Discovering Anime for the First Time
I realized that many of my peers were watching anime, but I didn’t know what this was about. Some attempted to explain to me, but it wasn’t clear to me what this was or what the hype was about. All I knew was that both young and older peers were watching it. Later in 2015, I got some suggestions from a few friends who wanted me to try out this cool anime they were watching. I gave it a try, but it wasn’t instantly that I had an idea of what this was.
What Is Anime Really About?
You might have wondered what anime is about. No, it’s not cartoons—many people confuse the two. I also thought the same back then. After my first real experience with anime, I came to understand why this was such a popular thing and why many people were captivated by it. Let me tell you the difference: cartoons are when photographs are used in a sequence. Anime, on the other hand, is Japanese-styled film and television animation that is aimed not just at children but also adults to enjoy. I know, this can still sound confusing—it also took me a good five weeks to understand what it is all about.
My First Real Anime: Bleach
Maybe my experience with anime might give you a clearer explanation of what it is about. My friend suggested that I watch Bleach, and I gave it a try. Even after watching three episodes, I wasn’t really into it yet. But after a few more episodes, weeks later only, I started getting pulled in. When the plot of Bleach started to unfold—the part where Rukia was set to be executed for going against the rules of the Soul Society—I got completely captivated. You can’t base your interest on only watching one episode. An anime has many episodes, and you need to give yourself time. The story builds up slowly, but after four episodes, you should know if it’s one you like.
Why I Got Hooked on Anime
The reason why I tried it and how I got hooked is because of the storylines and style that anime offers. The way the characters and settings are designed always changes, as animators try to bring the best experience through their drawings. The plot is often very complex—there’s a real build-up of events. Most anime can be enjoyed specifically by adults, as they can relate to the character traits, emotions, and personal growth shown in each story. Although most anime have many episodes, what’s great is that one episode usually runs for about 20 minutes, which makes it easy to enjoy at any time during your day when you have a free moment.
Why So Many People Love Anime
People find entertainment in anime because there are so many genres and different types to choose from. The first time I watched it, I could relate to the characters. Many anime can even help shape your character and mindset—just like reading a good book can. Most anime are based on friendship and loyalty. There’s often a strong theme of good vs evil, helping you see both the dark and light sides of human nature. It also teaches life lessons—how to face challenges, deal with enemies, and grow from experiences. You can watch anime in dubbed or subbed versions, but you often experience the emotions of the characters better when watching the subbed (Japanese with subtitles) versions.
My Captivating First Anime Experience
I had a very capturing first anime experience. I enjoyed it so much that I ended up binge-watching for weeks just to finish it and see what happens at the climax. I was so hooked that sometimes during lunch I would watch two episodes. It allowed me to escape the real world for a short while—and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. For those who enjoy relaxing and want to free their minds, anime is the perfect remedy. All it takes is a bit of research to find a genre or specific anime you’re interested in watching.
Anime Is Growing Every Day
Every day, the number of people watching anime rises. This is by far a good investment of your time. It’s easy to access—just a few clicks away on streaming sites like Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu. You can also find your nearest anime fan, who will definitely hook you up with their downloaded collection. The great thing about anime is that it’s a common topic of conversation among many people. Besides the entertainment, you also get to experience Japanese culture and find inspirational lessons in most storylines.
Where to Start: My Anime Recommendation
If you’re going to start your very first anime, I would suggest watching Death Note. It’s a short and powerful series that captures everything anime stands for—intelligent storytelling, suspense, and emotion. A kind alert though—you might become addicted to anime, but it’s okay. It’s all worth it!
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