Introduction-
Anime is one of the fastest growing “in things” for today’s
American youth society. Many parents have voiced a concern on if what their
kids are getting into is acceptable. What many parents fail to realize is that
in its originating country of Japan; Anime, like American cinema, is designed
and targeted at many different age levels. While some anime shows are appropriate
for kids and teens, there are many more anime features that are targeting towards
an older audience.
Separating the good from the bad-
When hunting for anime, many people forget to research a series or movie before
they purchase it. There are many sources available online that will give good
solid reviews of virtually any series, as well as ratings and synopses.
Here are a few links that I normally recommend to people:
http://www.animeondvd.com
- DVD Reviews
http://www.animenfo.com -
Series Synopses
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com
- Series Reviews, Anime News
http://www.themanime.org
- Series Reviews
http://www.theanimereview.com
- Anime Reviews
Before plunking down $25 for a DVD of a series that looks good on the cover, but you’ve never heard of before, it’s only logical to do a little bit of research first, that way you can be assured that it’s worth the money. It’s better to do research, and keep anime as an affordable hobby.
Parents – this is also your time to make sure that what your child is buying is appropriate. Do your research before buying that title that your child is begging for; Also take the time to watch the movie or first episode of the series, only you can deem what is appropriate for your child.
Ratings in Anime-
Since anime is from Japan, where rating systems are incomprehensible to us,
most anime series and movies do not get rated, (unless they are released by
larger movie houses, such as Disney and Sony Pictures). Ratings on anime usually
come in the form similar to American TV ratings, (which is sensible, since most
anime in Japan premieres on TV). Those categories usually are: All Ages –
suitable for everyone, 13+ - targeted towards the teenage crowd, 18+ - targeted
towards older teens and adults, and MA – for mature audiences only. Rating
are NOT mandatory for home theatre release, therefore, researching an anime
first might shed light on the rating of an anime that does not have a suggested
rating on its packaging.
http://www.abcb.com/parents/index.htm
- Parent’s Guide to Rating Anime
http://www.imdb.com - another
place offering reviews, and suggested ratings
Links For Parents To Look At-
http://web.mit.edu/rei/www/manga-gender.html
- Eri Izawa’s Gender Relations in Anime
http://www.abcb.com/ency/a/anime.htm
- The Anime Encyclopedia Anime FAQ
http://www.lkwdpl.org/anime/introanime.html
- Intro to Anime (by yours truly)
http://www.awn.com/mag/issue1.5/articles/patten1.5.html
- History of Anime
Links For Kids To Look At-
http://www.anipike.com - the
anime web turnpike, links to all sorts of informational sites
http://www.lkwdpl.org/anime - Lakewood Library’s Guide to Anime
http://www.abcb.com/misc/subs_00.htm
- Subbed Vs. Dubbed Anime
http://www.rightstuf.com/resource/timeline.shtml
- Anime Timeline
Know The Lingo (For Parents)-
Parents are often confused with “catch phrases” that come out of
watching subtitled anime. First, I’d recommend reading this page of commonly
found words:
http://www.lkwdpl.org/anime/terms.html
Like its American cinema counterparts, there is anime that expresses situations inappropriate for minors. While there are differences in culture that make brief nudity and language acceptable in Japan, most Americans are still unaware of this when they come across anime.
While there are plenty of wholesome, educational, and acceptable anime titles for children and families to watch together, make sure to keep a tough eye out for “ecchi” or “hentai” titles, which are designated solely for adults and often contain gratuitous content. Most large chain stores (best buy, circuit city, etc.) will not even carry any hentai titles in their anime collections, but smaller stores (Sam goody, record exchange) sell adult anime right alongside normal anime.
Know the lingo, know the rating, and know the differences (between Japan and America).
Know The Lingo (For Kids)-
As well, check out this page: http://www.lkwdpl.org/anime/terms.html
http://www.abcb.com/misc/pron_00.htm - pronunciation guide
If you are interested in learning Japanese, you may be able to enroll in post secondary education at your high school for it, if offered. Japanese language classes are offered as well at all three TRI-C College Campuses.
Ohio State University has a wonderful Japanese Major Program. The program will teach you Japanese fluency in two years of school, and two years abroad (in Japan!).
Know the lingo, know the language, and make it a career!
What’s On The Tube?
So what about anime that’s broadcast over TV? Is it safe for all ages?
You may not know it, but there is a TON of anime that is broadcast on TV. On some days, up to 20 episodes and movies of anime are shown on widely known cable channels. http://animeontv.com is a great resource to find out what’s playing where.
Now remember as well, TV aired anime gets that rating system (such as Y14) and it’s up to parents to know what their children are watching on TV. After all, a show that airs at 1am may not be right for an 8 year old. And your 17 year old will probably not want to watch the morning cartoons in the “Y7” category.
The Bottom Line For Families-
Depending on how parents accept anime, it can become an enjoyable family activity.
Anything from family movie night to a family vacation at an anime convention;
(see: http://www.lkwdpl.org/anime/cons.html)
can be enjoyed by all.
Parents- it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure that what you watch as a family is what you consider appropriate. The best way to make sure the anime your children purchase are wholesome is to go to the store with them. As well, do your research and everything should be fine.
Kids- remember your parents when getting into anime. There are thousands of anime titles out there, and there are bound to be titles that you like, and your parents like as well. Listen to your parents, do your research, and find something you can all agree upon.
With a few simple steps, all families and ages can enjoy anime!
A Few Family Anime Flicks To Get You Started-
A Chinese Ghost Story
Ah My Goddess the Movie
Lupin and the Castle of Cagliostro
Dog of Flanders
Spring and Chaos
Kiki’s Delivery Service
My Neighbor Totoro
Spirited Away
Laputa, Castle in the Sky
YuYu Hakusho The Movie
Sailor Moon Movies
Pokemon Movies
Space Battleship Yamato Movies
Kigamure Orange Road Movie
Card Captor Sakura Movie
Whisper of the Heart
I hope that this guide has been educational and enlightening to all that read this. If you have any questions or would like to have your questions answered, please contact me via e-mail at lpl@lkwdpl.org
Sincere regards,
Mike Beargie