i have a question about anime: why?
I love everything about Japan, except one thing — anime. I always make this point clear whenever I introduce myself to a Japanese person. Then, I get that gasp and the inevitable question: “Why?” My Japanese sensei could hardly believe it.
I’ve watched no more than five anime titles in my life. I have to admit, they were great, though I‘m just not good at remembering names. The one that left a lasting impression is “Suzume” and “The Seven Deadly Sins”.
My husband had been eager to introduce me to an anime he thought I would like since it revolves around food. He knows how to steal my heart. ❤
Finishing work early, we watched “Food Wars: Shokugeki No Soma” last night. It’s a long-running anime about Soma, an aspiring chef who enrolls in Japan’s top culinary school, where students compete in cooking competitions. I imagined it to be a Japanese version of MasterChef.
It’s a really nice premise. The first episode blew me away with its artwork. How can food look so appetizing even in drawings? It’s easy to understand why people love Japanese manga and anime.
A good story plus good art is a winning combination. But why does nudity have to be part of this art, especially with wild exaggerations? Personally, I feel discomfort and it distracts me from the story and visuals.
I know Japanese anime and manga have a reputation for nudity or near-pornographic content, often featuring female characters as the main focus. I understand the appeal to a male audience, but is it necessary for a good anime or manga? I believe the story and the emotions the writer wants to convey wouldn’t suffer if we removed this nudity. It’s a hyperbole — a wild one.
Anime has been an important part of Japanese culture. It has shaped the image of the country itself. The way I see it, anime has made Japan a double-sided coin. On one side, it showcases a friendly, highly respectful, and creative society. On the other side, it prominently features women and near-pornographic content. I think we can make it better.
I may get canceled for this. Some will argue, “Grow up!,” “You should not judge freedom of speech,” or “You don’t understand art.” But I must not be the only one who feels this way. Yes, I get that it’s about preference, like coffee or tea.
With all due respect to the producers, scriptwriters, illustrators, Japanese people, and lovers of Japanese anime, I would like to ask why near-pornographic content is essential and has become a culture in anime.
I don’t yet grasp the essence of nudity in making a good story in anime or manga. I immensely object to commodifying women in such content, especially if it aims to achieve great interest from a male audience.
Anime, like any art form, has the power to shape cultural perceptions and societal norms. The portrayal of women in anime often reflects and influences real-world attitudes toward gender and sexuality. By reducing female characters to mere objects of visual pleasure, we risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining the rich, multifaceted roles women play in society.
I believe in the potential of anime to tell profound and meaningful stories that resonate with diverse audiences. By focusing on compelling narratives and authentic character development, anime can continue to captivate viewers without resorting to unnecessary and exaggerated nudity.
Ultimately, my hope is for a more inclusive and respectful representation of women in anime — one that celebrates their strengths, complexities, and contributions without reducing them to visual tropes. As fans and creators, we have the opportunity to push the boundaries of this beloved art form in ways that honor and uplift all individuals, regardless of gender.
Anime’s global appeal is undeniable, captivating audiences worldwide with its unique storytelling and visually stunning artwork. As the medium continues to evolve, it presents an opportunity to explore themes and narratives that resonate with a diverse audience while maintaining cultural integrity and artistic excellence.
Love,
A devoted admirer of Japanese culture
