Japanese animation is often refered to as Japanimation or anime. They aren't cartoons so don't get the wrong idea.Cartoons are for kids, but anime isn't necessarily for kids but more or less for adults or teens. Many, of which you will notice, very non-looking Japanese characters will have vibrant hair colors such as greens,
reds, purples, blues, and yellows as well as striking hairstyles such as ponytails, pigtails, and decorative ribbons. In many cases these hair styles are exaggerated beyond the laws of physics.
These attributes are used in anime as techniques to easily distinguish the characters. Since many women in Japan wear such hair styles and accessories, such styles are commonplace in the culture.
Other frequent depictions in Japanese animation include school uniforms such as sailor style blouses, skirt and blazer outfits, and bloomer style exercise clothes. Now for a little history lesson for new otaku: School uniforms have been required in Japan dating back to the late 1800's and were influenced by uniforms used by countries such as Victorian England and Germany. Students of all ages wore uniforms until World War II.
What's with the voice actresses in anime features having high-pitched voices? This is also a cultural phenomenon. Such voices in Japan are seen as more inviting and feminine.
Why are the anime characters' eyes so large? This technique dates back to the original Western influence on Japan of animated characters such as early Walt Disney characters of the early 1930's. Since the large eyes have developed into a standard specialty of almost all animation and manga comic books characters in Japan, many U.S. comic book characters failed to sale well in Japan because of their small eyes are considered unfriendly or cold by many Japanese.
On a more private matter, not for the faint of heart, you will notice the lack of pubic hair on almost every character. This was because until recently any depiction of pubic hair in a photograph was illegal in Japan. Due to fears of adverse public and government reactions, the Japanese animation industry adapted an informal consenses not to depict pubic hair in animated works.
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