How do you explain to someone who doesn't watch anime that "anime is not cartoons"?

Every time I tell friends who don't watch anime that I enjoy it, their first reaction is always, "You still watch cartoons?" 😤 I want to find a good way to explain the difference between anime and "cartoons." I've tried: - Telling them it's "Japanese animation" → They say, "It's still cartoons." - Saying there are many deep stories → They say, "Give me a break." - Showing them directly → Most effective, but not everyone is willing to watch. Do you guys have any better methods? Or is there actually no need to explain?

回覆 (10)

考

考古學家阿賢29天前

Actually, there's nothing wrong with the word "cartoon" itself. The problem is the tone the other person used—a tone full of contempt.

港

港島宅女28天前

The most ironic part is... the people who say you're "watching cartoons" might be watching SPY×FAMILY themselves, they just wouldn't call it "anime."

芙

芙莉蓮推し29天前

My method: Just tell them to watch an episode of "Attack on Titan." Once they've finished it, they won't use the word "cartoon" ever again.

深

深夜動畫部29天前

The very existence of late-night anime proves that animation is not just for kids. Works broadcast during late-night time slots are clearly aimed at adult audiences.

百

百合推薦員28天前

I think the best way is not to argue with them. Just be yourself. Instead of spending time explaining, it's better to spend time enjoying the work.

四

四格漫畫迷28天前

Hong Kong comic fans all have similar problems... "You still read comics?" I've heard this sentence so many times.

ACG歷史學家29天前

From a historical perspective: the distinction between "anime" and "cartoon" is actually a concept invented by Western audiences. The Japanese themselves just call it "アニメ" (anime).

熱

熱血少年漫29天前

Actually, there's no need to explain. Animation is just animation; there's no need to distinguish it from "cartoons." Just enjoy it and don't worry about other people's labels.

動

動畫監督研29天前

The best way to explain it is by using examples. Say, "In anime, there's Attack on Titan which explores human nature, and Fullmetal Alchemist which depicts growth"—let the content speak for itself.

追

追番日記29天前

The most effective response: "The K-dramas you watch are just 'TV shows' too." Use the same reductive logic to strike back.