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What makes Japanese anime and manga so appealing to Western audiences?

There has been increasing popularity in the West over Japanese anime and manga, prime examples being Avatar: The Last Airbender and Naruto. Although the West is not a stranger to Japanese anime such as Dragon Ball, the shows and books that are being localised are portraying more Japanese characteristics than ever before. Even JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, that has a dedicated following in Japan, has had a faithful adaptation with Western localisation that has developed an almost cult status in certain niches.

Since Japanese media has seemingly distinct quirks that distinguish it from normal Western media, it would be interesting to analyse why western audiences are craving for more Japanese media.

  • It would also be interesting to consider the format of animated programs versus live action programs. That would be to ask what difference is there between watching an anime and watching a western produced live program with respect to how one responds to it. – Callum Logie 7 years ago
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  • It might also be a good idea to see how western animation is taking lessons from anime. For example: how western animation has embraced the idea of animation made specifically for adult audiences. – AGMacdonald 7 years ago
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  • A good idea might be to mention how shows like Pokemon were so influential to younger audiences growing up with it who could then 'transfer' to other Japanese anime/manga series. For older audiences Attack on Titan has been a bridge for so many into the world of Anime and Manga. – Isaac 7 years ago
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