Growing up doesn’t mean outgrowing your favorite things.
There comes a time in the lives of many adult anime fans when they ask themselves: Am I too old for this? Indeed, anime is one of those hobbies and interests considered “childish,” along with video games, superhero comic books, and YA novels. So, why is there an age limit on popular media in the public consciousness?
It comes with the changing circumstances of the adult life. The more time you spend working, doing chores, and caring for your kids, the less time you have for life’s simple joys. Some lose interest in the hobbies they’d used to enjoy, and that’s when they start scoffing at same-age friends who continue to pursue the same interests they’ve always had with the same enthusiasm.
Among the general public, anime in particular seems to be practically synonymous with shonen, a.k.a shows for teenage boys. Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, and Death Note are some of the best known series that made their way into mainstream pop culture. But you don’t even have to be a dedicated anime fan to know that shonen doesn’t even scratch the surface: there’s a lot of diversity within the medium.
From complex romance stories to psychological thrillers to epic space operas, anime has a lot to offer based on your mood, preferences, and how much time you have. Immersing yourself in fictional worlds to escape reality for a time being has always been a popular form of entertainment. The only difference between now and then is that we live longer and have more flexibility in terms of our lifestyles.
The truth is, you don’t turn 20, or 30, or 40, and suddenly develop a passion for gardening and doing taxes. There’s no right age to start or stop enjoying your favorite shows or manga.
If media aimed at children and teenagers is the only type of content you consume in your spare time, you may want to rethink your life choices. As for the rest of us, there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in things that make you happy. The weight of adult responsibilities can be crushing sometimes, so denying yourself an escape from the worries and the monotony of daily life seems cruel and unnecessary.
Growing up doesn’t mean outgrowing your favorite things.
There comes a time in the lives of many adult anime fans when they ask themselves: Am I too old for this? Indeed, anime is one of those hobbies and interests considered “childish,” along with video games, superhero comic books, and YA novels. So, why is there an age limit on popular media in the public consciousness?
It comes with the changing circumstances of the adult life. The more time you spend working, doing chores, and caring for your kids, the less time you have for life’s simple joys. Some lose interest in the hobbies they’d used to enjoy, and that’s when they start scoffing at same-age friends who continue to pursue the same interests they’ve always had with the same enthusiasm.
Among the general public, anime in particular seems to be practically synonymous with shonen, a.k.a shows for teenage boys. Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, and Death Note are some of the best known series that made their way into mainstream pop culture. But you don’t even have to be a dedicated anime fan to know that shonen doesn’t even scratch the surface: there’s a lot of diversity within the medium.
From complex romance stories to psychological thrillers to epic space operas, anime has a lot to offer based on your mood, preferences, and how much time you have. Immersing yourself in fictional worlds to escape reality for a time being has always been a popular form of entertainment. The only difference between now and then is that we live longer and have more flexibility in terms of our lifestyles.
The truth is, you don’t turn 20, or 30, or 40, and suddenly develop a passion for gardening and doing taxes. There’s no right age to start or stop enjoying your favorite shows or manga.
If media aimed at children and teenagers is the only type of content you consume in your spare time, you may want to rethink your life choices. As for the rest of us, there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in things that make you happy. The weight of adult responsibilities can be crushing sometimes, so denying yourself an escape from the worries and the monotony of daily life seems cruel and unnecessary.
