As a casual anime fan, I’ve often felt out of place in the anime community. When asked about my interest in anime, my reply is often, “Oh no, I’m not an otaku. I just love the few shows I’ve seen.”
Growing up my brother was a die-hard anime fan. He would try to rope me into watching episodes of Bleach or Fairytail, but I preferred to read.
Years later, I started watching Demon Slayer at his request. The anime lover in me has been dancing in the light ever since.
Even though my friends think I’m a diehard anime fan, I know I’m not. Most shows I watch are the ones I enjoy. In fact, I’m yet to complete any of the Big Three.
Today, I’d be sharing honest confessions as a casual anime fan who loves anime. I might not binge-watch shows or attend conventions, but that doesn’t make my passion any less.
Confession #1: I Don’t Watch That Much Anime
In a year, my average watch rate might be five shows or less. There are lots of series released yearly, so trying to keep up seems pointless to me. Most trending shows never make it to my pending list.
For the longest time, this made me feel like a fraud. How can I claim to love anime if I’m not constantly watching it?
These days, I’m learning that you can love things without experiencing every part of them. Choose what you like, and be okay leaving the rest for later.
Confession #2: I Rewatch More Than I Start New Shows
Re-watching anime is one of my favourite things to do. Familiar shows are comforting, and choosing a new show can feel daunting sometimes.
After the Demon Slayer movie, I’m watching season one again. Tanjiro’s kindness brings tears to my eyes every time.
Just like rereading books, watching old shows can reveal things you missed on the first watch. Likewise, certain lessons stick only when you go over them many times.
Confession #3: I Drop Anime I Don’t Enjoy Without Guilt
In the past, I struggled to stop watching shows or books I started. This was because I was always racing to add more to my completed pile.
Recently, I have let go of that mindset. It’s not about stacking shows, but enjoying them.
Life is too short to sit through 12 episodes of a show you don’t like. Maybe you’ll get back to it someday, or maybe you won’t.
Confession #4: I Watch for Both the Feelings and the Fight Scenes
Fight scenes get me amped, but I still appreciate the emotional punch of a cool story. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a beautiful example.
I love the creativity, storytelling and visuals in this anime. What started as a slow-paced fantasy series soon morphed into a tale about the impermanence of life.
Anime can be both entertaining and emotional. Often, characters’ experiences mirror my life, and I’m able to glimpse pieces of myself.
Confession #5: I’m Still Figuring Out My Place in the Fandom
The anime community is more interested in shared favourites. Most diehard fans want to talk about their knowledge and opinions.
But I don’t always feel like a “true” anime fan. It doesn’t matter that I love and talk about it passionately; I’m not well-versed.
However, being a fan isn’t about knowing all the titles or watching every trending show. It’s about the connection, community and joy that’s found in such a creative space.
Also Read: Anime Openings That Live in My Head Rent-Free
What Being a Casual Anime Fan Has Taught Me
Being a casual anime fan is a fun experience. There’s the joy of going at my pace and discovering the many things I like in such an extensive space. The lessons my journey has taught me include:
– You can love something deeply without obsessing over it.
– You don’t have to prove anything to a fandom.
– Passion looks different for everyone.
Above all, this has shown me that there’s no criteria required to enjoy things. Be it music, movies, anime, or even books, art is for all to enjoy.
Maybe one day, I’d binge all the classics, but for now, I’m content to be a casual anime fan who is passionate about what she loves.
If you’ve ever felt left out in any fandom, this is your reminder that there’s no correct way to love your passions. Own it, and be proud of what you like.
