i need two papers got same topic
Annotated Bibliography - Anime Fandom 1
Annotated Bibliography - Anime Fandom
Following the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines
Henry Or
Temple University
Annotated Bibliography - Anime Fandom 2
Juried Journal Articles (2)
*Eriko Yamato (2016) ‘Growing as a person’: experiences at anime, comics, and games fan
events in Malaysia, Journal of Youth Studies, 19:6, 743-759, DOI:
10.1080/13676261.2015.1098769
This article explores the relationship between participating in anime, comics, and games
(ACG) events (an important aspect of anime fandom) and personal growth of one’s identity. To
investigate the impact that anime culture may have on an individual’s development, the author
discusses three primary aspects of autonomy, relatedness, and competence, that participants may
experience at these events. Although there is no direct correlation that indicates a connection to
the motivation for life development, the data proposes that participants did in fact receive greater
opportunities to grow as a person. Based on answers from interviewees, those who attended
ACG events experienced boosts in confidence, found better careers, improved general
skills/knowledge, and even developed healthier lifestyles. While not specifically answering the
research question, this helped in creating the conclusion that ACG events can potentially provide
participants with additional opportunities for their development. The author proposes that the
three basic psychological needs suggested by the self-determination theory provide a logical
explanation for these findings. All three were found in each interview and observation of the
event. The author proposes the intervention that parents support and familiarize themselves with
their children’s interests. Yamato suggests that youth who have time and want to seek a place
where they are free and independent could take a look into the ACG industry, which could be
better than following a path that is guided by their parents. Following a path that one has chosen
for themselves would result in improved motivation for life development, rather than a path that
Annotated Bibliography - Anime Fandom 3
was chosen for them. The elements of SDT have been used in research with numerous topics,
such as education, work, healthcare, and even sports. Therefore, these three needs are not quite
distinct or unique to the field of fan culture. As a result, further research and examination of
ACG event activities in regards to careers and urban development is suggested to evaluate and
expand on the study. This information is critical in discovering a beneficial aspect that may result
from participating in anime fandom. With this knowledge, I can personally refer to the elements
of SDT as I watch the film, and see if I have the same experience as those from the study.
Chen, J. (2007). A Study of Fan Culture: Adolescent Experiences with Animé/manga Doujinshi
and Cosplay in Taiwan. Visual Arts Research, 33(1), 14-24. Retrieved from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/20715430
This article focuses on the experiences, opinions, and values of participants in the
production of anime/manga, and explores the point of view of youth who produce fan art, engage
in cosplay, and participate in anime fandom activities. It provides the opportunity for a
potentially better understanding of anime fans, and the anime fandom subculture as a whole.
Chen reviews the cultural events that occur during anime conventions in Taiwan, collecting
information on social interactions and conversing with interesting artists and cosplayers. By
analyzing data, the author develops categories, classifications, and themes of responses and data
gathered. Based on this data, the author determines the reasons for participating in anime
fandom, and what each individual learned from these activities. Along with the first article by
Yamato, this examination also seeks to explore the idea of sociocultural identities. However,
rather than using the three aspects of self-determination theory, Chen developed five distinct
Annotated Bibliography - Anime Fandom 4
characteristics related to the subcultural interaction and production of anime. First, anime
fandom is established through its circulation of images and signs, which are used to develop a
“broader and more diverse world,” as well as maintaining the popularity and existence of anime
fandom. The next finding is that the fan art aspect of anime fandom provides a psychologically
beneficial function for expressing desires, impulses, fantasies, and even a temporary escape from
problems and struggles in the real world. This allows for a “positive function for personal
adjustment” and allows fans to express ideas freely and without consequence. The third
characteristic states that anime fandom leads to the development of “a particular set of criteria,
values, and expressive practices.” This includes specific jargon related to anime, and preferring
comic books/animation. The process of becoming an anime fan includes learning cultures and
practices that can be found through participating in fan activities (such as watching anime, and
attending ACG events). The next finding explains that anime fandom allows for equal
communication and interaction, regardless of one’s social status in real life. Everyone is viewed
as someone with the potential to make great contributions and achievements to the anime
community. The last characteristic views anime fandom as an alternate community. Unlike the
previous characteristic that found an escape from real life, this finding presents an alternative
reality that allows for a more “humane and democratic society than the real world.” Fans often
develop connections with those they meet in the anime fandom, and often interact by sharing
interests, providing assistance/inspiration, and even providing more opportunities for
cooperation. In conclusion, it is determined that youth can develop a better sense of identity
through experiences with fan art, cosplay, and various anime fandom activities. This article
provides a better understanding of the ideas and materials that fans produce, the reasons that fans
participate in the culture, as well as how the culture impacts their growth and development. As I
Annotated Bibliography - Anime Fandom 5
watch the film, I can keep these in mind, and see if I also notice things like an escape from real
life, the expression of desires/fantasies, an alternate reality, an even anime jargon like senpai,
baka, kawaii, and sensei.
Secondary Sources (2)
White, L. T. (2018, April 6). Why Do Anime Characters Have Huge Eyes and Tiny Mouths?
Retrieved July 23, 2018, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/culture-
conscious/201804/why-do-anime-characters-have-huge-eyes-and-tiny-mouths
This article discusses the cultural differences in the interpretation of emotions through the
distinguished features of anime characters, as well as their significance/meaning. Numerous
anime characters are known for having exaggerated physical features, and the most iconic and
distinctive feature that separates anime from its western cartoon counterpart, is the strikingly
large eyes. Although many claim that this represents Japan’s desire to have large eyes, several
studies have supported the idea that large eyes are a method of adding emotion/feelings. Facial
expressions are interpreted differently in Japan than they are in other parts of the world. The eyes
are meant to reveal more about a person than the mouth. This is largely due to the fact that one
does not fully have control over their eyes, unlike how they do with their mouth. As a result, it is
much easier to conceal emotions with our mouths, but not quite as simply with our eyes. This
information is important in developing an understanding on what makes an anime, while also
giving the reader more knowledge on the basis behind anime production/design. The article
Annotated Bibliography - Anime Fandom 6
reflects on the unique characteristics of anime appearances/styles, and what could be
represented/interpreted through them. It gave a different approach to anime fandom that
branched away from the idea of identity development, and more into anime itself. Using this
knowledge with the film critique, I know to look out for and pay attention to what could
potentially be expressed from the characters’ appearances.
Solomon, C. (2006, July 09). The State of the Art of the Anime Dub. Retrieved July 23, 2018,
from https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/09/arts/television/09solo.html
This article investigates the international popularity of Japanese anime, as well as its
influence on western culture in America. To appeal to a greater variety of people, dubs are made
to provide anime with a soundtrack in a language other than Japanese. This allows for a
potentially deeper and more exciting experience, compared to simply reading captions/subtitles
on the screen. However, English dubs are not as simple a task as they may seem. For instance, a
literal translation can prove to be difficult to understand, especially with the differences in
speech and humor between the United States and Japan. On the other hand, however, if a dub
was to deviate too far from the original, it could cause controversy and backlash from anime fans
who may claim that the anime is not accurately portrayed in the way it was made to be. To add
on to the complications, English voice actors must also match the words with the character’s
mouth movements, which is difficult because the characters mouths and facial expressions are
made to match the Japanese dialogue. This makes it quite hard to produce the same emphasis on
certain parts, as well as the overall emotion. I found the article informative and consider referring
to it as I complete my film critique. Now that I have a better understanding of what goes into the
Annotated Bibliography - Anime Fandom 7
production of anime dubbing, I can watch my film in both the original Japanese audio and the
dubbed English audio. I can then pay attention to the differences between the two, as well as how
accurately the dubbed version compares to the original. After watching both versions, I can
possibly make a conclusion on which one produces a greater overall experience.
Web Source (1)
Lefler, R. (2017, September 17). How to Be an Otaku: Your Guide to the Anime Fandom
Subculture. Retrieved July 23, 2018, from https://reelrundown.com/animation/How-to-
Be-An-Otaku-Your-Guide-To-The-Anime-Fandom-Subculture
As my web source, I chose a blog that explored the aspects involved in becoming a
member of the anime fandom subculture, as well as tips for watching anime. Lefler has been an
anime blogger since 2010, and has a deep knowledge/understanding of anime, manga, and the
otaku culture. This articles provides a more thorough analysis on the influence that anime
fandom has internationally, and also provides details on how to watch anime series and movies
efficiently. This includes looking out for sounds and effects, specific names, and certain
expressions. For example, an intense noise, bright lights, and even a change in character
appearances are often associated with exciting events, flashbacks, or moments when characters
speak directly to viewers. In addition, Lefler also discusses the aspects of cosplay, short for
costume play, which represents a crucial aspect of anime fandom. The author goes into detail on
what these events are, how one can participate, as well as popular anime often depicted at these
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events. A popular anime series that is often subject to cosplay is the Naruto anime/manga series,
which is what I have chosen my film to be on. Lefler also advises that being familiar with the
Japanese language can allow one to determine a characters’ personality and role, and even
determine the characteristics of a specific setting in the anime. In addition, Lefler introduces
anime vocabulary that one should pay attention to when watching, especially when watching in
original Japanese audio. For instance, the use of honorifics is very common in Japanese anime,
and allows the viewer to understand who certain characters are. Lefler’s information gives me
advice and guidance in analyzing the film for our next assignment. Keeping this knowledge in
mind, I know which specific events to look out for, what words and expressions to listen for, and
also know to look for clues in the names of characters and locations.