Ever wonder why so many adults find those weird Japanese cartoons appealing? It’s not just you. “Normal” adults in Japan think it’s weird, too.
However, anime otaku (people who are totally obsessed with something – in this case – anime) tend to be highly satisfied in life, and I think it has a lot to do with these 10 reasons:
1. They’re immersed in vivid colors regularly
Many anime shows have distinctive art styles that incorporate colors in beautiful and vibrant ways. Being exposed to all of these colors regularly can positively impact your mood, or maybe even help you pay attention to the vibrant colors around you in your daily life.
True, not all anime have bright, vibrant colors. Some anime are meant to be dark and depressing. But regardless of what exactly the color scheme of a show is, you can count of the fact that it will suck you into whatever world of colors its artists chose to rely on.
2. They learn new things often
While there are Chinese and Korean anime-like shows, a typical anime is Japanese. Anime fans come from all corners of the globe, so for anyone not Japanese, anime can actually be rather educational.
You learn a little bit about Japanese culture regardless of what anime you are watching, and if you watch the subbed versions of anime (the version in Japanese with English subtitles), you can also learn phrases and single words in Japanese.
3. They exercise their imaginations
You kind of have to have an imagination to get into anime in the first place. Most shows feature really crazy concepts and alternate universes that you just can’t view realistically.
For example, some of the most popular anime right now includes Naruto Shippuden, which features a light-hearted ninja teen who uses the life energy from the giant fox demon living inside of him to become stronger. Another very popular show is Attack on Titan (or Shingeki no Kyojin), which features a group of people trying to survive the giant, naked cannibals that come into town and try to eat everyone. You know, stuff like that.
Anime nerds are used to jumping into highly fictionalized shows and use their imaginations much more regularly than your average person. As a result, they’re generally much more creative and open minded than others.
4. They explore meaningful concepts regularly
Despite the rather unrealistic nature of most anime, many shows teach viewers a lesson or explore at least one major thematic issue central to human existence. For example, Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood explores the themes of kinship, death and corruption. Sword Art Online explores how we construct our perceptions of reality and what makes one reality the true one.
5. They really value friendship
Of the core concepts discussed in anime, friendship is often one of them. Many shows place emphasis on how rare a truly good friend is, and this makes many anime nerds really appreciate the good friends they have.
6. They always have the perfect cure for a bad day
I think just about everyone has had a terrible day at some point. One of those days when you don’t feel like dealing with anyone or anything.
Anime is perfect for those kinds of days. Regardless of what you feel like watching, there’s bound to be an anime to fit the way you feel. Anime has many genres, some of which are more lighthearted, sci-fi, or serious than others. You can easily find something to inspire you with hope, or something to cater to your bad mood.
7. They know that nothing is impossible
One of the best parts about watching anime is how often a show can surprise you. Sometimes for the better; sometimes for worse. But if anime nerds know one thing, it’s that anything is possible.
8. They can easily make new friends
Not only is it pretty easy for anime nerds to be open to making new friends (see point #5), but the community of anime fanatics is actually quite large, even in the U.S. alone. This makes it really easy to find new people you have a lot in common with.
9. They’re comfortable with being “weird”
Unless you also watch anime, you probably think anime nerds are a little bit weird.
That’s okay, we kind of understand because very few of us were born watching anime. Most of us also thought it was weird at one point or another so, in a way, we can sympathize with you.
Anime nerds are used to being called weird and many of us are actually much more comfortable with ourselves because of it.
10. They get to cosplay
One final reason that anime nerds are highly satisfied in life is cosplay. Cosplaying is when you dress up like a character from an anime, comic book, movie or even a TV show. It’s kind of like dressing up for Halloween, except whenever you feel like it.
Cosplaying can lead to greater life satisfaction because it’s typically done with other, like-minded people at large conventions. Not only does this facilitate a sense of togetherness and community, but it’s also just a ton of fun.
Featured photo credit: Guilhem Vellut via flickr.com
