Ernest Schaal wrote:

> in article 4214D322.DE6DF252@yahoo.co.jp, Eric Takabayashi at
> etakajp@yahoo.co.jp wrote on 2/18/05 2:23 AM:
>
> > Ernest Schaal wrote:
> >
> >> I admit that some anime is good, especially Hayao Miyazaki, but most of it
> >> is childish stuff that only an otaku or a Morning Musume fan could enjoy.
> >
> > Then it is you who underestimate the range or storytelling quality of anime,
> > and possibly manga, not appreciating both as valid alternatives to costly and
> > time consuming live action film here in Japan. And live action shows and film
> > in Japan are not much better on average.
>
> No, I just realize that I am not in one of the two target audiences for
> anime: the otaku (who tend to be losers with limited social skills) and the
> Morning Musume fan (who tend to be preadolescent girls).
>
> Some of it is amusing, but I wouldn't want a steady diet of it.

I wouldn't want a steady diet of any form of entertainment, including music or TV.

Then why don't you try to realize that the appeal of animation (or manga) in Japan
is not limited to those two groups, nor is the subject matter limited to the kind
of themes you object to? There used to be a period (I haven't checked the TV Guide
ratings list in years) that the long running weekly "Sazae-san" was THE top rated
show in Japan, with a viewership of just over 33%. Even the best of the trendy
dramas would be fortunate to have a viewership of over 20% or in the teens.
"Doraemon" is another modern classic which has been mentioned. Which of those two
groups do they appeal to?