In this modern age, we’re privileged to be able to experience art from other cultures at the press of a button. A popular example of this is the Japanese animation style known as anime – a creative, unique style that you might recognise from classic 90s animations such as Ghost in the Shell. With recent releases like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners dominating online discussion for months, anime is bigger now than ever.
Although anime appeals to all generations in the West, its largest demographic by far is that of children and young people. However, as our #WakeUpWednesday guide explores, this doesn’t mean that all anime is age-appropriate, and parents and carers are heartily encouraged to make themselves aware of the kind of content their children could be exposed to.
As of 2023, anime is a truly colossal market, estimated to be worth a total of $28.61 billion in its entirety, with somewhere around 300 separate shows and films being created in the last year alone. Many have applauded anime as an industry for its willingness to take risks in its storytelling, with the best examples of the genre creating something truly unique and beautiful, with genuine artistic value.
However, anime is known to span all age ratings and many types of content – from innocuous, child-friendly material, all the way to highly-adult themes, and in some cases, branching into pornography. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide explores the risks of anime, detailing what can be done to keep children safe while they enjoy it.
