The Demographics of Anime

Hello everyone. I'm back. Yes, me. How is it February already? This year is flying by, and it feels like I'm standing still. And I'm alive. So that's great. I think. Anyways, Im gonna be putting my otaku hat on a bit for this one, as I talk about some anime. Now, I'll be going through the most common/ major demographics in anime.

First, let's talk about my first love, Shounen.

The most popular demographic in the anime world. We all love ourselves a good shounen manga or anime. Shounen anime or manga is primarily directed at a young male audience. This demographic has proven over time to be the most commonly viewed anime all around. It's so popular, that many an Otaku can go their entire anime watching lives only ever watching Shounen. To say that this is a phenomenon would be an understatement. The amount of hype and pop culture references that come from Shounen manga or anime is so massive, it's almost rude. That being said, if you like action, loud and boisterous characters, along with some flashy and bright animation, and of course anime openings that are gonna make it into your music playlist, I'd say Shounen is for you. This is also a good demographic to choose from if you're just starting your anime/manga journey.

Here are some Shounen recommendations:

From First To Last: Attack on Titan, Naruto, Code Geass, Dragonball Z, One Piece, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Boku No Hero Academia

Next Up, is Shoujo.

Shoujo anime or manga is aimed primarily at a young female audience. It's right up there with Shounen as one of the most popular anime/manga demographics. It's reflective of all kinds of Shounen manga in terms of story and style but with a female-dominated character slate, and a female protagonist. This is a demographic that has produced some of the greatest protagonists in anime and manga that I can remember. Its stories appeal to a female audience on the surface but it has blossomed into the same type of hype and popularity that Shounen has. It too is a great place to start your anime/manga journey. Sailor Moon is a classic Shoujo anime that you should definitely check out.

Here are some Shoujo anime recommendations:

From First To Last: Fruits Basket, Yona of The Dawn, I Want To Let You Know That I Love You, Blue Spring Ride, Orange

Now onto the magic that is Seinen,

Seinen anime or manga are generally aimed at an older teen or young adult male audience. It contains more mature stories (not hentai, pervs) and more violence and gore. This is not always the case, however, with the line between Seinen and Shounen tending to blur every so often. A prime example would be Tokyo Ghoul, an anime that's often considered a Shounen due to its young male protagonist and characters that all represent the various Shounen character traits. That being said the violence and sometimes gory nature of the anime does also make it partially a Seinen. This demographic is at this point in my life, my favourite. I used to be a huge fan of Shounen anime and manga, but as the years go by my tastes for types of storytelling have indeed led me to the magical world of Seinen. I still love Shounen, but Seinen is where Im at right now.

Here are some Seinen recommendations:

From First To Last: Tokyo Ghoul, Sing "Yesterday" For Me, Inuyashiki: Last Hero, Parasyte, Monster

And lastly, of course, is Josei.

Josei, as you might expect is catered towards an older teen or young adult female audience. This demographic of anime is often overcrowded with slice of life animes and ends up being thought of as just that. But the truth is some of the best drama's both romantic and non-romantic as well as sports anime come from the Josei demographic. This is a demographic that I am in no way an expert on, but am now interested to delve into more and discovering some great new anime, never hurt.

Here are some Josei recommendations:

From First To Last: Chihayafuru, Nodame Cantabile, Love of Kill, Ristorante Paradiso, Polar Bear Cafe

These demographics are often confused with the Genre of anime/manga. But they shouldn't be. The genre of the anime and the demographic are two different things. I encourage anyone who hasn't seen anime or read manga, to give it a try. Yes, you have your interests outside of this beautifully animated world, but why not step out of your comfort zone now and then? New experiences are just a mouse click away. Take it from me. I wouldn't be the person I am today, whoever that is, without anime. Thank you for reading, and I'll see you in the next one.

Feel free to drop some thoughts about what you just read. Anything here that interests you in particular? Have you now realized what demographic you mainly watch from? Out of these 4 demographics which one catches your eye?