When we as Japanese people hear the term, Japanese anime cartoons, we get this funny feeling. Perhaps, it is the cartoon part that is not wrapping the anime part in the right way. Since we only use terms like Manga and Anime, perhaps the new term, Cartoon, is not something we are used to. However, there are many factors why this term gives us these special feelings.

I know this is just an expression that is different, not the subject itself, but when you say Japanese cartoons, it sounds less animated in the sense, so I have to apologize if that offends anyone. On the contrary, if you say Japanese animation, that could mean that it is created in a rich art form. It’s probably not an impression that more Americans or Europeans are turning to Japanese animation cartoons.

By definitions, the difference between Anime and Cartoon is as follows. Anime, which comes from animation, points to all Japanese animations rather than cartoons being the current satire comics.

So there are still cartoons that are also Japanese anime, and I guess we call them Japanese anime cartoons. So it shouldn’t even make any difference in that matter, but that’s just a definition. The actual feeling towards those words in the terminology is somewhat different from the Japanese perspective.

Anime and cartoons are two separate things. I know this sounds a bit strange to some people who are not used to cultural differences. But, a small difference like this could make a big difference in the big picture.

I’m sure there are terms in English that are very similar but have slightly different meanings. So, for example, if Dragon Ball plays on Cartoon Network, it looks and sounds kind of funny. However, something like PowerPuffGirls being Cartoon is more suitable from our perspective.

Japanese animes like Inuyasha or Bleach are the great animation cartoons unleashed. This is due to the fact that they are not only good and fun comics to read, but sometimes they can represent our Japanese culture to a greater degree, and they can be an animation after all.

I know that some people in the United States don’t understand what I’m talking about, but those of you who do understand what I mean, keep in mind that the next time you get photos, images or wallpapers of characters from the galleries, the Japanese rarely refer to them as Japanese anime cartoons. We prefer to use the term Japanese Anime, Manga, or Animations. Think of the term Cartoon only applies to animation made by non-Japanese creators. Well, in the end, what we call them doesn’t really matter, but the quality of the Anime or Cartoon is what counts.