Anime & Me

So here we are. Let me take you through the history lane. Not to worry.

I won't start with "Anime is hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, anime refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. The earliest anime that was produced in Japan to have survived into the modern day, The Dull Sword, was released on June 30, 1917, but there it is disputed which title was the first to get that honor. It has been confirmed that Dekobō Shingachō: Meian no Shippai (凸坊新画帳・名案の失敗, "Bumpy New Picture Book: Failure of a Great Plan") was made sometime during February 1917. At least two unconfirmed titles were reported to have been made the previous month." (Wikipedia).

But I want to take you through my history with anime.

I started watching anime even before I knew it was anime. You may have already guessed the show I am talking about. Yes! It is the one with an eternal 10-year-old and a cute electric mouse. Pocket Monsters or popularly known as Pokémon!

It was truly a memorable childhood. I tuned in on Pokemon sharply at 5 pm every weekday. Whether it was a thunderstorm or rain or my siblings' wrath, I just had to watch this adventure no matter what.

Supplementing my anime life were Dragon Ball Z, Beyblade, Inazuma Eleven, Naruto, Digimon & Bakugan Battle Brawlers. As I grew up and these shows were eventually replaced in Cartoon Network, I fell out of touch with anime. And then came a ton of Hollywood movies and I went behind them.

I had no connection with anime till I got into college. During my second year one day, I just happen to reminisce about a scene from Naruto.

This scene kept flashing in my mind. At first, I didn't know where it was from. Then slowly I remembered that it was from Naruto. I decided to watch the series. And boy I was in for a ride.

I watched all 220 episodes of Naruto. I don't remember how much time it took to finish it all. But I remember myself enjoying it. Then it was on to Naruto Shippuden - the sequel to Naruto. A mere 500 episodes.

I was left wanting more. The next one I picked up was One Piece. A very "short" series. (Episode 1043 was released last week 🤣. Yup. It is still ongoing). I watched till what was released.

There it began. My travel through the world of anime. I explored different genres. Watched both long and short animes.

Some had multiple seasons. Some ended with just one season. Some made me laugh. Some almost gave me depression. Some inspired me. And there were some I just couldn't finish because they left a bad taste in my mouth.

Yup. There are bad animes too. Not all movies or series are great right? Animes are also just like that. Now the number of animes I have watched is just over 60. Small number. I know. The animes I have yet to watch are another long list that keeps on growing.

So there you have it. This is my history with anime. Or perhaps my ongoing journey with anime. I heartily welcome you to try out anime. It's not just another cartoon. And neither is it childish hocus pocus.

You would be surprised by the variety of emotions it can offer - from mindless fun to mind-numbing pain. Just like movies or series, there are a lot of genres out there for you to try - slice of life, comedy, sports, fantasy, psychological, adventure, action, and so on.

So where can I watch anime?

• Crunchyroll - Both the website version and app version are available. There is a premum plan as well as free plan.

• Muse Asia - A free youtube channel

• Ani-One Asia - Another free youtube channel

• Netflix - Yup. Anime and chill. But as you know, it is paid.

• Hulu - Lots of anime. But it is also paid.

Those are all legal ways to watch anime. However, this is the internet and there are a lot of pirated versions of anime floating around. Some websites even offer them for free without even signing up. But venture into them at your own risk. And there are abundant channels in the telegram app that offer anime illegally.

Now the question comes down to 'What should I watch?'

Here are my recommendations for anime beginners

Check out Assassination Classroom and Demon Slayer.

My other recommendations include Spy x Family and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Both are fun to watch and light-hearted.

I watched almost all my anime in Japanese itself. I urge you to do the same. Do watch anime in japanese itself. Please don't go for dubbed english version.

I found anime more fun in Japanese with english subtitles. I hope the case will same for you. Besides you can pick up another language. Isn't that cool?!

So that's it for this week. See you laterHave a good week ahead

Itadakimasu!