I was playing a game of Scrabble with my teenage son when he played the word ANIME and proudly announced his score. Is that even a word, shouldn’t it be capitalised, I thought, but sure enough it was in the dictionary. 

Of course, I’d heard of anime because of the Japanese fascination with anime cartoons, cosplay, Godzilla and the like but I thought I’d research the issue further. I was to discover a whole subculture in Australia connected to the obsession with everything anime.

The fascination with anime in Australia, including the decoration of cars with anime products and anime clothes (how about anime jumpers), stems from several key factors:

  1. Global Popularity of Anime: Anime has become a global phenomenon, including in Australia, due to its unique art style, diverse genres, and compelling storytelling. Popular anime series such as Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Attack on Titan have garnered massive followings worldwide, including Down Under.
  2. Cultural Diversity and Acceptance: Australia is known for its multiculturalism and openness to different cultures and subcultures. Anime has found a niche among Australians who appreciate its distinct cultural elements, storytelling and character development.
  3. Community and Events: Anime conventions, such as Supanova and Madman Anime Festival, attract thousands of attendees across Australia. These events provide platforms for fans to showcase their passion for anime, including through cosplay and themed merchandise.
  4. Personal Expression: Decorating cars with anime-themed products allows fans to express their love for specific characters or series in a visible and creative way. This can range from subtle decals to elaborate paint jobs that reflect the owner’s favourite anime aesthetics. The link above showcases dozens of products from seat belt cushions to floor mats – all anime.
  5. Online Communities and Influence: Social media and online forums play a significant role in connecting anime enthusiasts in Australia and globally. These platforms enable fans to share their collections, customizations, and experiences, fostering a sense of community and creativity.
  6. Merchandise Availability: The availability of licensed anime merchandise in Australia has contributed to the growing interest in anime-themed decorations. Fans can easily access a wide range of products, from figurines and posters to clothing and accessories, to personalise their belongings.
  7. Youth and Pop Culture: Anime’s appeal spans across different age groups, but it particularly resonates with younger audiences who are drawn to its vibrant visuals. As a result, anime-themed decorations on cars and other personal items are often seen as trendy and reflective of current pop culture trends.

My newfound appreciation of anime after that innocent game of Scrabble has led me to book a walking tour in Japan (yes I’m a great hiker) with my son next Japanese spring. 

I’m sure that more investigation into the fascinating world of anime will take place for us there (it’s our first trip) as we broaden our horizons into one of the world’s great cultures. Meanwhile, to get in the mood we’re off to see an anime feature, Aussie Government classified of course!

Some cultural aspects never change!