Exploring My First Anime: A Journey Through Time and Culture

As a child, anime was not a part of the usual repertoire of cartoons. My introduction to this unique and engaging genre came through a combination of coincidental TV schedules and my babysitter's cable access. In my early years, TV shows like Sailor Moon aired during my morning TV breaks, and I had no idea it was Japanese or that the characters had European names due to heavy editing. However, my first real immersion into the world of anime came much later.

My First Anime Experience

Back in 2015-16, a channel called Animax, which aired exclusively anime, found its way into my life. One particularly boring day, I was aimlessly flipping through the TV channels, and Animax was playing a show that caught my attention immediately. I was intrigued by the new language, which I later learned was Japanese, and the English subtitles that flew past at a dizzying speed. The show that started this journey was none other than Death Note.

Death Note is a highly recommended anime for thriller enthusiasts. It is a short series, consisting of only 37 episodes, making it a perfect entry point for beginners. The show's captivating storyline, combined with its unique blend of mystery and supernatural elements, left an indelible mark on me. Even today, I find it a thrilling watch, and I occasionally re-watch it just to relive those exciting moments.

My fascination didn't end there. As I continued to explore more anime on Animax, I often found myself creating humorous backstories for other shows I was watching. The storylines were complex, and sometimes, I had to imagine a very different narrative altogether, simply to keep up. It was a thrilling ride for my imagination and one that opened the door to a whole new world of storytelling.

Language and Culture in Anime

One of the most fascinating aspects of anime for me was the language. Hearing Japanese for the first time was quite an intriguing experience. The characters spoke a language that seemed to have its own unique rhythm and charm, and the way they interacted with each other was filled with nuances that were both intriguing and challenging. This experience made me realize how different languages can shape a person's perspective and understanding of the world.

Additionally, the cultural elements in anime provided me with a window into a different way of living. For instance, in shows like Tenchi Universe and Dragon Ball Z, the characters retained their Japanese names and cultural references, which gave me a taste of Japanese culture. It was fascinating to see how prevalent Japanese culture and language became in my favorite shows.

Conclusion

My first anime, Death Note, was the beginning of a journey that has continued to surprise and challenge me. It is more than just a cartoon; it is a testament to the power of storytelling and the unique cultural insights it can offer. If you are a beginner looking for a thrilling anime to watch, I highly recommend Death Note. It will not only captivate you but also ignite your interest in the broader world of anime.