Appreciating the niche-ness of anime

[Tokidoki]

I've been hearing so much about anime being in a "niche" market, and that even with the decent following of fans over titles like Bleach and Naruto, there still aren't that many fans that exist outside of Japan.

But I was wondering, as an anime fan, how do you feel about enjoying something as niche as anime? Does it scare you to know that you're among a small group of people liking something that the general public as a whole wouldn't be interested in, or is the "niche-ness" one of the factors that motivates you to enjoy anime even more, and possibly spread the word because of it?

For me, i'd say there's a definite air of uniqueness about being a fan of anime among the majority of the American population who probably have never heard (or would care to hear) about it. The feeling usually comes with knowing that people outside the fandom seem to have a hard time appreciating anime, or would find it difficult to understand the fuss over liking animation created overseas. When trying to explain my reasons for liking anime to the uninitiated, simply telling them, "Anime can be deep, philosophical, and fun to watch" isn't enough to convince them to spend 30 minutes of their time to watch one anime episode. So my appreciation from anime stems from the fact that anime isn't quite easy to get into for many people. It did take a while for me to get into the stuff myself.

There are only a few people in my immediate area who watch anime, but none of them have crossed the level of anime DVD-buying. So I guess from a hobbyist point of view, it feels sort of special to have a collection of anime DVDs on a shelf, while most people would rather collect and proudly display sports memorabilia or stamps. :sdsmiley:

[TalonG4]

No. I like it because I like it.
Although to be honest, I still have this (rebellous?) tendency to dislike things if they are popular. I think I'm starting to get over that phase of my life though because it is kind of immature.
I got into anime most likely because it was something different but I stayed a fan all these years because it was really good and entertaining.

[Draneor]

The Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, where I live, has a population of about eight million. While I know there are other figure collectors in the area online, I do not know any personally. I'm probably the only person in the area who has gotten weird looks for taking a photograph of an Otome PVC at Kentwood, while the sakura were blooming in the background. Odds are, there might not be anyone else who owns D.C.P.C in this region. In all my many hours of taking public transportation to work, I've only seen two other people read manga on it--one in English and one in Japanese. I doubt anyone else has tried to read D.C. II I.F. in Dengeki G's without anyone noticing on a crowded train. My co-worker's offices have pictures of their children on their walls; mine has shitajiki from various visual novels and anime. When I walk into Borders, I see mostly kids/teens near the manga section. Obviously, there are other anime fans in this area, and I've met a few that liked more "mainstream" anime. In some ways, my tastes are a niche within a niche within a niche in North America. Most North American fans have a very negative opinion of the anime I like and the merchandise I buy.

But I don't really mind being different from everyone else. Truthfully, I got tired of pretending I was normal and worried someone would find out my secret. I came out of the closet slowly, but it's nice to just be yourself, even if no one has any idea what any of this stuff is. I like what I like. I can't control how other people respond to that.

[presicion25]

I know what you all mean. Im in two nich markets.....Deloreans and Anime. They are my two hobbies. I actually got an ex-girlfriend of mine into a little anime. I enjoy introducing new things to people. She watched Full Metal Alchemist and like it. I gave her the first volume of Solty Rei I had cause I dont need it, since I already bought the new box set and hopefully she'll like that show as well. She may go with me to MegaCon at least I think its called Megacon. Its here at the Tampa, Fl convention center every July. This will be my first year going and Im looking foward to it. I love anime but could never get into Manga, I tried it but didnt like it. I do read fantasy novels though. As far as anime, I love the storylines, the colors and the comedy in some of them. I really dont mind being in a niche market, I decided to broaden my mind and look at new things. I was tired of the norm, I dont like american T.V. and anime shows keep me entertained and they are something to look foward to......

[fishsticks]

Obviously, there are other anime fans in this area, and I've met a few that liked more "mainstream" anime. In some ways, my tastes are a niche within a niche within a niche in North America. Most North American fans have a very negative opinion of the anime I like and the merchandise I buy.

But I don't really mind being different from everyone else.

I quite agree with your conclusion, but sometimes...Toronto is considerably smaller than Baltimore, but with several million people, one would expect to meet at least one or two people one could relate to. Or were into Gashapon. Trying to complete sets by yourself is a real (fiscal) pain in the arse.

[Garasharp K7]

I can't say I've really cared whether my interests are popular or firmly resigned to cult status. Like a few folks have said, I like anime because I like it. Same goes for all my other geeky hobbies. :)
That said, there are times when I wish a favourite show, movie or book gained some popularity so that I'd see more of it put out there. Really could go for more oldschool robot shows or similar manga on the shelves, like there was a good few years back.

[Jim Leverton]

This is a subject close to my heart....I really like anime because nobody is safe. Those Japanese can really tell a story. It's either no hope and death to all or life is good and there is hope. Both are told with a passion that just blows me away.

Disney never came close.

I like Sci - Fi, but it's hard for me to suspend my disbelife with live action. If the movie is good, then it's easy, but the line between good and bad is not well defined and as a result, I drop off one way or the other rather quickly. (I either love it or hate it.)

Animation on the other hand is just right if done well. I'm not into too much fan service or blood letting, but just deep enough subjects to entertain me without having to "check my brain at the door."

Now some of the American greats like Ralph Bakshi are those that touched me deeply. But such titles as "last exile, so bianca, armitage, and the list goes on" are examples of great anime. Not just good, but great.

Miyazaki is one that I just feel fantastic after watching one of his films. The Place Promised in Our Early Years is not Miyazaki, but it's just as good. Jin Roh is great anime. I don't think disney could have come up with stuff like that. (Or, he couldn't market it to the 1960's crowd.)

Anime just "does it" for me. There are not many that like to discuss anime and I'd be the oldest person at the con if I decided to start going to cons. But anyway, anime is what it is and I just love it.

[Shikishima]

I enjoy Anime regardless of it's niche status. I at least like to think that my interests
are not a result of judging something on the basis of its relative popularity.
I've enjoyed Anime ever since I first watched Robotech as a kid, and I can't see any
reason why this would change in the future.

Regarding the niche status of Anime I sometimes feel it's slightly depressing
because of the difficulty of finding people who know of, and appreciate it locally.
What's worse is that some people are rather militant in their dislike of Anime.
I do know a few people who watch Anime locally though so I guess I can't complain too
much.

I also enjoy the rather fanservice laden comedy shows that seem to get dismissed out of
hand by many these days. I know I'll probably never have a chance to buy them
in English because of this. Some people I've seen posting on various forums also seem
to derive some sort of satisfaction because these shows are not being released.
Additionally fans of these genres of Anime are often portrayed negatively.
While I respect people voicing their opinions, I feel this is uncalled for and completely
unnecessary.

[Serial Experiments Nobue]

I can't say I've really cared whether my interests are popular or firmly resigned to cult status. Like a few folks have said, I like anime because I like it. Same goes for all my other geeky hobbies. :)

That's how I look at it. I don't care if 10 people like anime or 10 million do; it won't change how I watch or appreciate it.

[meganly_chan]

Whether something is popular or not isn't a huge factor in what I get into, and what I don't (though I admit sometimes I deliberately avoid something BECAUSE it's super popular). If I really like it, I really like it, and I especially love anime. At the same time, I don't really want anime to become mainstream - I worry that a LOT of Americanizing would happen, among other things.

As it is, most of my hobbies are rather niche - animation cel collecting, Asian ball-jointed dolls, Jpop, etc. - so I'm used to having to go online if I want help or fellow collector interaction.

[mike.motaku]

I don't generally give a crap one way or the other whether or not anyone else likes something I like. The fact that I like it is sufficient for me.

[kakitamike]

I enjoy anime regardless of how niche it is. I only wish it was less niche in regards to sales. If I could only watch anime subbed I'd probably stop watching it, or at least stop paying for it. If I could get everyone who doesn't pay for anime to buy one dvd a month, I think anime would be a lot more secure.

Sorry, not trying to derail the thread, just thinking of the niche market always makes me think of the problems that niche markets face.

[something]

I don't care if nobody around me is a fellow anime fan. That's what the internet is for - there are a few thousand of you here, which is good enough.

[neo-pactio]

I've always liked anime for just being anime and if I continue to like anime in the future, it will be for the same reason. The niche factor can definitely feel either very geeky or very underground-cool like, but there are likewise advantages and disadvantages to being a person who's into the most popular things...

[Lego]

As an anime fan there is a little "push back" when you see things start to get popular like Tokyopop's "World Manga" bullshit. Thats the only time that I really push back with stuff like that. I don't mind anime getting more popular, I hope anime gets more popular but what we need right now are new DVD buyers and not fans that are going to be into anime yet only download. People still fail to realize that anime in the US is still a niche as the original poster mentioned.

[Shsway]

Miyazaki is one that I just feel fantastic after watching one of his films. The Place Promised in Our Early Years is not Miyazaki, but it's just as good. Jin Roh is great anime. I don't think disney could have come up with stuff like that. (Or, he couldn't market it to the 1960's crowd.)

That stuff might not have come to be in the now that we know, if not for the pioneering efforts of Disney and other American animation studios. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I don't really think about the niche aspect much...unless it's during those times when I try to understand why some of the things brought over from Japan get canceled mid-release. :\

This is just another geeky hobby that I happen to be very passionate about.

[something]

That stuff might not have come to be in the now that we know, if not for the pioneering efforts of Disney and other American animation studios. :rolleyes:
A retort I see often, but... so what? It says nothing about the relative quality of Disney and whoever they're being compared to. Nobody has to suddenly like or even respect Disney just because they started much of it.

[Suwako Moriya]

I never really concerned myself with appreciating the niche-ness of anime. Especially in scenarios a series is so niche it will never get licensed. Because I'm apparently the only person who will buy it.:sweat1:

[Shsway]

I agree that no one has to like Disney for any one nameable reason, but to be honest, I think it's only right to give them at least a slight nod for what they were to the animation industry. I've simply begun to get tired of (sensitive about?) the usual way that many anime fans need to dump on that stuff in order to attempt to make points about the overall quality of anime productions.

Is may be as you say though - "So what?"

[Mateo_home]

Might as well echo. I watch anime because I like it. I'm not embarrassed about it but say if someone were to find out I watch a shoujo title and they think that's wrong for me to like it saying it's for girls, I just have difficulty explaining how I can enjoy it and say it's fine.

[davesimmons]

I'm only a medium-core anime fan, perhaps that's why I don't consider niche-ness as being good. I'd rather have anime be more popular so prices can be lower, more titles can be licensed, and more can come out on blu-ray sooner.

[kakugo]

I first got into anime over a decade ago, back when finding even a hand full of "Japanimation" tapes at the mall or a comic shop was cause for celebration, and whilst I've always shared my obsession to some degree with those close to me - which more often than not led those around me to think I was a crazy person - it's never bothered me that anime isn't considered mainstream entertainment, or that I can't invite everyone I know down to my house to watch the latest episode of Wolf and Spice or xxxHolic or, whatever.

Eons ago I may have been glad that "they" didn't appreciate Japanese cartoons the way I did, but I've since gotten over it: I watch anime because I enjoy anime, and I wouldn't bother watching it if I didn't. (I'm sure some people watch movies to seem smart or cool or, whatever. These people need a clue.) Even anime I don't particularly like can be a learning experience, and while esoteric knowledge is by its' very nature not overtly useful I still like having it. Just today I watched an incredibly obscure title, Kaze wo nuke!, a late 80s OVA about motocross racers. I can't say it was a forgotten masterpiece or that it changed my life, but I had fun for about 45 minutes, which is all I've ever asked anime for.

While it does frustrate me to see ignored masterpieces and praised crap on principle, at the end of the day it really doesn't matter if anyone but me thinks Neo Ranga, or Kotetsu Shin Jeeg, or Maryu Senki is any good. I like them, and if I'm deriving joy from watching it why should I give a damn if Joe Schmoe on the street would rather watch The Idol instead of teh rei? What difference does it make? Recognition doesn't make a good title any better - I frankly could give a rat's ass what most people have to say about a title I like unless it reveals aspects of it I hadn't personally caught - it just gives critics a chance to eat their words and posers a chance to look cool in front of their poser friends. Nothing more.

Being "scared" of the relatively small number of anime fans are likely a reflection of two possible trains of thought: that without the rest of "us" there will be no more anime (which - in terms of you continuing to collect DVDs - is a valid concern), or that without others who support us as fans we lack the validation and are somehow wrong for enjoying Japanese animation. Adults and teenagers in America typically view animation as "kids stuff" and there's a natural tendency to think that animation is inherently inferior to live action titles, regardless of the quality of the title. For this reason, I'm sure plenty of American fans feel - consciously or not - that unless there's a bunch of other fans who feel the same way, there could be something wrong or underdeveloped about them.

I'm not saying this is what you're saying... just throwing it out there. :)

In short, I find it a little off-putting that the anime industry and fan community is... basically the same 6 guys and a dog. That's not to say there's anything wrong with these guys, just that without an influx of more people with broader interests, the scope of what anime the rest of the world can be exposed to is inherently limited. Some titles that deserve more recognition will never get it, and others that don't deserve as much celebration will get it regardless because they appeal to the group that already exists, and indeed, are designed to cater directly to them. It's great for fans who are happy with the way things are, but for anyone who'd like to see the focus shifted more towards different sorts of titles, they're pretty much left to their own devices.

Not that being a treasure hunter is a bad thing... :bigsmile:

[Jim Leverton]

Miyazaki is one that I just feel fantastic after watching one of his films. The Place Promised in Our Early Years is not Miyazaki, but it's just as good. Jin Roh is great anime. I don't think disney could have come up with stuff like that. (Or, he couldn't market it to the 1960's crowd.)

That stuff might not have come to be in the now that we know, if not for the pioneering efforts of Disney and other American animation studios. :rolleyes:



Disney "the comapny" not Walt himself, in an effort to breath new life into the
American animation market, brought over some of the works of Miyazaki. And would we have never seen Miyazaki's stuff had it not been for Disney? I can't say. I think that someone that had seen Miyazaki's animation would have brought it over eventually. It was just too good to stay in Japan. Disney isn't the only entity out there that does that sort of thing.

Now this is just my opinon, but if I were to put Sprited Away up agianst ANY Disney animation, there would be no constest. Miyazaki would win hands down. now don't get me wrong, I'm not crackin' on Disney. The Disney company has done some great things. But if you want to mention American animators, then don't for get the efforts of Walter Lantz, (Woody Woodpecker), Robert McKimson, Bob Clampet, Tex Avery and all the guys that put Bug Bunny on the screen. Classic work.

And along with you, I enjoy good anime.

[Jim Leverton]

Clarification.....Miyazaki is NOT the "end all" and "be all" of anime. I just used him as an example. Anime is a broad spectrum of tastes and genre that reflect the diversity of the industry itself. I like anime and I'm not out lookin' for a "buddy" to chit chat with on the street. I won't find one. But here there are those that have similar tastes and we can talk about that stuff.

And to be honest, I couldn't tell ya what makes me like anime so much. I just do. I like Last Exile and the next guy doesn't. I hate Glass Fleet, and the next guy thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread. But....that's anime. It's a wide industry. Lots of stuff to choose from.

[Njr Scrawl]

I moved from American mainstream comics, to anime. I loved & still love the fact anime & manga has main, leading female characters so much instead of just supporting characters, ones looking for a male to take over/save them, sacificial characters or de-feminised main characters. If that's niche, its a shame that western writers/industry are so blinkered & or biased they can't do/accept the same kind of stories as Japanese writers.

Anime is niche, but nothing like the pre-commercial days when it was almost an "underground" hobby. Perhaps the downloaders of today are the successors of the VHS days when you got hold of amateur fansubbed tapes, or raws, & shared it around - like file sharing nowadays. Getting a new episode first was an achievement, same as watching an almost-new episode hours after it broadcasts in Japan. The hunting & enjoy a "kill" mindset. (Waiting for legit releases is not in this scenario, as legit buys are not "catches", unless perhaps very LE).

Ironically people who scorn anime, branding it as niche & its fans as oddballs, do so mainly because it is animation, one of the most widely known & liked popular entertainment media in the world. If the stories were live action movies or TV shows, they would be winning Oscars & Emmys for writing, acting, effects & music. Anime seems to be looked down on as a mis-matching mixture.

Because anime is niche, it is mostly protected from general western mainstream interference & we get flavoured but mainly unedited shows, leaving the original content alone. This is because of specialist long-experienced licensees who the Japanese licensors etc should heed. Licensed & processed anime's niche-level is set just right, I like how I am, & how the industry's products are, generally.