Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Are anime and cartoons the same thing?
Position2 of 2

No, anime and cartoons are not the same thing

Anime is much more than mere cartoons; they are complex storytelling mediums with their own distinct styles and tropes, which are separate from the styles and tropes of traditional cartoons.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Cartoons, while a broad media term, do not include anime as it is its own category
    In America, most forms of animation are grouped together with cartoons and target younger age groups. Despite this, anime still manages to separate itself from cartoons into a category of its own.
  2. Anime refers specifically to Japanese animation
    Anime is a term coined in Japan, shortened from the word 'animation' and specifically used for their animation style. While anime is sometimes referred to as a cartoon its main difference is its origins.