Japanese Animation: Its Effect on Malaysian Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Japanese animation or anime is one of the most popular and well-received types of Japanese popular cultures, translated into various languages, rendering these globally renowned. A plethora of studies has shown that interest in anime has led students to start learning the Japanese language. However, to date, studies examining the influence of anime consumption on Japanese language students, particularly in Malaysian contexts, are scarce. The present study aims to identify the effect of anime consumption on Malaysian undergraduates who enrolled in beginner Japanese language courses at three public universities in Malaysia. A total of 150 undergraduate students who are interested in anime participated in this study. The data was collected using an online survey and was coded and categorized by themes. The data revealed that most students are influenced by the characters, settings, and storylines of anime. The main positive effects are; broadening their knowledge on Japan and its culture, deepening their interest on Japanese language, strengthening relationships with family members and friends, releasing stress, instilling positive moral values and enhancing imagination and creativity. However, poor time management, negative moral values, negative emotion, antisocial behavior, escapism and buying characters’ goods are mentioned as the main adverse effects. The results of this study gave insightful perspectives to those working in Japanese language and cultural pedagogies.