should i watch anime in english or japanese

by Evalyn Runolfsdottir 6 min read
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Anime fans often argue whether anime is best viewed in its original Japanese, with English subtitles, or dubbed over by English-speaking voice actors. Hardcore anime fans, or purists, tend to prefer to watch anime in its original form with the original Japanese voice acting preserved, even if they do not understand the Japanese language.

If you understand Japanese, of course it would make the most sense to watch anime in its original language, however, most people outside of Japan do not know Japanese, and therefore require it to be translated into their own language to be able to enjoy it.Mar 25, 2022

Full Answer

Is anime best viewed in its original Japanese or dubbed?

Anime fans often argue whether anime is best viewed in its original Japanese, with English subtitles, or dubbed over by English-speaking voice actors. Hardcore anime fans, or purists, tend to prefer to watch anime in it’s original form with the original Japanese voice acting preserved, even if they do not understand the Japanese language.

Should you watch anime in Japanese with English subtitles?

On the other hand, arguments that watching anime in Japanese with English subtitles preserves the intended message of the show and honors the hard work that Japanese voice actors put into their craft. So, who is right and who is wrong?

Why do people prefer to watch anime dubbed instead of subbed?

They feel that having to read the subtitles distracts them from the action, so they prefer watching a less-distracting version of the anime show in their native language. Another good reason why dubbing is the preferred way to watch anime is that some have access to the dubbed version of an anime show first.

Should I watch magical girl in English or Japanese?

This classic definitely should be seen in Japanese if possible. Firstly, constantly hearing the word "magical girl" thrown at you in English feels uncanny. Certain scenes are hard to take seriously anymore, for example, Sayaka is having a mental breakdown on a train in episode 8 with two guys whose voices are trying way too hard to sound "gangsta."

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Is Sub or dub more accurate?

More videos on YouTube The final positive for subtitles is that they're usually more accurate to the original script. That's because dubs tend to alter the script to try to have the audio match the mouth movements. With subtitles, you're enjoying a mostly unfiltered experience.

Is it OK to watch anime in Japan?

TL;DR: Yes. It is safe but with a catch. Streaming services that have a license to broadcast content within Japan such as Niconico are ideal. Streaming services meant to distribute anime abroad such as Crunchyroll and Hulu are also legal to view in Japan.

What is the #1 anime in the world?

Anime Top 10Top 10 Best Rated (bayesian estimate) (Top 50)#titlerating1Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (TV)9.082Steins;Gate (TV)9.043Clannad After Story (TV)9.028 more rows

Do Japanese teens watch anime?

Responses were gathered from 1,041 Line-using high school students (520 boys and 521 girls) who were asked, “How often do you watch anime?” When the results were tallied, the majority, 54 percent, said they watch anime at least once a week, and nearly one in four said they watch anime at least four times a week.

Why do Japanese people watch anime with subtitles?

The other main reason some prefer anime with subs is that watching the subtitled versions of the shows honors the Japanese culture by preserving the deep respect that they have for their friends and older relatives. To refer to them, the Japanese use honorifics such as -sama, -san, -chan, and -kun.

What does subtitling mean in anime?

Subbing (Subtitling) means that the original language of the show is preserved and a written translation is placed at the bottom of the screen. This way, the audience can read and understand what the characters are saying while all the action occurs.

Why do anime fans subbing?

To begin with, subtitling allows accurate translations to happen and this includes mannerisms and peculiarities of a character that may add to the story’s plot. A clear example of this is Naruto’s catchphrase “Dattebayo”.

Why does Naruto use "dattebayo" at the end of a sentence?

Naruto uses this word at the end of a sentence because the creators added this to his unique style of speech. The other main reason some prefer anime with subs is that watching the subtitled versions of the shows honors ...

Why are subtitles important?

The added benefit of subtitles is that they don’t detract from the original emotional tone or emphasis that the actor (or voice actor) used during the original take. This is imperative for visual media as the sound, level and tone of persons voice does a lot to indicate their emotions at the time of delivery.

Does it matter if you watch anime dubbed or subbed?

It just depends! The answer is subjective because all anime fans have different preferences on how they like to watch their shows. “It doesn’t matter if you watch anime dubbed or subbed. You can watch it however you like as long as you connect with the story and enjoy the plot.”.

Is the dub better for anime?

That being said, occasionally an anime will be written with a Western setting or characters, and in that case, the dub can be better.

Why do people watch anime dubbed?

Dubbed anime allows a wider audience to enjoy an anime series without being required to read subtitles. Some anime fans always prefer to watch anime subbed, while others prefer dubbed anime when it is available. Both sides have different reasons behind their preferences, and this debate often turns into a heated argument amongst anime fans.

Why do people prefer dubbed anime?

The most common reason given for preferring dubbed anime is that these fans do not like to read subtitles while they watch an anime series. They claim that being required to read subtitles distracts from the story.

Why do some anime have subbed versions?

Some anime fans also prefer subbed anime simply because there are more series available subbed than dubbed. Many anime series are never dubbed into English. Even those that are may take a long time for the English dub to be released. Many fans are simply too impatient to wait for the dubbed version. Otaku.

How do anime fans get into the anime fandom?

Anime fans often first got into the fandom through watching English dubs of shows like Dragonball Z, Sailor Moon, Pokémon, or Naruto on television. Some of these fans eventually switch to preferring subbed versions of their favorite anime series, while others retain a soft spot for the versions that they grew up with.

Why do anime fans prefer subtitles?

Anime fans who exclusively watch the subtitled versions of anime, even when a dub is available, are often referred to as “purists.” Purists are usually diehard anime fans, or “otaku.” One of the main reasons that purists give for preferring subs is that subtitles allow them to experience the anime the way the creators meant for it to be seen. These fans view anime as an artform, and do not believe that it should be altered in any way. Some anime is censored or otherwise changed for the English release.

What is a dub anime?

A “dub,” on the other hand, is an anime series that has been released with a new re-scripted voice track that has been translated to English, or another language depending upon the country where it has been licensed and re-recorded by new voice actors.

What is an otaku?

Otaku is a Japanese term for a person who has obsessive interests, usually relating to the anime and manga fandom. Dubbed anime is often easier for American audiences to comprehend.

Is Ghost Stories better than subtitled?

It is not only great on its own, but it has proven itself better than the subtitled version for several reasons. The Japanese version is a little dry, but the English voice actors made it way more fun. It was not like Ghost Stories, though, as they did stick to the characters' personalities and source material.

Is Ghost Stories a dub?

Dubbed anime cannot be talked about without bringing up Ghost Stories. This anime is very unique, as the dub version plays itself like a total comedy instead of what the original went for. The voice actors for the dub just winged it and said whatever they wanted the characters to say. They got away with this because the show was expected to be a total flop. Due to their rumor and creativity though, the dub version is a cult classic.

Can you watch anime with English subtitles?

Watching anime with English subtitles versus English dubbing has been a longstanding debate between anime fans. Those who love subtitles argue that since it was made in Japan, that it is meant to be in Japanese. Also, a lot can get lost in subtitle translation. However, those who love dub versions love them because that is what they are used to.

Is the dub good or bad?

The truth is that whether the dub is good or not depends on the show . Here are five anime with fantastic dubs, as well as five that you should watch with subtitles because the dub is really bad.

Is Rurouni Kenshin a dub?

As anime has gotten more popular, dubs have been getting better, and looking back on this shows' dub is a big wake up call to that fact. A lot of characters either sound bored or completely overact.

The nuances of Japanese speech are retained

Subtitling minimises the translation gap by keeping the Japanese audio.

Japanese voice actors are best suited for anime

Voice actors have been selected by directors who believe them to be the most appropriate in representing each character.

Subbed anime is released earlier

Audiences around the world can enjoy new episodes within a few days of its release in Japan.

There is no need to read while you are watching

Dubbed anime can be watched normally like any other cartoon without having to worry about reading off the screen.

The cultural barrier is abolished in dubbed anime

Dubbed anime must make cultural translations in order for the show to make sense to international viewers.

Dubbed anime works for anime that has a non-Japanese setting

The Japanese audio could be bypassed if the story setting does not call for many Japanese references.

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