New to Anime? Start here: 10 terms to understand the genre

Anime has gained a significant following since its rise in the U.S. in the 1990s, with its popularity exploding in the last decade. Celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion and Cole Sprouse have expressed their love for anime, contributing to its mainstream appeal. As a distinct entertainment form, anime includes a variety of genres and terms that can be confusing for newcomers.Fortunately, understanding these terms is simpler than learning Japanese.
Mainstream Anime: The Face of the Community
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Mainstream anime are the series that dominate the spotlight in the industry and are often what people first think of when they hear "anime." These series usually have multiple seasons and can run for years. For instance, "One Piece," with over a thousand episodes across twenty seasons, is still ongoing. Another example is "Naruto," with 720 episodes, excluding its sequel, "Boruto," which adds another 290+ episodes.
Otaku: Hardcore Fans
Image Courtesy: Lucky Star Official Website
"Otaku" refers to someone obsessed with anime and manga. While in Japan, the term can be offensive due to its association with social withdrawal, outside Japan, it is a badge of honor. Otaku can also refer to anyone deeply passionate about a particular interest or hobby. Notable otaku characters include Konata from "Lucky Star" and Ruby Hoshino from "Oshi no Ko."
Waifu and Husbando: Beloved Characters
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"Waifu" and "husbando" are slang terms derived from "wife" and "husband," used to describe fictional characters one finds attractive. This is subjective and varies widely among fans. Examples of waifus include Asuka from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and Hinata Hyuga from "Naruto," while husbandos include Satoru Gojo from "Jujutsu Kaisen" and Roronoa Zoro from "One Piece."
Manga, Manhwa, and Manhua: Sources of Anime
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Anime is often adapted from manga, which are Japanese graphic novels. Recently, Korean manhwa and Chinese manhua have also been adapted into anime. For example, the manhwa "Solo Leveling" was adapted into an anime in January 2024, showcasing the story of Sung Jinwoo in a monster-infested world.
Ecchi: Suggestive Content
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"Ecchi" refers to content with sexual undertones, focusing on suggestive themes rather than explicit sexual activity. While it is its own genre, ecchi elements appear in many shows for entertainment value. A notable ecchi anime is "The Woman Called Fujiko Mine," part of the "Lupin III" series.
Tsundere and Yandere: Character Archetypes
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"Tsundere" and "Yandere" describe common personality types in anime. A tsundere character, like Noelle Silva from "Black Clover," is initially cold but eventually shows affection. In contrast, a yandere, like Shuu Tsukiyama from "Tokyo Ghoul," exhibits obsessive love.
Mecha: More Than Robots
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Mecha anime features giant robots piloted by humans, often exploring themes of war, politics, and morality. The genre was popularized by the "Mobile Suit Gundam" franchise. "Code Geass" is another notable mecha series, following a boy with supernatural powers challenging an empire.
Shonen and Seinen: Varied Target Audiences
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"Shonen" anime targets boys with action-packed adventures, like "Naruto" and "My Hero Academia." "Seinen," for adult men, covers darker themes, such as "Tokyo Ghoul," about a college student entangled with flesh-eating creatures.
Isekai: Alternate Worlds
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"Isekai" involves protagonists transported to another world, often after dying. A popular example is "Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation," where a man is reborn as a magical prodigy in a medieval fantasy.
Shojo and Josei: Beyond Target Demographics
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"Shojo" targets young girls, focusing on personal and romantic themes, like "Fruits Basket." "Josei," aimed at adult women, explores adult life and romance, exemplified by "Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku."