Western bodies in japanese anime

ichigoichie · (#1 (**permalink**))

Hi. I was wondering if non-Japanese anime viewers feel that most female characters (especially girls) are characterised to have 'western' bodies? I mean, to me as a native Japanese, Bishoujo (cute girls) in anime, rarely look like 'Japanese' (with big eyes, big boobs, long legs, long nose, colored hair). But they are still recognised as the Japanese since they speak japanese and have mostly japanese names. If you agree, how do you feel about Japanese-created western bodies in anime? I'm particular interested in female viewers' perspectives about female characters. But male viewers are also welcome. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu!

Sanchome · (#2 (**permalink**))

I can see what you are saying with some anime and manga and it's an interesting subject.

Do you know how far back the trend goes in Japanese anime and manga? I wonder if it's related to Hollywood (Los Angeles) having a big influence on the idea of the "ideal woman" worldwide. Is the "western body style" in manga only a post WWII phenomenon?

Suki · (#3 (**permalink**))

Well western bodies ain't like that, anime girl's are put to the extrem.
My perspectives... well I have nothing against it, boys also have looooong legs and it's not like every occidental men is that tall (they wish!) lol

tomte · (#4 (**permalink**))

Hmm, can't say that i have anything against cute girls with big boob, eyes and long legs.

But it is quite interesting and i would guess on the same thing as Sanchome.
But also all men is attracted to big boobs, thats just natural.

Suki · (#5 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomte

But also all men is attracted to big boobs, thats just natural.

It's not, you perver.

tomte · (#6 (**permalink**))

hehe...

I actually read a notice about it a couple of years ago.
It said that men believes that men think that women with big boobs will be better mothers.

I think it was quite interesting and i will try to find it

Hisuwashi · (#7 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suki

It's not, you perver.

I see you're not a feminist then? ^^

they're only drawings really, but yes I suppose they have more resemblance to westerners...

MMM · (#8 (**permalink**))

It all depends on the artist and the style of drawing he or she does. There are many Japanese characters with long legs and big breasts, as well. Often the body-type is a reflection of what kind of character she is. OUtgoing and adventurous tend to have more jiggly bodies, and the quiet and shy types might be more petite.

Suki · (#9 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by YaksokuDa

The only "western" thing about them is their hair colour.

And the eyes cause they're not oval and ain't set closer together.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hisuwashi

I see you're not a feminist then? ^^

I see you're being sarcastic. Well I just think that women are more than a pretty face and a big pair of boobs, but I can understand men being attracted to them the same us girls focus on your ass.

kireikoori · (#10 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by ichigoichie

'western' bodies?

pffffft. hahahahahahahahahahahaha

Anime characters don't have Western bodies.