In the past decade, a style of animation enjoyable by children and adults alike has seen a surge of popularity in the U.S. And to a lesser degree, in Europe. This style of animation, commonly referred to as “Anime”, is an art form that can be enjoyed by young and old alike and one that is increasingly influencing western animation.

So what are the main differences between “Anime” and western cartoons? Isn’t it all the same thing? Well, yes and no. Japanese animation is made in the same way as any other animation, it is perhaps the attitude taken towards animation and its content that is the most striking difference between east and west.

In most western civilisations, animation is considered a medium intended for children, and therefore of little value to adults. In the east, animation is seen as a credible art form. A medium through which storytellers can realise worlds and sequences that could never be fully realized in live action.

Thematically, western animation is often humorous and does not deal with reality in any way. How many times has poor Wile E Coyote fallen from that cliff? Yet he always lives to chase the roadrunner another day. Anime varies greatly in terms of theme. There are light hearted, comedic examples such as Love Hina, in which the unfortunate male manager of an all girls dorm gets kicked, punched, thrown out of windows and more. However its in Anime’s willingness to address more serious themes that we truly find its difference to western animation. Animated films like Akira and Ghost in the Shell deal with serious themes and are presented in a grittier style.

It is this grit that has caused many in the west to develop an interest in this versatile and challenging form of animation. Almost all genres are accounted for, from science fiction (Ghost in the Shell, Gundam Wing) to Romance (S.H.E. – The Ultimate Weapon) to Comedy (Cromartie High School, Lucky Star).

So if you’ve thought about finding out more about Anime, this author implores you to give in to your urge. You will either come away with a passion for the form or at the very least be able to say you tried something new.