What makes something an anime?

Hmm... If this a anime topic be should, then please pay attention that anime related topics (or if about games are then please in Game Talk section etc.) only in the Anime Talk section set, because this is a violation vs. to rule(s) of ASF, okay?

But I guess, because you're still fresh on the forum, you can't for that...

[MENTION=26]KingArturia[/MENTION];

walimd said:

This is a question I have pretty strong views on. I don't know why, but I can get strangely heated over this.

What do you think makes something 'anime'? Does it have to be made in Japan, by Japanese people? Does it simply have to come from Japan? Be in Japanese? Include sushi (wut)?

Personally, I think anime is a style. Anyone from anywhere can make an anime, as long as they use the anime style. In my opinion, saying it's only anime if it comes from Japan is like saying pizza is only pizza if it comes from Italy.

What are your thoughts?

Click to expand...

Anime are anime because they come from Japan, it is as simple as that.

Haven't seen this one myself but look at the artstyle:


This is an anime as well.

Looking at the print medium, they work with the same distinction. And it makes sense.

Manga are from Japan.
Manhwa are from South Korea.
Manhua are from China.

That's known but considering we are typing in English, we are taking the view from a non-Japanese person. For us, something like Manga is clearly defined. Anime was also clearly defined until some people started arguing otherwise. Following their line of arguments, the question is: "Where do anime end and cartoons begin"? What I posted above could rather easily be categorized as a cartoon (looking at the artstyle (even though that's not everything)). But what about Avatar? For me, the artstyle says cartoon but almost everything else says anime. In the end, people would never reach an agreement which is why almost all people say that anime are cartoons made in Japan (with animation work done elsewhere more than often -.-).