Christian Parents Guide to

Anime and Manga

You’ve seen it in your children’s backpacks and a captivating way. Anime also primarily gives on their computers. Your kids stay up late main roles to teenagers. And finally, the sheer watching it. They may even attend output of series (some three to four dozen are conventions celebrating it. Anime and manga released each season, with four seasons are mediums that have become a prime form running per year) almost guarantees that one of entertainment for kids all over the country. can find a series of interest. And much of it is just really good. Anime isn’t simply “just You may be concerned about what your child is cartoons” – this creative form often results in consuming. What exactly is this form? Is it excellent works. For instance, a whole anti-Christian? While some may want to generation of Disney and Pixar animators have exclude any media that includes elements that been influenced as much by Hayao Miyazaki don’t reflect Biblical values, this guide takes (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro) as any the position that even media not specifically American animator. intended for Christian audiences can be viewed and may be valuable, though parents will set their limits what is appropriate. Naruto is a popular anime and manga What is anime? with themes of Anime, very simply put, is Japanese animation. Its literary counterpart is manga, the comic redemption and form from which anime is often adopted. sacrifice. It also Historically, anime has been just a small portion of the animation viewed in the U.S., contains violence, though some series and movies like Speed fanservice, mystical Racer, Pokemon, and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away have received attention on these powers, and coarse shores. But with the advent of the Internet language. age, anime has become far more commonplace throughout the country. Concerns About Anime Since it simply refers to a country’s animation, the form covers a broad range of genres (ex. - Isn’t anime basically animated pornography? science-fiction, romance, comedy) and audiences, including those aimed at very No, it is not, although there is pornographic young children and some meant for adults anime, known as hentai. These series and only. The Japanese view anime as a serious movies are a rough equivalent of pornographic art form, and as such it often doesn’t carry the films in the U.S. However, a common concept kiddy connotation that American animation in most anime series is fan service. This does. sexualizing of characters can be as mild as tight-fitting clothing to as extreme as nudity. What’s the Big Deal?

- Is the violence in anime excessive? Why are so many young people attracted to this foreign form of animation? Well, it’s It depends on the series. Some anime contain certainly a form of escapism, as is other entertainment. It involves concepts that are graphic violence; others only contain slapstick foreign to American teens, but often shown in violence. Some series are referred to as “slice

Beneath the Tangles, 2011 of life,” and as such may not contain any few that do, including some you may violence at all. remember from your youth, like The Flying House and Superbook, both associated with the Christian Broadcasting Network. Haibane - Is anime anti-Christian? Renmei is a critically-acclaimed series that isn’t specifically Christian, but contains themes and Though some extreme examples may be symbols that any Christian or Catholic will viewed as anti-Christian, most anime series immediately recognize. A book/study guide are simply not concerned with Christianity at has even been written to outline these all. Japan is approximately 1% Christian, and connections. as such, the faith doesn’t play a prominent role in the medium, and when it does, it’s usually in form of nuns teaching at a Catholic school or Disney has released religious symbolism with little meaning. many of Studio

- Does anime reflect Japanese religion? Ghibli’s anime films

Since most Japanese practice some level of in the U.S. They are Shinto or Buddhist belief (or both), those wonderful movies systems are often evident in anime. However, they tend to be seen in the background rather that are aimed for than becoming a focus of a series. The children, but may be Japanese are not evangelists, so no proselytizing occurs in anime. However, be enjoyed more by prepared to see prayers at dinner tables, adults. images of Buddha, and celebrations at shrines.

What Can I Do? Suggestions and Resources

Anime is similar to other television programs in Beneath the Tangles offers suggestions of that a parent should decide at what level it series for Christians to watch. They contain should be monitored. A household ban on varying levels of violence, language, and anime may be excessive, as many series focus religious implications. The range is exemplified on wonderful themes like friendship, by shows like Haibane Renmei, which contains teamwork, and courage; certainly, most are little to be offended by, to Samurai Champloo, less offensive than a typical MTV program. a very violent show, but one that nonetheless includes significant Christian characters. During adolescence, many boys and girls find it difficult to connect with parents. Anime can While it’s difficult to find Christian-centered become a bridge, since many want to share reviews on most anime series, an established their fascination for this medium with those site that contains a large database of reviews they care about. Watching anime with your is Christian Anime Alliance (CAA). CAA also child could open conversation and even provides other resources for parents. opportunities to discuss themes of the series Conclusion that may relate to Christianity. For instance, self-sacrifice in Naruto could easily segue into Anime is a strange artform for many, from its a discussion about Jesus and the cross. sometimes controversial themes to the very appearance of its characters. However, it is Anime and Christianity becoming increasingly popular. As such, I encourage you to be informed of the media As I mentioned before, very few anime focus and involved in your child’s viewing of it. After on Christianity. However, there are a select all, it’s likely here to stay.

Beneath the Tangles, 2011