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Anime, a diverse and dynamic form of entertainment, encompasses a wide array of genres and subgenres tailored to various audiences. Understanding these categories enhances appreciation and guides viewers to content that resonates with their preferences.
Here, we will delve into the main genres, divided into different demographics and age groups as they were originally intended in Japan. We will also briefly cover some popular sub-genres, at least the ones that aren’t as self-explanatory as things like fantasy or noir, so you are better equipped to choose your next favourite show.
Kodomomuke
Kodomomuke anime iscreated for younger children, typicallyunder ten years old. These shows are designed to be accessible, entertaining,and often educational, with colorful visuals, simple language, and recurring messages aboutfriendship, honesty, and perseverance.
Characters tend to be cheerful and optimistic, withplots that resolve neatlyand never stray too far into complex or emotional territory. Because of this, kodomomuke anime often serves asa gateway into the mediumfor future fans.
Notable examples include:
Shonen
Shonen (meaning “boy”) anime is aimed atyoung male audiences, typically aged 12 to 18. These shows are known forfast-paced action, adventure, and themes of determination, rivalry, and self-improvement.
The protagonists are usuallyunderdogs who must work hardto grow stronger and overcome increasingly difficult challenges.Fights are often central to the plot, with battle arcs and tournaments serving as major story milestones. Beyond the action, shonen anime also tends to emphasizefriendship and moral values.
Shojo
Shojo (meaning “girl”) anime istargeted toward girlsbetween the ages of 12 and 18. These storiesoften center on romance,emotional development, and interpersonal relationships. The main characters are typicallyyoung women navigating school, friendships, and love—often with a touch of fantasy or magical realism.
Compared to Shonen,the action is softer, and the drama is more character-driven. However, Shojo isjust as diverse and capable of complex themesbeneath its often delicate esthetics, with narratives that can includeelements of fantasy and drama intertwined.
Seinen
Seinen anime is created foradult male viewers, generally aged 18 and older. These series tend to featuremore complex plots, realistic settings, and mature themes such as politics, mental health, existentialism, or crime.
Compared to Shonen, Seinen anime is oftenslower-paced, with a focus on mood, character development, and moral ambiguity. Violence or sexuality may also bedepicted more explicitly, but not always for shock value—these elements often serve to deepen the story’s realism or tension.
Josei
Josei (meaning “woman”) anime targetsadult female viewers, typically aged 18 and older. These series focus on mature storytellinggrounded in real-life situations. Romance is a frequent theme, but unlike Shojo, Josei anime tends to portray relationships with greater nuance, showing the messiness of adult life, careers, heartbreak, and personal growth.
Emotional realism is key, and while magical elements can appear, they’re usually used as metaphors rather than central plot devices. Just like all genres, Josei can be enjoyed regardless of what the main target audience is, as long as the viewer has a mature mindset.
Sub-Genres
Beyond the primary categories, anime encompassesnumerous sub-genresthat blend elements from various genres to create unique storytelling experiences, like fantasy or sci-fi settings. We’ve gathered just a few of these sub-genres, particularly due totheir naming conventionsnot portraying their themes to non-Japanese speakers.
Mahou Shojo
Mahou Shojo, or ‘Magical Girl,’ featuresyoung female protagonistswho acquiremagical abilitiesto combat evil forces. These series often combine elements of fantasy, adventure, and personal growth, with an emphasis on themes like friendship and courage.
Examples:
Slice Of Life
Slice of Life anime portrayseveryday experiences and mundane activities, focusing on character interactions and personal development. These series often highlightthe beauty in ordinary moments, providing a relaxing and introspective viewing experience.
Isekai
Isekai,meaning ‘another world,’involves characters who are transported from their familiar environment toa parallel universeor fantasy realm. These series explore themes of adventure, self-discovery, and adaptation, often featuring protagonists who mustnavigate and survive in unfamiliar settings.
