Japanese Anime Cartoon

When we, as Japanese hear the term, Japanese Anime Cartoon, we get this funny feeling. Perhaps, it is the cartoon part that is not wrapping the anime part in the right way. Since we only used the terms like Manga and Anime, perhaps the new term, Cartoon, is not something we are used to.However, there are so many factors as to why this term give us this special feelings.

I know that this is just an expression that is different, not the subject itself, but when you say Japanese Cartoon, it sounds less animated in the sense, which I have to apologize if that offend someone. On the contrary, if you say Japanese Animation, that could mean, it is created in a rich form of art. That is probably not an impression that more of Americans or Europeans are getting toward Japanese Animation Cartoons.

By definitions, the difference between Anime and Cartoon are as follows. The anime, coming from animation, points out to all the Japanese animations as oppose to Cartoon being the topical satire comics.

Therefore, there are still Cartoons out there that are also Japanese Anime, and I suppose we call them Japanese Anime Cartoons. So, I should not even make any difference in that matter, but that is just a definition. The real feeling towards those words in terminology is somewhat different from Japanese perspective.

Anime and Cartoon are two separate things. I know this sounds a little strange for some people who are not used to the cultural differences. But, the little difference like this could make a huge difference in the large picture.

I am sure there are terms in English that are so close but they are in slightly in different meanings. So for instance, if Dragon Ball is playing on Cartoon Network, it looks and sounds kind of funny. However, something like PowerPuffGirls being Cartoon is more suitable from our perspective.

Japan's anime like Inuyasha or Bleach are the great unleashed animation cartoons. This is due to the fact that they are not only good and fun to read comics, but sometimes, they can represent our Japanese culture in further degree and can be an animation after all.

I know some people in the states do not understand what I am talking about, but those of you who are getting what I mean, please keep in mind that next time you are getting pictures, images, or wallpapers of characters from galleries, Japanese seldom refer them to as Japanese Anime Cartoon. We prefer to use the term, Japanese Anime, Manga, or Animations. Think of the term Cartoon only applies to the animation made by non-Japanese creators. Well, at the end, what we call them does not really matter, but the quality of the Anime or Cartoon is what counts.

Japanese Cartoon Art

Japanese cartoon art has been one focal point to the introduction of Japan to the whole world. We have gotten to know more about Japanese culture and how the country has risen to become what it is now. Many of this art are shown in the many animated cartoon series and movies. Video games have also shown Japanese cartoon art and just like the movies and series they have been accepted internationally. The world of animated art has seen Japan create lots of animated movies and series that have been accepted wholly by the whole world.

Most of the Japanese cartoon art is usually three and two dimensional and you will find the use of bright colors is always in constant use and help create a montage of various color use. The cartoons are able to look life like because of the use of the colors which help in creating a more realistic look at human emotion. This way we are able to tell if the cartoon is angry or annoyed, by the red cheeks and also if they are sad or sick they usually turn different colors or more pale than usual.

However the colors are not the only thing that the Japanese artist uses to denote emotion. The use of the large western like eyes is also used quite frequently and many times I have always wondered why the use of western characters, have become a big theme in most of the Japanese animated movies and series.

I guess its because the whole world looks to the west as the main super power countries and it is easier to use them as characters in the animated movies.