The Impact of Anime on Life: A Personal Reflection

Thea
5 min readMay 20, 2024

(My Husband’s POV)

Photo by Vista Wei on Unsplash

Anime, a vibrant and diverse form of entertainment originating from Japan, has taken the world by storm. Its unique storytelling, rich characters, and captivating art styles have garnered a massive global following. As an avid fan, I find myself drawn to the intricate worlds of Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Hunter x Hunter, Full metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and Attack on Titan. These series have not only provided entertainment but have also imparted valuable life lessons and significantly impacted my personal growth and outlook on life. This list maybe just a few of the shows that have touched my heart. I am pretty sure there are thousands of various other shows out there, that have played a big role in people’s life.

Building Resilience and Determination: Lessons from Dragon Ball Z

“Dragon Ball Z” is a saga of continuous growth, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of strength. Goku’s journey from a naïve, strong boy to the most powerful warrior in the universe epitomizes the essence of never giving up, regardless of the odds. The numerous battles and transformations highlight the importance of perseverance, hard work, and self-improvement. Goku’s attitude toward challenges has taught me to face obstacles head-on and strive for excellence in all areas of life. Also, I used to shout like an idiot when I was a kid, hoping that I would turn into a super Saiyan too!

Embracing Our Inner Strength: Naruto’s Teachings

“Naruto” is a story about overcoming prejudice and personal limitations. Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist, starts as an ostracized and underestimated boy but grows into a respected leader and powerful ninja. The series emphasizes themes like self-belief, the importance of friendship, and the power of determination. Naruto’s unwavering spirit in the face of adversity has been a powerful reminder that our past does not define us, and with persistence, we can overcome any hurdles and achieve our dreams. Naruto even grows up to become a father later and achieves his dreams, and that just shows us that everything is possible as long as you continue fighting for it.

The Power of Dreams and Friendship: One Piece

In “One Piece,” Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew sail the vast seas in pursuit of their dreams. This anime is a treasure trove of life lessons, especially about the importance of dreams, loyalty, and friendship. Each character’s unique backstory and ambitions highlight that everyone has their own path and struggles. Luffy’s boundless optimism and the unwavering support among his crew members have taught me the significance of having a strong support system and the courage to chase one’s dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. For me my crew is my wife and my dog, both give me immense support everyday 😊

The Beauty of Sacrifice and Determination: Demon Slayer

“Demon Slayer” follows the journey of Tanjiro Kamado, who fights to avenge his family and save his demon-turned sister, Nezuko. The anime is a profound exploration of themes like sacrifice, determination, and the bond of family. Tanjiro’s compassion and resolve, even in the face of overwhelming darkness, have shown me the importance of empathy and the strength to keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances. The series is a poignant reminder of the beauty of sacrifice and the enduring power of love.

The Importance of Self-Discovery and Heroism: My Hero Academia

“My Hero Academia” revolves around a world where almost everyone has superpowers, or “quirks,” and follows Izuku Midoriya’s journey to becoming the greatest hero. This anime is a powerful narrative about self-discovery, courage, and the essence of true heroism. Midoriya’s journey from a quirkless boy to a symbol of hope and strength teaches us that heroism is not about having power but about how we use whatever abilities we possess to help others and make the world a better place. His story has inspired me to embrace my unique strengths and strive to be a positive force in the lives of those around me.

Exploring the Complexity of Humanity: Hunter x Hunter

“Hunter x Hunter” delves into the adventures of Gon Freecss, a young boy on a quest to find his father and become a Hunter. This anime stands out for its intricate plot, moral ambiguity, and complex characters. The journey of Gon and his friends highlights themes of perseverance, the quest for self-discovery, and the importance of making ethical choices. The series teaches that life is full of gray areas and that understanding and compassion are crucial in navigating complex human emotions and relationships.

The Value of Brotherhood and Sacrifice: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, as they seek the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. The series is rich in themes of sacrifice, the consequences of one’s actions, and the unbreakable bond of family. The Elric brothers’ unwavering determination and their journey to atone for their mistakes have taught me the importance of taking responsibility for my actions and the value of familial bonds and sacrifices made out of love.

Confronting the Harsh Realities of Life: Attack on Titan

“Attack on Titan” is a gripping narrative set in a world where humanity faces extinction at the hands of giant humanoid Titans. The series explores themes of survival, freedom, and the moral complexities of war. Eren Yeager’s relentless pursuit of freedom and the brutal reality faced by the characters emphasize the harsh truths of life and the difficult choices that come with it. This anime has imparted lessons on the importance of fighting for one’s beliefs, the cost of freedom, and the strength to confront and overcome immense challenges.

Anime is much more than a form of entertainment; it’s a medium that can profoundly impact our lives and perspectives. From the relentless perseverance of Goku in “Dragon Ball Z” to the boundless dreams of Luffy in “One Piece,” these stories have imparted invaluable lessons on resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. As I continue to watch and rewatch these series, I am reminded of the strength and inspiration they provide, guiding me through life’s challenges and helping me grow into a better person.

Anime has the power to inspire, teach, and transform, making it an essential part of my life and a source of continuous motivation.

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Thea
Thea

Written by Thea

Dream with me, pick a story, deep dive into it and let me know how far you travel. Join me on this path where we grow sagacious together.

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