Anime is mainstream, there is no question about that. Yet, why is there such a lack of intensity of discussion about Japanese movies that aren't animated, with the exception of Akira Kurosawa's films, especially Seven Samurai and Rashomon? Any thoughts on what is causing this? Feel free to add any information on Japanese cinema and animations' reception internationally as well.
I'd remove the commentary, it removes some of the professionalism from your topic. Maybe phrase it more as why are more mainstream works the only ones we as American's value instead of here are these things, they're good but not good enough. Maybe move focus to why are these pieces mainstream, why have they gained this popularity, as opposed to these are popular do you agree. – alexpaulsen7 years ago
Based off what I've seen at the youtube channel censoredgaming the only reason western audience really follow anime now is due to the fact that it was easy to turn a profit off them. In the early nineties when networks had the Saturday morning cartoon blocks many channels would fill them with censored and poorly translated animes because they could pay the (at the time) rookie voice actors very little. So all they really had to do was pay for the licensing fees. This lead to a boom in the popularity of anime (which before that was more a subculture thing). I would say that is the main reason for the people not watching Japanese film. – Blackcat1307 years ago
I think another important aspect to add onto Blackcat130's critique) is whether or not this helped influence Japan being more recognized for its animated media? For instance, despite Japanese films being unpopular, you could look at Studio Ghibli and how internatinally renowed and respected the company is. – Mela7 years ago
I actually have an issue with designating anime as "mainstream." Certainly, some titles have wide reception (Pokemon, DBZ, Attack on Titan, etc.) but these (arguably) successful examples don't mean that the anime medium as a whole has become "mainstream." Anime is as much of a niche market today as it was during the boom in the 1990s. While it does enjoy increased consumption throughout the world and more appreciation even back at home in Japan, there is still a slight stigma towards those who enjoy anime, due to many reasons (pedophilia, violence, and occultism for example). So yes, anime may have a slightly more positive reception and appreciation among a wide audience but the designation of "mainstream" implies mass public approval, which the medium surely has not obtained. – Ma-kun7 years ago
Generally, foreign culture (and language) outside USA's Hollywood is something that doesn't matter and should be seen as exotic or odd. The real question is: Why is anime mainstream despite this cultural deafness? Or, is anime really mainstream in the USA or is it just an impression media gives to people? – T. Palomino2 years ago