The release of Pokémon Horizons: The Series has sparked the classic debate: is Pokémon an anime or not? Below, we weigh in on the long-standing discourse.
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Why Some Fans Don't Consider Pokémon an Anime
While Pokémon is a Japanese animated TV series, some anime fans question its status as an anime show.
This is largely due to its cartoony style that adult anime fans might find a bit childish or alienating compared to the more detailed art and plot of quintessential anime.
A cartoon is defined as "a sketch or drawing, usually humorous, as in a newspaper or periodical, symbolizing, satirizing, or caricaturing some action, subject, or person of popular interest."
In modern times, the definition has expanded to involve "a film in which all the characters and scenes are drawn rather than being real people or objects."
Taking this latter definition into account, Pokémon definitely qualifies as a cartoon.
Since it's an animated show that originated in Japan, it's surprising that Pokémon's anime status is debated.
However, some viewers don't feel that they can count it in their anime list because they watched it at too young an age before they consciously started consuming anime.
Moreover, Pokémon is considered a bit less refined than other anime shows in terms of its art style and structure.
While Pokémon is by no means the only episodic Japanese animated series, many viewers feel that its repetition of similar conflicts and situations is reminiscent of Western cartoons.
So, Is Pokémon an Anime? What Is Considered Anime?
Anime can be defined as a Japanese animated film or TV show aimed at children or adults. In this context, Pokémon definitely qualifies as an anime.
While every anime can theoretically be considered synonymous with cartoons, many anime fans prefer not to conflate the two as they associate cartoons with children and with Western conventions.
On the other hand, anime mostly describes shows that originate in Japan or at least shows that are heavily influenced by Japanese styles, such as Blue Eye Samurai.
Either way, Pokémon qualifies. While its style is quite simple and colorful to appeal to younger viewers, its anime roots are obvious.
What's more, Japanese viewers might be less particular about the topic than Western fans may think.
In Japan, the term "anime," which is short for "animation", might refer to any animated show regardless of its origin.
Western fans tend to only refer to Japanese works as anime, but even then, Pokémon, which is being made by Japanese animators, still counts.
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