Why Watching Indian Cartoons Doesn’t Feel the Same as Japanese Cartoons

In today's globalized world, animation is a significant cultural battleground, with countries like India and Japan standing tall with their unique styles and themes. Despite some Indian cartoons displaying impressive graphics, there is often a sense that they don't quite match the depth and appeal of their Japanese counterparts, such as Doraemon and Shin-chan. This discrepancy can be attributed to differences in cultural mindset and production values.

Distinct Cultural Influences

Japanese Culture vs. Indian Culture: Japanese animation, often referred to as anime, has a distinct focus on creativity, exploration, and storytelling. This unique cultural emphasis is deeply ingrained in their society, promoting fields like manga writing, game development, and anime production. In contrast, India's mindset is more competitive and often narrowly focused on a few key industries, leaving less room for creativity and flexibility.

The Indian Animation Landscape

While many Indian cartoons, like Shiva Chota Bheem and The Legends of Hanuman, exist, they often don't receive the same attention as their Japanese counterparts. Outlets like Motu Patlu and Key Mon Ache are shining examples of unique, differentiating content from mainstream cartoons. However, the general public often overlooks these treasures, choosing instead to focus on lesser quality mainstream content.

Parental Barriers

The challenge of pursuing a career in animation in India is another stark contrast. Parents and society at large often laugh at the idea of becoming a cartoon artist, often viewing it as a frivolous job. This perpetuates a cycle where aspiring artists must find other career paths, mirroring the challenges faced by many in the industry.

Storyline and Character Development

A crucial aspect of Japanese animation is its sophisticated storytelling. Japanese animators often blend stories with current events and societal issues, making the content relatable and impactful. For example, Ramayan was adapted into a famous anime series long before India, showcasing the rich storytelling capabilities of Japanese animation. Conversely, Indian cartoons tend to focus on simplistic narratives, such as the removal of the villain to achieve victory, without much attention to character development or relatability.

Character Evolution and Depth

Another key difference lies in the character development process. Japanese cartoons, such as Ben 10 and Spider-Man, see characters evolving both mentally and physically, creating a deeper connection with the audience. This is often missing in many Indian cartoons, where characters rarely face relatable struggles and growth.

Cultural Impact and Demographics

Japan's love for anime is also evident in its demographics. Almost 40 percent of the Japanese population watches anime, reflecting the cultural significance of this form of media. In contrast, Indian cartoons often struggle to reach the same level of popularity and acceptance. This is partly due to Japan's emphasis on creativity and innovation, leading to higher production values and more engaging storytelling.

Conclusion

The differences between Indian and Japanese cartoons go beyond just visual aesthetics. They reflect the underlying cultural values and societal norms of their respective countries. While Indian cartoons have made significant strides, the gap in cultural mindset and production values means they often don't match the depth and appeal of their Japanese counterparts. As Indian animation continues to evolve, bridging this gap could help create cartoons that resonate more deeply with viewers.