The debate surrounding the term “Anime” primarily refers to Japanese animated films, yet it also carries a broader significance that has been a topic of discussion within the Otaku community for quite some time. Recently, this debate has intensified, especially following a drama on Reddit that has led many to question whether a certain segment of Otaku culture has become overly protective of the term “Anime,” to the point of restricting its meaning excessively.
The controversy sparked when Porter Robinson, an American musician, posted a video of his animated music piece “Shelter” on /r/Anime, a subreddit dedicated to Anime enthusiasts. The music video was a collaboration with A-1 Pictures, a studio known for producing anime. The situation escalated when the moderators of the /r/Anime subreddit removed the post regarding “Shelter,” arguing that it did not qualify as… Anime.
This decision by the moderators has ignited a significant wave of debate on the platform. The community has divided into two factions: one side insists that for something to be considered Anime, it must be produced by Japanese individuals 100%, and that any involvement from non-Japanese individuals disqualifies the work from being categorized as Anime. The opposing side supports Robinson’s “Shelter,” arguing that the style and essence of the work align closely with the spirit of Anime, regardless of the nationality of the creators involved.
As the community continues to debate this issue, Robinson has expressed that “Shelter,” produced with the help of Yusuke Takeda—known for his work on “Berserk” and “Ghost in the Shell”—should be recognized as an artistic effort that embodies the qualities of Anime, regardless of its creators’ backgrounds.
Nonetheless, some Reddit members argue that the moderators’ actions reflect their own biases. According to these members, Anime should not merely denote the quality of animation but should also serve to differentiate Japanese animated films from others. Even if a work like “Shelter” is not labeled as Anime, it does not diminish its artistic value. The reasoning behind the moderators’ decision to remove it from the Anime subreddit stems from a belief that it does not fit neatly into their specific category.
In addition to these discussions, some community members have pointed out that the moderators’ decisions may also reflect their personal opinions. According to these members, Anime should not only refer to the quality of the animation but should also serve to distinguish Japanese animated films from others. Even if a work like “Shelter” is not classified as Anime, it does not mean it lacks merit. The moderators’ reasoning for excluding it from the Anime subreddit reflects a narrow interpretation of the term.
With the rationale provided by the moderators, Anime is defined as a specific style of Japanese animated films, and it should not be used as a measure of the quality of animation. Therefore, dismissing “Shelter” as Anime also does not imply any negative connotation or create a distinction that it lacks artistic value.
Thus, once again, the discourse surrounding the definition of Anime remains unresolved, with each individual holding their own interpretations. It seems that in the future, it will take a long time before we can reach a consensus on the definitive meaning of the term “Anime.”
