. I would still love my anime and my metal even if it were mainstream but the fact that its not is a little bonus.
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Sep 11, 2013 1:47 PM
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I've been enjoying this discussion and I am going to modify my opinion a little. I stated that I thought that anime could become more popular here, but the original question asked if I thought it would become Extremely popular/mainstream here and to that I will say No. Like the rant mentioned in the first post said, anime is too quirky, weird and different for most of the western audience to like, it takes an open mind to enjoy the Japanese mentality and creativity. Anime will always be a niche market, but that doesn't mean that the market will not expand here. I believe that we will see more anime channels on cable as well as the internet.

I agree with others who have a concern that anime could be diluted and toned down if Japanese studios start worrying about making shows more suitable for the western market.

So lets just say that I believe that anime will continue to get more popular here, but in a limited, niche market way, with discerning people. I don't think though that we can keep it our little secret forever.
Sep 12, 2013 10:32 AM

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Jul 2012
1154
I have noticed that a lot of people wander away from anime once they get out of school. It was fine while they were in school themselves but once out of it they get tired of the endless stream of shows about school kids which makes up 90%* of anime.

I also get irrated buy gamers polluting anime. Yes, there are many tie-ins but it isn't like there isn't anywhere for gamers to post their stuff. I quit reading ANN's news pages because I got tired of wading through all the irrelevant gaming crap.

@ Mort: I enjoy being into eclectic stuff, too. It's all wrapped up with the notion that I know something good that they don't. I never cared much what other people thought about me - or so I thought. I recently realized that when it comes to friends and family, I care very much what they think and always have.

The real horror of what anime would become by becoming popular in the West can be easily demonstrated by flipping through you tv channels. Most of what is on at any given time falls into the category of I-can't-believe-anyone-would-waste-their-time-looking-at-this-garbage.


* Undoubtably a gross exaggeration but you know what I mean.
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Sep 12, 2013 3:27 PM

Offline
Jul 2007
484
For the 1st part of this that asks the question of can anime become mainstream my answer is no, and for much of the reasons given in the video. Anime is simply a medium of story telling, but it is largely labeled with being for kids-teens and maybe young adults. This is rightly so as 95% of anime made is aimed at kids/teens. While there are anime aimed for older audiences there simply are not enough to satiate a mainstream audience. At best a person see's one and goes oh so there are a few adult anime and then go on their way. unless there are enough good shows a season aimed at older viewers you can't possibly get a mainstream audience outside of japan.

For the 2nd question of would I want anime to become mainstream the answer is resounding hell yes. I'm not a damn hipster that only likes anime cause they are niche and exclusive. At worst there would be more anime made and a percentage of that anime might/will probably be made with western audiences in mind. Best case, I like these shows and get more anime to watch in which case yay!. Worst case, I think the newer anime being targeted to westerners is stupid and unoriginal so I keep watching my fansubed anime that is targeted to eastern audiences. Chances are these shows haven't decreased in volume and have possibly even increased so yay maybe more anime. There is also the fact that more people will get into anime aimed at the west and that this will lead more people to check out the anime aimed at eastern audiences (stuff i like) so i have more people to talk about my favorite hobby with YAY!

For those that tldr
I don't think anime will become mainstream.
I see no downsides if it did though so bring it on! lol
Sep 12, 2013 8:06 PM
Hot Stuff

Offline
Mar 2012
529
Here is a quick list of Anime that I feel were influenced by Western media and had that market in mind to a certain degree.:
This is open for discussion.
Afro Samurai
Appleseed (Movie)
Baccano!
Black Lagoon
Cowboy Bebop
Death Billiards
Durarara!!
Ghost in the Shell
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (2000)
Little Witch Academia
Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt
Michiko to Hatchin
Samurai Champloo
Steamboy
Tekkon Kinkreet
Tokyo Godfathers
Trigun
Tiger & Bunny
Witchblade
Soul Eater
And many more. You may feel that some of these aren’t so good but can’t please everyone.
Sep 12, 2013 8:34 PM

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Jul 2012
1154
Jym, I don't understand your point about anime being influenced by the West. All of Japanese culture is influenced by the West. The Japanese have always taken what they like from other cultures and made it their own. Like Christmas for example. No other country celebrates Christmas like Japan.

That fact is, anime is made first and foremost for Japanese audiences. That is where they make most of their money (if any). They really don't make any significant profit from the foreign market so there is little incentive for them to do so.
"I just hope the good lord knows, what this life is all about
'cause I'm in the same position as when I started out.
Now I know there's folk in hospitals who are far worse off than me,
Oh, but that don't mean to much when my spirit don't feel free."
- Mark Twain

Blues lovers go here. Jazz lovers go here. Cowboy Bebop music lovers go here.
Sep 13, 2013 5:51 AM
Hot Stuff

Offline
Mar 2012
529
@Grin
It was in reference to comments and concerns that if Japanese studios started catering to the western market it would dilute and or tone down anime.

This discussion is about whether anime will become more popular here. I realize anime is made for the Japanese market but Just like American studios keep an eye out for overseas sales, and even release different versions of some movies for overseas markets, Japanese studios will start to consider Western markets for their products.
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