The anime phenomenon

Conquering more fans on every generation

Japan stands out globally for its technology, lifestyle, cuisine, and on the screens it couldn’t be any different with the anime phenomenon. Even though these productions are wrongly considered the same as occidental cartoons, there are differences and characteristics that make anime a unique experience. Debuting the blog’s new section, MFC Kawaii, here is a basic guide to understand more about this world.

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Firstly, the majority of animes are based on mangas, graphic novels or comics from Japan, which are commonly published in black and white with a different reading order from the occidental world, since the text is read from right to left and top to bottom, and the manga’s end is the starting point. Moreover, the Japanese animations have characters with large and shiny eyes, slender silhouettes, stylized hair, and exaggerated emotions or reactions. And those who think it is just for kids couldn’t be more wrong! Anime has a broad range of genres, dealing with social and psychological subjects, making you laugh your head off or cry your eyes out (there’s no in-between). Among the most popular genres, Shonen portrays stories about sports, battles, and even horror tales, Shoujo centers on love or friendship, and Seinen gives high doses of violence.

Also, we cannot fail to mention the classic Studio Ghibli, known for remarkable and awarded movies, as the unforgettable My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. And for sure you have watched anime at some point in your life. During the 80s and 90s, Japanese animation was popular worldwide and open TV channels broadcasted dubbed versions of Sailor Moon, Saint Seiya, Dragon Ball, Samurai X, Pokémon, Digimon, and many others.

Read our review about the live-action Detective Pikachu here

With this nostalgic feeling, MFC selected two series and two movies for you to know some amazing new titles or to finally dive into this world.

Fairy Tail (2009-2019)

If you like long stories with expandable universes, Fairy Tail will become your favorite series. Based on Hiro Mashima’s manga, the anime follows Lucy Heartfilia’s adventures, a young wizard who meets Natsu Dragneel, a member of the famous and troublemaker wizard guild Fairy Tail. She decides to join the guild and they embark on numerous missions, and on each episode we’ll meet different guild members with inspirational life stories, teaching us that friendship, fellowship, and love is always the best answer (with a bit of kicking ass too). Fairy Tail has captivating characters, scenes full of action and humor, becoming a classic of the Shonen genre.

Fruits Basket (2019-2021)

Nevertheless, if you prefer something lighter, but with a touch of comedy, Fruits Basket is perfect for you. The Shoujo series presents us with the sweet Tohru Honda, an orphan girl who starts living in a tent after her mother’s death and unfortunate events. After finding out about it, her classmates Yuki and Kyo Sohma decide to help her, and Tohru moves to their family’s house. However, she discovers that the Sohma family suffers from a curse and must keep the secret. Based on Natsuki Takaya‘s work, this is the second anime version which was also adapted in 2001.

Your Name. (2016)

Also known as Kimi no Na wa., its original name, the movie tells the story of Mitsuha Miyamizu, a young girl aiming to leave the countryside and move to Tokyo, and Taki Tachibana, a young boy struggling to survive with the hope of becoming an architect. They don’t know each other, but they end up connecting in the most unexpected way: through their dreams. Directed by Makoto Shinkai and produced by the studio CoMix Wave Films, responsible for titles such as Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011) and Voices of a Distant Star (2002), the animation was a box office success and it certainly is a unique visual experience.

Weathering with You (2019)

With a touch of environmental consciousness through a fantasy perspective, the film tells the story of Hodaka Morishima, a high-school student who runs away to Tokyo and gets a job as a writer for an obscure magazine. He needs to investigate the legend of the “Sunshine Girls”, women capable of changing the weather with their prayers. During his investigation, Hodaka meets Hina Amano, a mysterious girl who will change his life. Another production by director Makoto Shinkai, the animation was chosen to represent Japan at the 2020 Oscar Awards in the Best Animated Feature category, though it didn’t make the cut.

This is just scratching the surface of everything anime can offer thanks to its huge catalogue! Little by little, you can try out different genres and before realizing it, you won’t be able to live without anime. There is no turning back, MyFamilier. ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ

Listen to our anime playlist that will take you back in time!
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