Anime refers to a style of animation that originated in Japan and has become popular worldwide.
The term anime is derived from the English word animation, but it is used specifically to refer to animated works produced in Japan.
Anime encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, including action, adventure, romance, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more.
It often features colourful artwork, vibrant characters, and fantastical themes. Anime can be produced in various formats, including television series, films, OVAs (original video animations), and web series.
It has a diverse fan-base and has had a significant influence on global popular culture.
Anime is nothing new. The first anime was made in the year 1917 but it recently gained popularity in 2020 during the Covid-19 period.
The numbers of Kenyans watching anime has greatly increased as anime events are usually held every year and the turn is usually big.
But why has anime gained a huge following over the past three years?
The Star was able to interview three Kenyans to get some insights as to why they continue to watch Japanese anime.
Wayne Mutai said that there are so many aspects of the Japanese animation that he loves.
"I have always loved animation in general," Mutai said.
He added that the anime not only have good opening and ending songs but also tackle mature topics far much better.
"Lastly Japanese anime has good story telling and they do it in in-depth," Mutai said.
"I enjoy the fan service," Juliet Mberia said
She said the that you cannot watch something if you do not like how it looks and the Japanese animators are doing a good job at drawing the characters well .
"It's entertaining especially the fighting scenes and everything in general you can tell the story writers did not rush the story ," Mberia said.
She also added that the loves the way anime exaggerates things and is out of the norm.
"I love how emotions are brought out in anime," Rebecca Kiarie said.
"The way the animators bring out the emotions is so cool and how at times you can relate with them is amazing, the art-style is also very beautiful especially the slice of life anime (a genre that focuses on portraying everyday life experiences, often in a realistic or semi-realistic setting."
These anime typically lack a central plot and instead revolve around the daily routines, interactions, and relationships of characters.
Slice of life anime often explores themes such as friendship, school life, family dynamics, and personal growth.
The pacing tends to be slow-paced and relaxed, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the ordinary moments and subtle nuances of the characters' lives.)
This is simply but a glimpse of why other people watch anime for a better experience watch it yourself.
