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Over the past two decades, Japanese anime has found a popular home among American audiences, changing perceptions of the art in the process. Trustee Scholar Christopher Anderson ’08 (West Chester, Pa.) is examining the different types of anime available to Western audiences and how its popularity has exploded.
Anderson shared his findings at the 20th annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research April 6-8. He was among 40 Lafayette students whose research had been accepted for presentation there.
Originating in Japan, anime is a unique form of cartoon animation that is distinct and visually different from traditional animation. Much of the anime available in the United States is found on cartoon television networks and DVD.
“At the root of this [research] is the gradual change from the American view of anime as too ‘Japanese’ or too narrowly directed at children,” Anderson says. “Overall, I try to pinpoint a number of the causes of the increased interest in Japanese culture and animation in the U.S. and how these viewers can most readily determine what types of anime would please them.”
Anderson, who is an English major with a minor in Asian studies, is working under the guidance of Yoshihiko Ariizumi, assistant professor of foreign languages and literature, on the independent study project. Ariizumi approached Anderson as a candidate for independent study.
“I was thrilled, as I have wanted to do independent study since I came to Lafayette,” Anderson says. “Though this research directly relates to my major interests of study, it is far different from any I have done in the past, and this is a primary reason for my excitement. The development of the anime boom is volatile, changing drastically every year.”
Ariizumi says there is no clear explanation of why anime’s popularity has soared in the U.S.
“Many teenage girls have become attracted to the art from,” he says. “I think the most interesting portion of this research is attempting to find out what the appeal is for not only that section of the American public, but also how anime has become an increasingly larger part of American pop culture.”
He notes there has not been much research into the anime boom, and Anderson’s work could provide information that has not yet been explored in-depth.
“I think it’s not only important for those interested in anime, but also for those interested in pop culture in both Japan and America and how they have shared and taken from each other,” he says. “[Anderson’s] work ethic is phenomenal and whatever he chooses to delve into I’m confident he will be successful.”
Anderson believes Lafayette’s academic and writing environment has allowed him to tackle the independent study head on. He also credits Ariizumi for his guidance.
“Lafayette is great for English majors for a reason not many would expect: there aren’t too many of us here, or at least it seems,” he says. “Engineers and majors in other sciences seem to abound, but there is a strong English department staff that provides a wonderful level of personal attention.
“I could not be happier in working with him [Ariizumi]. He has provided me with a level of insight that has been invaluable to both my research and my development as a student and person. His background has also provided me with a viewpoint and set of ideas that is essential for me to consider for this study.”
Anderson hopes to continue his study of Japanese culture throughout his academic career and after graduation.
“Ultimately, I would like to work with screenwriting,” he says. “I may try to find a temporary job teaching in Japan and subsequently in the U.S., but we’ll have to see where that road takes me.”
Anderson is a member of Writing Organization Reaching Dynamic Students. He is a graduate of West Chester East High School.
Selected from among Lafayette’s top applicants, Trustee Scholars like Anderson have distinguished themselves through exceptional academic achievement in high school. Lafayette provides them with an annual minimum scholarship of $7,500 ($8,000 effective with the Class of 2009) or a grant in the full amount of their demonstrated need if the need is more than $7,500.
Independent studies are among several major programs that have made Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research.