How to Like Anime: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Are you new to the world of anime and wondering how to develop a genuine liking for it? Look no further! This guide is designed to help beginners navigate the vast landscape of anime and discover the joy it brings. Whether you’re intrigued by the vibrant animation, captivating storylines, or unique characters, this article will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to appreciate and embrace anime as a form of entertainment. Let’s dive in!

1. Understand the Basics of Anime

Before embarking on your anime journey, it’s important to understand what anime actually is. Anime refers to a style of animation that originated in Japan and has gained immense popularity worldwide. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including action, romance, comedy, fantasy, and more. By familiarizing yourself with the fundamental aspects of anime, you’ll be better equipped to explore and appreciate its diverse offerings.

What sets anime apart from other forms of animation?

Anime stands out due to its distinct art style, which often features exaggerated facial expressions, vibrant colors, and attention to detail. Additionally, anime frequently explores complex themes and emotions, making it a compelling medium for storytelling. Understanding these unique characteristics will enhance your appreciation for the medium.

2. Start with Popular and Acclaimed Anime

If you’re unsure where to begin your anime journey, it’s wise to start with popular and highly regarded series. These anime have garnered a large fan base and are often praised for their engaging plots, memorable characters, and impressive animation. Here are a few renowned anime to get you started:

• Attack on Titan: This action-packed series follows humanity’s struggle against giant humanoid creatures and delves into themes of survival and identity.
• My Hero Academia: Set in a world where superpowers are the norm, this anime follows the journey of a young boy aspiring to become a superhero.
• Death Note: A psychological thriller that revolves around a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it.
• Your Lie in April: This heartwarming anime explores the story of a former piano prodigy who finds inspiration and love through music.

By starting with popular titles like these, you’ll be exposed to different genres and storytelling styles, allowing you to discover your preferences and develop a deeper appreciation for anime as a whole.

3. Explore Various Genres

Anime covers a vast array of genres, ensuring that there’s something for everyone’s taste. To fully appreciate and like anime, it’s essential to explore different genres and find the ones that resonate with you. Here are some popular genres to get you started:

1. Action: Anime series that feature intense combat sequences and adrenaline-pumping plotlines.
2. Romance: Anime that focus on love stories, often capturing the emotional rollercoaster of relationships.
3. Comedy: Anime that aim to make you laugh with their humorous and light-hearted narratives.
4. Fantasy: Anime set in fantastical worlds with magical elements, mythical creatures, and epic adventures.
5. Science Fiction: Anime that explore futuristic concepts, advanced technology, and the impact of scientific advancements on society.

By exploring various genres, you’ll discover the breadth of storytelling possibilities within anime and find the genres that resonate with your interests.

4. Don’t Be Afraid of Subtitles

Many anime series are originally produced in Japanese and then translated into different languages, including English. While it may take some getting used to, watching anime with subtitles can significantly enhance your experience. Subtitles allow you to appreciate the original voice acting, catch nuances in dialogue, and immerse yourself in the cultural nuances of the story. Give it a try, and you might find that subtitles add depth to your anime-watching journey.

5. Engage in Anime Communities

One of the best ways to develop a liking for anime is to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Engaging in anime communities, both online and offline, provides an opportunity to discuss, share recommendations, and gain valuable insights. Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Join online forums and social media groups: Platforms like Reddit, MyAnimeList, and Discord offer spaces where anime fans gather to discuss their favorite shows, characters, and industry news.
• Attend anime conventions and events: Anime conventions are fantastic opportunities to meet like-minded people, attend panels, cosplay, and immerse yourself in the vibrant anime culture.
• Participate in local anime clubs: Many cities have anime clubs that organize screenings, discussions, and social events. Check if there’s one near you and join in!

By engaging with anime communities, you’ll be exposed to a wealth of recommendations, gain insights into the medium, and forge connections with fellow fans.

6. Embrace Different Art Styles

Anime encompasses a diverse range of art styles, from classic to modern, and from realistic to highly stylized. Learning to appreciate and embrace these different art styles is essential to developing a genuine liking for anime. Some anime may initially appear visually different from what you’re accustomed to, but give them a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised by how each art style contributes to the storytelling and overall aesthetic appeal.

7. Explore Anime Movies

While anime series are the backbone of the medium, anime movies offer a unique and often breathtaking experience. Many anime movies have gained critical acclaim and even received international recognition. Some notable anime movies include:

• Spirited Away: Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this Academy Award-winning movie follows the journey of a young girl trapped in a spirit world.
• Your Name: A romantic fantasy film that explores the connection between two strangers drawn together by a mysterious phenomenon.
• A Silent Voice: This emotionally charged movie delves into themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.

Exploring anime movies allows you to witness the incredible artistry and storytelling prowess of talented anime filmmakers.

8. Give Different Anime Studios a Chance

Just as Hollywood has different production studios known for their unique styles, the world of anime has its own renowned studios. Each studio has its own strengths, whether it’s animation quality, storytelling, or genre specialization. By exploring anime series and movies from different studios, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their distinct styles and discover studios that consistently produce content you love. Some well-known anime studios include:

• Studio Ghibli: Renowned for its visually stunning movies and enchanting storytelling.
• Kyoto Animation: Known for its high-quality animation and emotionally resonant stories.
• Bones: Celebrated for its diverse range of genres and impressive action sequences.

Discovering your preferred anime studios will help you narrow down your choices and find series that align with your preferences.

9. Allow Yourself to Be Immersed

Anime offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in captivating worlds and narratives. To fully appreciate and like anime, it’s important to allow yourself to be immersed in the storytelling. Engage with the characters, let yourself experience the emotions conveyed, and embrace the fantastical or thought-provoking elements presented. By surrendering to the experience, you’ll find yourself enjoying and connecting with anime on a deeper level.

10. Give Different Genres a Chance

While it’s natural to be drawn to specific genres, don’t limit yourself to just one. Anime offers an incredible variety of storytelling styles, and exploring different genres can broaden your horizons and introduce you to unexpected gems. If you typically enjoy action-packed series, try watching a heartwarming slice-of-life anime. If you’re a fan of romance, give psychological thrillers a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised by the new genres you discover and the unique experiences they offer.

11. Support the Industry Legally

As an anime fan, it’s crucial to support the industry legally to ensure its continued growth and success. Streaming services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix offer a wide selection of licensed anime series and movies. By subscribing to these platforms or purchasing official merchandise, you contribute to the financial stability of anime studios and creators. This support enables the industry to produce more incredible content for fans to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: Can anime be enjoyed by people of all ages?

   A: Absolutely! Anime caters to various age groups, from children to adults. There are anime series and movies specifically targeted at younger audiences, while others explore mature themes that resonate with older viewers.

2. Q: Is it necessary to watch anime in chronological order?

   A: Not necessarily. While some anime series have a specific chronological order, many anime can be enjoyed as standalone stories. It’s always a good idea to research the recommended viewing order for certain series to fully appreciate their narratives, but don’t be afraid to explore different titles and watch them in any order that interests you.

3. Q: Are there English dubs available for anime?

   A: Yes, many popular anime series and movies have English dubs available. This allows viewers who prefer watching anime in their native language to enjoy the content without the need for subtitles. However, it’s worth noting that some fans prefer the original Japanese voice acting with subtitles for a more authentic experience.

4. Q: How can I find new anime recommendations?

   A: There are several ways to discover new anime. You can consult online anime databases and recommendation websites, follow influencers and reviewers on social media platforms, or join anime communities and ask for recommendations. Additionally, streaming platforms often provide personalized recommendations based on your viewing history.

5. Q: Is it necessary to be familiar with Japanese culture to enjoy anime?

   A: Not at all! While having some knowledge of Japanese culture can enhance your understanding of certain references and cultural nuances, it is not a prerequisite to enjoying anime. Anime storytelling transcends cultural barriers and can be appreciated by viewers from diverse backgrounds.

Now armed with these tips and insights, you’re well on your way to developing a genuine liking for anime. Remember to keep an open mind, explore different genres, and connect with fellow fans to enhance your anime-watching experience. Happy anime viewing!