Anime3000: The Future of Anime in America

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		What is Shonen? by Sean Russell (Naruto)
	Shonen means 'Boy' in Nihongo (Japanese). Shounen anime is geared specifically towards a male audience. There is a common misconception between Shounen and Shoujo. The vast majority of anime imported to the states fall under the Shounen banner. It's characterized by an individual or a group combating against an antagonistic force. This genre contains many sub divisions. These subdivisions include, Cyberpunk, Mecha, Big Robot, Martial Arts, Fantasy, Noir Thriller and gun fighting. It's easier to define what Shonen isn't; it isn't "Sailor Moon." The intergration of supporting female characters makes this form of Anime acceptable to different genders; more so than Shoujo. Traditionally, this kind of Anime solves conflicts through combat. However, there are Shonen series that use a different approach. Shows like "Tenchi Muyo!" and "Love Hina" are called "Harem" Anime. They center on a male character that's surrounded by a group of females. Other Harem series include, "Oh My Goddess! and "Dual." Oh My Goddess! When college student Keiichi Morisato dials the wrong number while ordering for some food at his dormitory, he accidentally gets connected to the Goddess Hotline and a beautiful goddess named Belldandy appears out of a mirror in front of him. After getting kicked out of the dorm, Keiichi and Belldandy move to an old shrine and soon afterwards, Belldandy's sisters Urd and Skuld move in. (thanks to Anime News Network) Love Hina Keitaro Urashima is determined to be accepted into Tokyo University, the hardest Japanese University of all to get into, because of a promise he made to a girl when he was young... a girl whose name he can't even remember. After failing to get into Tokyo U twice, he is kicked out by his parents and goes to live with his Grandmother at her hotel, but it seems it has been turned into an all girls boarding house. What's more, much to his surprise and to the tenants disgust, Keitaro is made manager of the boarding house. (thanks to Anime News Network)