The word “obsession” usually gets a negative connotation. Being obsessed with anything, at least in most societies, isn’t viewed favorably. But is being obsessed with something, anime or otherwise, a bad thing, or can it in fact, be a good thing?
Anime shows are really the only shows I watch. I don’t actively watch any currently airing shows on American TV. Whenever I have spending money, it almost always goes to anime products (my room is covered in anime). My spare time is spent either watching anime, writing about anime, or studying Japanese. I daydream about anime all the time and I plan out my daily schedule so I’ll have time to work on my blog and watch anime. All of my friends either like anime or did at some point since I’ve known them. Anime is what got me interested in learning Japanese, taking two trips to Japan, and even majoring in Japanese language and literature at college. I know more about anime news than real current events and more about anime characters than real, famous people. I know squat about American pop culture but I know a lot about the anime side of Japanese pop culture. Because of all these reasons, I feel the world “obsession” is a better way to describe how I relate to anime than words like “hobby” or “interest.”
But is my, and I’m sure many others’, obsession with anime a bad thing? I can definitely say that my obsession doesn’t always lead to positive things. I can relate to what sdshamshel wrote about how a fan of something, or a “geek” if you will, often has trouble socializing with people who themselves don’t have something that they’re “geeky” about. I too have felt awkward on a number of occasions when I’ve had to make conversation with people who aren’t “geeks” themselves and don’t know the extent of my anime obsession. When they hear that most of my time is spent doing something anime-related and I have no interest in the kinds of things that most American girls my age are into, it does leave me feeling a bit uncomfortable. This is made worse by the fact that most of these people don’t have a clue about anime. I’m already a soft-spoken and inarticulate person to begin with, so trying to explain myself in these conversations is rather taxing.
Another bad thing about my obsession is that I get easily frustrated when something interrupts my plans to watch anime or work on my blog. Luckily, as much as my mind is consumed by anime almost all the time, I don’t have too much trouble being responsible about other important things in life such as schoolwork, my job, and obligatory social events.
While it’s never easy being different and having an obsession that most people don’t understand, I feel that the good things that my anime obsession does for me far outweigh the bad. Anime has made me a generally happy, content person. I’ve had my moments of depression and anger, but I’ve rarely lost my composure about anything because, as my mom has humorously put it, I’m always “high on anime.” Anime offers me an endless amount of things to look forward to, so I can’t be upset for too long because I know that the thing I care about most will keep delivering.
Anime also keeps my pleasures simple and focused. My day can be made simply by a new opening of a series I like, watching a great AMV for the first time, new artwork of a favorite character, or having a good discussion about anime. All I desire in life is simply to be able to live comfortably and continue to indulge in anime.
I feel the same as digitalboy when he wrote about whether anime is madness or sanity. Is my obsession with anime, as sketched above, madness because it dictates my life, or is it sanity, because it makes me feel complete and satisfied, and lack of it would drive me mad? I live in a country and an age where people have the luxury to partake in things other than the basic needs of life. The amount of hobbies to pursue nowadays is staggering and the Internet makes it easy to become obsessed with them. The sheer variety of anime products sold in Japan, even for mildly popular series, is an indication that this kind of geeky obsession could become a viable way of life thanks to consumerism and technological advances.
My rambling is going overboard now so I’m going to end the post here. I’ll conclude it with a quote by Joseph Addison;
“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.”
Anime definitely offers me all three; something to do (watch new anime, catch up on older anime, write, read, and talk about anime, learn Japanese), something to love (the characters, the stories, the music, the art, the culture), and something to hope for (new series, new episodes, new songs, new characters, new products). Any obsession has its good and bad. I’m thankful that my anime obsession isn’t causing anything really bad in the world, like destruction or pain. There are more alarming obsessions to be concerned about than having an infatuation with Japanese animation.
seriously your description of anime obssesion is perfectly accuratly for me , i am like you in many ways , for example the only shows that give me exciment are anime shows , other shows like soap operas or films are meh for me , if they are good i enjoy them but the difference is i am not thinking and analyng them or loving their characters like i am in an anime , i because i know many people don’t know anime in the past i desesperatly wanted promote anime but i am more mature today and i know people know simply the media say more and the sentiment of watch something no mainstrem give you the sensation “this is special” but in my school a lot of people know about anime , anime ultimately is more popular and that comfort me , about socialiting , yes i am otaku and i am shy , but is not related , i was first shy in my life and otaku econd , and in my shyness anime is something i enjoy for myself and that make me happy
I am in love with anime shows. I may be a guy, but I love the relationships in anime. Everything is more exciting for me, in anime. I prefer them to any other shows. They can be a positive thing. They generally teach hard work, perseverance, determination, friendship, love, and kindness. Above all, what I get from anime is to be serious a bit more. Most of my friends are not serious about anything! I take things a lot more seriously now. I see that even a little bad name can put a poison in your mind, wondering if other people actually do think of you that way. It’s not a good thing to pick on people. On the other hand, you have to speak up. If someone calls you a bad name, and it makes you feel bad, even if you’re not mad at the person, say something. My friend called me a name once, but I didn’t say anything. It bothered me for a long time, I wondered if other people thought of me that way, and I always think I’m inferior to everyone else when, in reality, I am not. I am myself.
Anyway, anime does have very good qualities. Also, I am learning helpful programs. I’m editing anime pictures and videos. I’m even gonna take music lessons. Hopefully, to one day write music for anime.
I dunno. I like anime, but I think any hobby or substance for that matter can become an hindrance than something good. I used to be more obsessed with a lot of shows back during my high school days but not too much anymore. I’ll never turn down socialization to watch anime though. That’s just stupid.
Personally, I’m just angry I can’t read up to date information in Japanese animation magazines. I feel so out of loop.
@ Koji Oe
I agree about the hindrance part. Anime or any obsession can become more of a hindrance if it interferes with important responsibilities in your life and your ability to function as a decent member of society. The trick is to find the right balance so you can enjoy your obsession without letting it degrade you.
I also watch only anime shows because I consider them a bit ‘safer’ than reality shows or other television programs.
See, I don’t wanna create a fake fantasy with an actor that probably has a different personality than what I imagine him to have. Teens have these obsessive crushes with celebrities, portraying them to be something that they’re not, which is why I consider thinking about animated drawings as a ‘better’ alternative because at least I can create my ‘own fantasy’ version which seems more acceptable since anime characters are fictional anyway.
I’m aware that even the most ‘clean’ anime series could contain some swearing, nudity or inappropriate behaviour, therefore I will have to give up on this distraction but I’m not ready now….
Perhaps a little off topic but honestly, I don’t see anime as any different than watching a live action show or movie. The problem is people think cartoons = for kids. I look and advocate that animation CAN be a sincere medium to portray a story in a mature way. So, I view my watching of many anime series as no different than that of a movie buff.
@ Strelizia
What you said is one of the same reasons I prefer anime over live action. I can’t get attached to actors/actresses or the characters they portray because I know they’re just pretending to be someone that they’re not. I can respect them for having good acting skills and portraying a character well, but I just can’t feel the same attachment as I feel for animated characters. Animated characters are exactly as you see them, in looks and personality, with nothing hidden or contradicting behind that.
@ Koji Oe
I completely agree. Saying “I like anime” is almost the same as saying “I like TV shows” or “I like movies” – that’s how diverse anime stories can be, and unfortunately most Westerners don’t realize that.
* Do you treat other people well?
* Are you happy?
* Is your current way of life not doomed in any way?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to all of these questions, then you have a fine life, and can ignore what the rest of society thinks you should or shouldn’t be doing or achieving.
@ the rest of the discussion…
What I note in particular about animation is that it finally gives you the full freedom of the cinematic medium. I mean, with live-action, because it looks like reality, it needs to keep looking like reality. With animation you can alter your style either subtly or blatantly whenever this helps, you can exaggerate or do the reverse without pressing a “this isn’t real any more” button. You can cut out unimportant visual details to focus on what’s interesting. And you can go all strange and abstract really cleanly. Try doing something like the ‘wall of words’ scene from Ef in live-action and it’ll just look silly, it’ll trip your ‘words don’t actually do this’ recognition systems.
I think animation is just the best way to tell a story on television. (With television being the best storytelling medium, when used properly.) (Wouldn’t say anime actually becomes better than the best of live-action until about ’95 mind you, when Eva came along and changed all the rules, and at the same time the decline of British television drama, which peaked in the 70s, was really becoming a problem. Now we can’t even do Doctor Who right for more than a single series.)
“I’ve had my moments of depression and anger, but I’ve rarely lost my composure about anything because, as my mom has humorously put it, I’m always “high on anime.””
I never felt depressed during my high period. Essentially, I knew that a lot of things went haywire in my life, the way I prioritized anime and neglected everything else, even alienated my friends. I knew how to rationalize these things. But when I turned a blind eye to anime for a second, just to see how I fare without them, the sky came crashing down. What your mum says is very real, unfortunately.
Related to Stelizia’s point, I’m always amused when a huge actor whose name is known by literally everyone still tries to play characters. Nicholas Cage’s character in “Gone in Sixty Seconds” was named Memphis Raines. But who on earth would believe a real person had that name, let alone a person who looked, sounded and acted exactly like Nicholas Cage? It’s just easier to suspend in anime.
As for your concerns… How about calling it a lifestyle? Obsession is so unpleasant-sounding.
@ Miha
Yeah, my anime obsession does occasionally distract me from other matters and messes with my priorities sometimes. But so far it’s never caused any friction between family, friends, or important responsibilities in life. So for me at least, it’s more fortunate than unfortunate, since just thinking about it can dispel my negative feelings.
@ 2DT
Exactly, suspending is much easier in animation because it’s already so fictional to begin with and thus more open to role-playing and fan immersion. There are also more possibilities in animation as far as style, character and setting design, etc,. Just imagine if a live-action version of your favorite anime is even possible, and if so, would it achieve even remotely the same thing?
I was thinking ” way of life” or simply “passion” as better words to use than “obsession.” “Lifestyle” works too. Thanks for the suggestion.
When it comes to anime, as MTV used to say – “Too much is never enough.” ;)
I haven’t watched American TV in over a year, except in hotel rooms when traveling. I don’t think I’ve missed much, if anything. I have a dead 13-inch analog TV that still sits in my living room. ;) I watch anime on my computer, every day.
In the past four years of being an anime and manga fan, I’ve been surprised at how consumed I’ve been with this. The word “love” isn’t inappropriate, either. I’ve never had an interest before this one that was this strong and unwavering, even after years with it. I love anime.
Anime is about the only thing I really watch but I’m open to seeing live action shows from time to time. Obsession is something not inherently bad if you’re just assessing it on the basis of whether it makes you feel good or not. Problem is that I don’t want to put something that should otherwise be a hobby or I suppose “strong” interest above things that really matter. People will always be more valuable than a show itself and I want that to be reflected in my lifestyle even though I currently am probably about as shy as you and thus don’t have much friends XD
If anime disappeared for example, would I feel hopeless and depressed? Of course I’d be pretty disappointed but I don’t want to be revolved around entertaining myself to death. The closest I have to obsession is a computer but I don’t try to find my purpose and hope in it. If others do then alright I’m not going to argue but I think I can’t find a hope in what is real and only in what is fictional, then I probably need to wake up from something…
Just my 2 cents. Didn’t mean this as an insult or criticism at all to you/anyone else so just want to be sure none of you get the wrong impression :P
Sometimes I find myself wondering about this topic, too. Just like you, I look forward to new series, songs, and characters. But sometimes I think, “This isn’t your normal ‘obsession’ or ‘hobby.’” Right now, basketball is the ‘in thing’ in my school and it just so happens to be that I’m the only girl in my class who doesn’t play. In our school, if you don’t play basketball, you’re ‘nobody’ and the target for the picking-ons. At one point, two of my friends shared an interest in anime with me, but now they too have jumped on the bandwagon. Since I now have nobody to talk to about the subject at school, I get excited when I meet some of my friends’ other friends who like anime. At a halloween party this year, I held a conversation with one of the ‘popular’ boys about anime. Since then, my so-called friends are just like, “So what you guys both like that Japanese stuff, I guess it just means that you’re a geek.” So yeah, I know where you’re coming from. I don’t think that anime is unhealthy, or porn, or anything that I’ve been told so far by people who don’t know anything about it at all. It’s more of a way of life and a “savior” if you will to some people (I know the deep psychology in some series have really helped me find myself). And I keep holding my head up high. As my mom said to me last night, “Your fascination with their culture is cute. Not weird, cute.”
So yeah, just my two cents on that one.
@ RikaS
Your experience sounds kinda like what I went through in middle school for being the only person in my class who liked Pokemon. People who criticize what they know nothing about, in other words, ignorance, is just something we have to deal with all the time in this world. Even if it does upset you, you should feel proud that you know what you really like and you have enough self-esteem to not let others tell you what you should and shouldn’t like.
Wow i cant belive it,this riminds me about myself i have lots of obssesion with manga and anime i cant stop watching im always like”Lets read or watch anime” then i pretend like im a pro saying you fail or you pass to the anime.It has to be about, love, cute ,magical,Fantasy and adventure my fav love and depends on the anime lolz.Hey one thing i want to ask Which one you like best manga or anime? =O
Otaku Nerds rule.
well i personaly like anime better. its more intresting
Seriously, I can’t believe the times anime was mentioned on some blog entries. Everything you do in this life should be in moderation. Sure you can still like anime but I would recommend focusing on family and friends, have other interests and hobbies. I might be wrong but feel people who are obsessed with anime might loose sense of reality completely or at some points. Maybe you’ll even grow out of it but who knows. Not as in age wise but phase like. Like I’ve heard that in Japan where a guy married an anime video game charcter. Like what the heck????????? Or the couple in Japan who were so obsessed on videogame which involved taking care of a child,and in real life did not take care of their actual kid. Animation is great but don’t miss on other great stuff out there. After all it is a fictional world not real. Just saw documentery on anime culture in Japan. Complete obsession to some people, whole lives revolved around it. I’m completely shocked the levels it has reach. I mean America is completely obsessed with Celebrities, that’s also terrible. We are loosing or values and not focusing on whats really Important. Moderation is the keyword to succeed. Don’t mean to judge just giving point of view.
You say that you don’t feel like it’s jeopardized your life in any way, because anime is your life. You stay close with your family because your parents are probably relatively accepting about who you are and what you do. Your friends were all into anime at one point in their lives so you can relate to them through that. But what about when life pushes you into the real worl where the average person would much rather not talk about anime? You’re going to hit a brick wall honey. I did. Trust me, work is immensly grueling if you can’t befriend your coworkers. Anime is your safe shield right now and I know what it’s like. Next to none of my friends like or even know about anime and so, you have to learn to adapt. Don’t wait until you feel alienated by others to realize how anime quite possibly ruined your life. Don’t make your world so small
@ Artemis
I have many friends both in real life and online who like anime. I’ve even met a few coworkers who do. But even so, anime isn’t the only thing I’m interested in and I can still relate to people without having to talk about it. I’ve already gone through five years of college and couple of jobs without feeling like it’s “ruined” anything in my social life.
Im guessing that everyone here is addicted in some form of the other.
To seek moderation, well all you’ve got to do is watch the good ones and not the bad ones. (anime that is)
Bad ones are well, ones that are very heavily emphasised on:
1. Moe i.e. little girls if you watch k-on watch out
2. Mindfuckers e.g last ep evangelion or other shows that make you lose motivation
3. Mature i.e. Gore, Rape, Guro, etc
Just stay clear of the three M’s and anime will cease it become an obession rather it will become a understandable pastime similar to watching movies.
And actually im quite astounded by yumeka’s ability to bring that passion bout jap to a more productive light in that she can understand jap now!
nice work you have been a source of motivation
oh yeah visit this guys blog, he helped me chose which animes were worth watching.
http://awesomelyshitty.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/20-shittiest-anime-of-the-decade-2000-2009/
Interesting thread. o3o
Well, recently I met a really nice girl. But the moment I approached her, she told me, ‘Yes, I am obsessed with anime. I have anime wallpapers on my desktop, manga on my bed and an L toy in my schoolbag.’ I was fucking stunned. Not many people would say that the first time you met them. But then again, not many people would say – right after, ‘Wanna take a look?’
Her courage to stand out and be different had me inspired, so I checked out a few popular animes that she had squealed about.
Personally, I think that liking anime is pretty cool. Well at least better than all those wanna-be populars. Dissing anime is just dissing something that someone worked hard on, put time on, put love in. It’s exactly like you making a scarf or something that you worked day and night for. Then you wear it and I go, ‘Whoa, what’s with the shit scarf? You look like a granny.’ So keep your thoughts to yourself, anime-haters. Oh wow, this is really off-topic. ANYWAY. Sayonara! (Did I even spell that properly? No matter.)
i may not be old enough to understand how hard it is to balance work over anime but thank you all for the courage you gave me im only a freshman in high school and im the ONLY one who loves anime and people think its creepy of me to like it but after reading the comments i dont care at all what they say and again thank you :D by the way anyone know a perfect alternative to IS infinite stratos the new anime because i cant wait for episode 2 >.<
You know, I was like you as well but my interest is not only by watching, I also make comics and manga and animations. I also have Anime Toys, COsplay, large poster of anime from Anime Expo or even just my drawing. I actually know 7 language so far and it started because I watch Anime, Korean soap operas, and any other Asian stuffs and not most in american tv, of course, I’m 100% Asian i could say I’m proud watching on my own. The thing that differ between both of us is at least I could socialize with people and befriend them anytime I wanted to. Also interacting with people is no hassle for me since I think I could improve my language especially in US.
Yes I used to love anime so much, but my wife hated it, so eventually I stopped watching and have been without the last 2.5 or so years… We separated 6 months ago and have found my true love again, but this time it’s better… Much better: 55″ LED, Blu-ray player, and all Blu-ray anime I can order/find… Life is good, very good. Anyone want to join? ;)
I think its fine to have a hobby but if you use the word obssesed, you need to get yourself out. Real world. Anime world.
You sound just like me but your alot older then me.i think anime is a good thing as long as you don’t start to begin escapism where you try to escape from the real world with anime. but you sound like you would’nt be like that.
Yes, I think that your obsession has gone a little too far. The key in life in perspective. You shouldn’t put all of your eggs in one basket or define your life by one thing. You’ll find that there’s a lot more to life than just anime and it can be equally enjoyable. Now, I’m not saying that you should completely drop anime and pick up the interests of the typical American girl. However, you should diversify what you do and experience more of the world. Personally, I see some anime as good and the vast majority of it as contrite, cheap, and just flat out bad. You’ll never regret venturing out of your comfort zone and, from it, you’ll become a more worldly person.
I adore anime! Well, Tite Kubo’s Bleach, specifically. I have cards, 17 dvds, a poster, a Kon plushie, and want MORE!!!! I daydream about nothing but Bleach all day and spend all my time either drawing anime, writing Bleach fanfics, or watching my dvds. And I love it! Nothing could make me happier!!! I dream about Bleach, day dream about Bleach, talk about Bleach…. Bleach. Bleach. Bleach!!!
After reading your article,
it make me feel more better
make me believe that i am not the one is abnormal
i am Pisces,so i believe some of people will know how a Pisces act like
they will escape from the realistic world and to their Fantasy anime world
so do i too!
i am totally lost for quite a time;struggling alone;
none of any people i know would give me the strength,courage and hope to stand up again
i dunno what is the reason i live in this world
but,after i watch some anime
they give me courage,and hope again in my life
why would i said so??
even anime might not real
but their story,their character,their life
just like what you mentioned above
are more better and happy than our realistic life
if i have the chance,i will pick to live in anime world than a realistic world.
because of them,they make me feel happy and alive again :)
i also plan to move to Japan too!!
i do want to share one of my favorite anime here if you dun mind
which is “Kore wa Zombie desu ka?”
this is a really nice anime,
it help me away from negative stuff
Keep it up,being a anime lover or otaku is not wrong at all! :D
I would like to comment about the people around me, they all think anime is hentai or pokemon, I feel sorry for them.
Hey,you’re not alone . If people think all otaku is geek or nerd then they are total wrong. My lecturer told me that her husband like to watch anime such as Naruto. And believe or not, many of my college friends love anime . The only thing you have to do is manage your time wisely .
P.S – I usually spend my time with anime more than 3 hours a day but during semester break, more than 6 hours.
I perfectly undestand you. i am an “otaku” too.
I personally think that being obsessed with anime is not a bad thing because since i watch anime i meet a lot of new peole who sharethe same interest.
My advice: Keep on watching;)