Anime otaku

Posted by admin on Feb 17, 2009 in Issues & Ideas | 0 comments

Over the last three decades, anime has concretized itself as a viable source of entertainment for both children and adults on a global scale.

Unfortunately, many Christians consider anime to be subversive and detrimental to positive spiritual growth.

In some cases, such a charge may be well founded. But the condemnation of all anime begs the question: What is anime?

Anime is more than what the passé term Japanimation once captured. Japanimation literally means animation which is produced in Japan, but not all animation from Japan is considered anime.

There are exceptions to every rule, and the otaku (a derogative slang term referring to those obsessed with anime—but anime otaku have embraced the idiom) are a very critical bunch. Broadly speaking, their preferences dictate the constitution of anime.

Anime typically draws its inspiration from manga (comic). Keyword: typically, but not always.

Generally, anime’s distinctive animation style and exclusive focus on storytelling separates it from other forms of animation. Its unique style draws inspiration from three primary sources: manga, Japanese calligraphy and Japanese painting traditions.

Regardless, as every anime artist is unique, anime is stylistically varied.

In regards to the storyline, a myriad of genres are encompassed by anime which can include anything from psychological thrillers to philosophical quandaries to action intermingled with daily life experiences.

Most anime, such as the “Gundam” series, rely on a concoction of various genres to cause the viewer to reflect on human intention, emotion, possible futures, and the current state of our world. Developing complex and intricate storylines is integral to true anime.

Unfortunately, to the chagrin of many, anime often dabbles in spiritual dimensions. Buddhist tradition, and Shinto myths, legends and deities often influence it.

On the basis of this final admonition, most stoic Christians disdainfully condemn anime.

Although my explanation of anime may offend a few ardent fans, they will likely agree with the following observations and critique.

There are those who piously judge anime without considering their own zeal for cult-classic media, be it movies, television, books, comics or cartoons.

That’s right: Star Wars, The Matrix and Lord of the Rings – I’m calling you out!

Youth group pastors are notorious perpetrators when it comes to hypocrisy and blurring the lines. I’ve lost track of how many times I was subjected to the previous three movies as illustrations proclaiming God’s truth.

It seems they can’t resist the temptation to baptise pagan creations, philosophies and beliefs.

Who can blame them? In their defence, these youth pastors are merely modelling what they believe to be exemplary actions of several early church fathers.

Unfortunately, you can’t haphazardly draw lines in the sand to suit personal whims. It’s true that exposure to the beliefs of other religions is warned against by the Apostle Paul, but so are slander and hypocrisy.

Let’s be honest with ourselves. The problem with many anime shows is not that they contain non-Christian spirituality, but rather that they contain myths, legends and deities which are foreign to our worldview.

Few Christians would forbid reading Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey. We are comfortable exploring Greek myths, legends and deities.

Regardless, writings such as these are rooted in non-Christian spirituality.

Although some anime should remain unwatched for various reasons, such considerations must be made on a case-by-case basis. We need to develop more consistency in our censorship.

The sugar-coated spirituality imported by Star Wars, The Matrix and Lord of the Rings is no different than the spirituality contained within most anime. In fact, the aforementioned movies are inextricably dependent on Eastern spirituality and philosophy. We can’t condemn one while exalting the other.