Parents’ Guide to Anime

What is Anime?

You may be noticing that your kids are talking about something called anime (ah-nih-may). These are cartoons made primarily in Japan. Unlike the United States, cartoons are made for all ages in Japan. Some are made for small children; some are for older children, teens or adults. Anime is made like a series instead of each episode having a happy ending, the series as a whole follows one story line that very well may include the bad guys winning at times. In Japan, they don’t shy away from showing death and loss. Some of the milder story lines also may have suggestive clothing or even some nudity because they don’t see this as an issue in Japan. Many of the most popular animes are action stories that typically have battles and other violence depicted. They usually show a lot of martial arts and the hero may end up looking pretty bruised up at times.

Before you ban all anime from your home, there are shows that are suitable for all age groups. Watch some episodes with your children. Some of the American companies that bring these shows over have edited the content with American audiences in mind. The story lines are very detailed and well done you may find yourself wanting to follow along. Underneath most of the story lines is the message to believe in yourself, or they deal with themes common to childhood and adolescence, like feeling isolated, dealing with bullies, and more.

Like most cartoons, anime is first and foremost made to be an entertainment. They do manage to fit in a few good lessons once in awhile, like standing up for yourself, it’s okay to be different, and just because someone is different from you it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong.

Age Appropriateness

Anime sold in the United States will have age ratings on them just like video games and other media.

A/E means it is suitable for everyone, rather like a G rated movie. Animes like Bottle Fairy and Hamtaro fit in this category.

Y/10+ are suitable for kids ages 10 and up. They are family friendly, but the story lines may be more complex. Similar to a PG movie. Case Closed, Pokemon and Spirited Away are good examples.

T/13+ is suitable for teens aged 13 and over. Story lines may contain mildly suggestive content or offensive material like bodily function humor, kissing, romantic themes and so forth. This is similar to a PG-13 movie. One Piece (the original version, not the 4Kids version that was shown on TV), Fruits Basket, Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Panic suit this category.

OT/16+ will contain story lines of a more mature nature. They may include violence, language, death or sexual themes. The artwork will usually be of a more graphic nature. Similar to an R rated movie. Samurai Champloo, Count of Monte Cristo, and Love Hina are in this category.

M/18+ will contain adult and mature themes. This may include violence, language, graphic sex or other mature subject matter. Similar to an NC-17 movie or one labeled “Mature.” Death Note, Ghost in the Shell, Elfen Lied and Blood+ are good examples of this category.