I was always afraid to explore the world of anime in high school.
For a large portion of my childhood, my curiosity was easily subdued by the fear of being labeled as “cringe” or “weird,” a reputation anime had among my peers.
That all changed during the boredom of being locked down during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I randomly stumbled upon “Death Note”.
The show centers on a bright student who, after gaining the ability to kill, uses it to fulfill his perverted idea of justice. The show was a masterwork of narrative, combining intricate social, moral, and political topics into a highly engaging and thought-provoking plot.
That served as my entryway into the rich and varied world of manga and anime, which have subsequently developed into both a potent teaching resource and a source of entertainment.
My Anime Journey: Learning Through Entertainment
For a long time, I thought I wouldn’t like anime, but watching “Death Note” was like stepping into a new world.
Essentially, the show is about a brilliant high school student who stumbles upon a notebook with the ability to kill people. His initial goal was to create a perfect world by getting rid of violent criminals, but as he grapples with immense power and its ethical implications, the line between good and evil starts to blur.
I won’t spoil too much for people interested in watching (which I highly recommend), but it definitely sparked debates within myself and my friends about justice, morality, and human nature.
By the time I had finished, I knew I was hooked onto anime as a whole. The show was not just entertainment but a catalyst for critical thinking and deep discussions.
Soon after, I ventured into sports anime like “Haikyuu!!” and “Kuroko’s Basketball.” These shows were a different kind of fun as I had always loved playing sports, but somewhere along the way, I lost my passion for it. These shows didn’t just tell thrilling stories about volleyball and basketball—they reignited that spark and made me want to get off the couch and play again.
Inspired by the characters’ dedication and teamwork, I even joined local clubs and started learning sports I hadn’t tried before. From picking up new strategies to tackling the physical demands, anime made exercise fun and motivating in a way traditional sports broadcasts never did for me.
Then there were romance anime. Shows like “Your Lie in April” and “Toradora!” offered more than just heartwarming and heart-wrenching stories.
They delved into the intricacies of relationships, the pains of unspoken feelings, and the beauty of personal growth through connections with others. These narratives helped me understand and navigate my own relationships, teaching me about empathy, communication, and the nuances of human emotions.
For instance, after watching Clannad, I realized that maybe I wasn’t always the best at expressing my feelings. Inspired by the characters’ open-hearted confessions, I started doing little things like leaving her thoughtful notes or just being more vocal about my appreciation. The first time I casually said, “I’m really glad I met you,” she gave me this look like I’d just quoted some epic love scene—it was definitely one of those Clannad moments in real life!
Cultural Insights Through Anime and Manga
Anime and manga have a profound ability to provide cultural insights. Many series incorporate elements of Japanese culture, traditions, and daily life. This gives viewers a glimpse into a world that is often unfamiliar to those outside of Japan.
Sometimes, watching anime feels like being immersed in a culture lesson. Not only are you learning facts, but you are also experiencing the emotions and values behind those cultural practices.
For instance, watching “Spirited Away” by Studio Ghibli introduced me to Shinto beliefs and Japanese folklore.
Moreover, as a form of Japanese media, anime can touch on themes that resonate deeply with Asian audiences. Shows like “Naruto” and “One Piece” commonly emphasize the importance of perseverance, honor, and community. These are values that are central to many Asian cultures.
For example, one of the most famous characters in all of anime, Luffy in One Piece, embodies loyalty and the relentless pursuit of his dreams. While the objective of the story is for him to obtain the secret treasure, you quickly learn that his journey isn’t just about personal success. By lifting up his friends and staying true to his beliefs, he creates a sense of collective effort and honor that I’ve often seen emphasized in my own upbringing.
For Asian American viewers like me, these themes create a unique connection. Anime becomes more than just entertainment—it becomes a mirror reflecting the values we grew up with but don’t often see in Western media.
The Educational Power of Anime and Manga in Japan
In Japan, manga and anime have been used in education for decades. According to an article in The Nikkei Weekly, manga is more than just a pop culture phenomenon. It can also act as a practical tool used by educators.
Katsumi Yamaguchi, a manga instructor at the Koubun Gakuen Girls’ High School, emphasizes that his goal is not just for his students to become professional manga artists. He understands that creating and analyzing manga can also help them enhance their concentration and broaden their perspectives.
For instance, Japanese educators use manga to teach lessons about culture, traditions, and major historical events.
One example is the manga Hadashi no Gen, which provides a powerful, emotionally driven account of a young boy who survives the atomic bomb in Hiroshima during World War II.
Hadashi no Gen uses raw storytelling and vivid illustrations to tell a story about the war’s devastating consequences, bringing history to life in a way that textbooks alone cannot achieve.
Kurahashi Mizuho, a Japanese native, recalls how manga played a crucial role in her own understanding of World War II. Growing up, Hadashi no Gen was a required reading in school, which left a lasting impression on her.
She reflects that the visual storytelling allowed her to connect with the emotional weight of the bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in a more profound way than a traditional lecture ever could. Manga made history personal and real, enabling students to engage with the past on a deeper emotional level.
This approach, where anime and manga are integrated into education, shows how versatile these mediums can be. They not only spark students’ interest but also teach complex, challenging subjects with nuance and emotional depth.
By integrating manga into education, Japanese schools create an engaging environment for exploring cultural and historical lessons. These lessons resonate deeply with students, allowing the impact to stay with them long after the classroom experience ends.
The Growing Influence of Manga and Graphic Novels in Western Education
Interestingly, the educational value of manga and graphic novels is being recognized beyond Japan. In the United States, teachers are increasingly using graphic novels and comics in the classroom.
As reported by Matthew Swift in ASCD’s publication, these media are utilized to engage students and teach complex subject matter in an accessible way.
This approach mirrors manga’s success in Japan, highlighting the universal appeal and effectiveness of visual storytelling in education.
Examples of Educational Anime
Anime and manga are not just culturally enriching; they can also be directly educational. Here are a few examples:
- “Cells at Work!“: This series personifies the cells in the human body, teaching viewers about biology in an entertaining and accessible way.
- “Assassination Classroom“: While primarily a comedy and action series, it incorporates a love for learning into the storyline.
- “Thermae Romae“: This historical anime explores ancient Roman bathhouses, providing insights into Roman architecture, engineering, and culture.
Why You Should Give It A Shot Today
My journey with anime and manga has been transformative. What started as a hesitant exploration turned into a deep appreciation for the medium’s ability to educate, inspire, and connect.
Anime and manga offer unique educational opportunities that extend far beyond traditional learning methods.
For Asian American viewers like myself, these media forms also provide a valuable connection to cultural heritage and identity. This makes the learning experience all the more personal and impactful.
