If you ask several anime fans the question mentioned in the title, you would probably get several different answers. With so much diversity in regards to responses, you might think that this particular query is meaningless. Why even ask in the first place, right?
Well, no, I believe that’s not the correct conclusion. It does prove something.
Although the answers may differ, all the answers you’re bound to receive from your very unofficial survey can essentially be interpreted to mean the same thing: “I watch anime so I can be entertained.” That’s really what we all want as members of the anime community. The only thing is our individual definitions in regards to what constitutes as entertainment varies greatly.
Some people may find an anime series to be more enjoyable if they can really resonate with a particular character due to sharing likeness in personality or facing similar situations.
Other people may enjoy a series because it explores themes or situations they do not get to experience in real life. Others may just like watching easygoing titles so they can unwind without being required to think too hard.
All of this, like many things, are subjective. Maybe a series is great for you due to the humor and the gags, but the antics may cause someone else to turn away from said show. Perhaps you just prefer to watch certain genres.
Be that as it may, there’s no wrong answer here. People like what they like. Just keep that in mind before you insult someone for liking a particular show and before you read a blogger’s take on a series or genre. It’s for the better that we all have different opinions! That’s why we get to have discussions and debates.
And in the end, we all just want to be entertained when we watch anime. So don’t let others’ opinions impact your own enjoyment and just watch what you like!
The Lily Garden 
“Be that as it may, there’s no wrong answer here. People like what they like.”
I’m sorry, but this is too normal to say. There’s no way that can be true!!! 🙂
But yeah, I’m of the mind that there’s so much anime out there, you’ll eventually find what you like and what you don’t. You’ll make the most of your time by spending it with something you like honestly.
I still just want a good, entertaining show from an anime though. And a hockey anime at some point!
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A hockey anime would be great.
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Very true. I do want to be entertained which is a simplified answer. There are other things I could enjoy like relatable characters, artistic merit, compelling storylines, and maybe finding something I’m not going to see in American mainstream media. Even then, those would be fragments of my anime enjoyment experience at large.
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While I enjoy having my mind tickled by thought-provoking sci-fi series, I also relish in the simple visual pleasures of mindless action or stupid comedy. I like my anime dark and twisted just so I can explore the themes present in such a world, but I also LIVE for slice of life sports shows. Honestly, I’m pretty easy to please, and so long as a show is entertaining—by whatever means or direction it takes—I’ll still have fun. Such a good discussion question, as I feel like I could go on forever just rambling about this!!
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You sure like a variety of different genres and I’m very happy to see that you’re so open-minded! Having fun really is the most important part. I’m also glad you have so much to say!
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This is so true and something I often forget. “Oh but everyone is loving this show, why aren’t I?” or “Why is no one talking about this show I adore?”
If anything that should inspire me to write about my differing opinion but more often than not I just avoid talking about it. A new year resolution maybe…
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Mmm it’s sometimes hard to remember.
I think that would be a lovely new year resolution, Andrealina!
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Agreed!
It’s a practically impossible question to answer for me as well. As Rai-san put it, I too have a wide taste in anime.
While I tend to enjoy almost every story, I guess it’s sort of like food in that context.
You can like both desserts as well as spicy food, and there are others who just like the feel of chewing in general!
If you compare that to reading manga/ watching anime, I’m the sort who just enjoys chewing (though that is DEFINITELY NOT the case with food).
In the end, whether or not someone else tells me to read, I’m going to. Because it became a thing I both need and want to do.
How do you always manage to pick such interesting topics, nii-san?! I’m a bit suspicious now….
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Haha that’s a good metaphor (but I’m glad you don’t just chew your food IRL). I like your mindset!
You got me. I signed a contract with Faust.
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You know: there really is no easy answer to that question. There is only one genre that I don’t really like and that’s full out comedy. But besides that, I really am open for anything. A good example of this is Yuri on Ice. Even though it got so many positive review, I had never really expected to like it myself. And bit was I wrong as I absolutely loved it. I deal with anime in pretty much the same way I deal with movies: I just have a very wide taste. Sure I do love science fiction and Mecha anime a lot, there is no denying that fact, but that doesn’t mean that I am not willing to try things out. I really have grown very fond of the slice of life genre this year for instance 😊 So…as I said no really easy answer. At least for me there isn’t 😂 Great post Remy!😀
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Mmm it’s great that you’re so willing to give different genres a shot. Being open-minded is wonderful!
And thanks!
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