When Did You Realize Anime Was “Different”?

There comes a point when every anime fan first realizes that anime from Japan is “different” from animation from most other countries. Whether it’s the kinds of dramatic or entertaining stories that are told, the sexual edge to some characters, or the odd bits of Japanese culture we get introduced to through the medium, exploring which unique elements of anime first stood out to fans around the world. I asked J-List’s Twitter followers, “When did you realize anime was ‘different’?” and ere are some of the responses we got!

When I noticed that the words didn’t match the lip movements in Speed Racer. Yes, I remember noticing this, or the way they would add “uh-huh!” to the end of a sentence to add extra syllables so the mouth movements would work.

The art style, and the fact that they had storylines compared to whatever nonsense was on TV when I was six. Yes, Space Battleship Yamato/Star Blazers was the show that set me up as a lifelong otaku. Bold and dramatic stories! Characters in peril, dying dramatically! And in the (outstanding) Yamato 2199 remake, improved plot and backstory!

When this happened in Sailor Moon. Who wouldn’t love getting “Sailor Mooned.”

Or this. I remember being extremely nervous that the nude transformation scenes from Sailor Moon or Rayearth would cause a backlash against anime by conservative parents. Happily most seemed to take in stride, from what I could tell at the time.

When this happened. The original Dragon Ball was the first indication to a lot of new fans that anime was going to be sexy at times. And we love it for that.

Watching Bulma fanservice, when I was like six.

Watching anime with others at the local anime club. Yes, before the Internet changed so many things, one of the best ways to find like-minded anime fans was to hit up your local anime club. I’ll still never forget the first time we all watched Robot Carnival that came out in 1987.

I was like 9 years old, and watched Highschool DxD. Wow, that would make quite an impression.

Back in the ’70’s when I started watching “Japanimation” and oppai missiles did damage. 😉

This bath scene from Ranma 1/2. Yes, I remember being floored by the casualness of nudity in that show, as well as the constant gender-bending.

I was a huge fan of Ninja Turtles from 1987, so I decided to watch Ninja Scroll. Boy, was I in for a big surprise.

Sexy moments from Dirty Pair. Also, their penchant for casually blowing up whole planets.

When this girl peed on the floor. Yes, Elfin Lied is an anime that will open many doors in the mind. It’s not for the faint of heart.

How about you? When did you realize that anime was “different” from all other kinds of animation? Share your responses on Twitter with us!

We just love stocking awesome doujinshi from Japan’s top artists on the site, and have some great offerings for you today, too. Browse all the new doujinshi we have on the site for you here.