why do some anime characters have closed eyes

by Adolph Feeney 7 min read
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A common variation of this trope is to make the character close his or her eyes into an arc rather than a simple horizontal line. Characters whose eyes are fixed in that position are generally optimistic and almost always unconditionally happy, but more often down-to-earth instead of ditzy.

Full Answer

Why do anime characters close their eyes when they smile?

It's also a popular way of showing happiness. Often anime characters will close their eyes when they smile. You might also notice that in some cases it's used to imply that a character is of an Asian country other than Japanese.

Why do characters with their eyes always have their eyes closed?

You're right that the closed eyes give these characters a sort of affable charm. Well in some cases where characters go about with their eyes closed its to give off the impression that the character is deceptive, cunning and sly.

What are some good anime characters with closed eyes?

CardCaptor Sakura's Takashi Yamazaki is another one. I loved his weird stories, especially when Eriol Hiiragizawa joined in. You're right that the closed eyes give these characters a sort of affable charm.

What is the eyes always shut anime trope?

The Eyes Always Shut anime trope refers to characters whose eyes are usually shut - whether it be because their eyes are naturally narrow or on purpose - except on special occasions when the characters become so emotional that their eyes pop out at you.

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Why are eyes hidden in anime?

A character undergoing emotional stress may be shown from a head-on view or directly from the side with their head bowed and their eyes covered by their bangs or forelocks. (Sometimes the shot starts from one angle and cuts midway to the other.)

Why are Brock's eyes always closed?

It's coding for him being Korean, rather than Japanese. Because he's got X-Men style hyperbeam eyes. That he's actually blind. Because his tiny pupils are sensitive to light.

Why do anime characters have weird eyes?

Using large eyes can be considered as one of the essential tools or techniques to add affluent expressions on characters. Inspired by Disney cartoons, Osamu Tezuka known as a talented Japanese manga writer, also started using that technique in order to emphasize greater expressions of characters.

Is Brock a simp?

He's a simp beyond compare, forming heart eyes and falling head over heels for the likes of Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny multiple times throughout the original series.

What race is Brock?

He's Japanese. And very tan. How do I know? There had been some debate between members of the fanbase in regards to why Brock was removed from the main cast during the Orange Islands arc, why Tracey Sketchit was created, and why Brock returned later.

Why are Japanese anime characters always white?

If there are no stereotyped markings of otherness, then white is assumed. Americans apply this thinking to Japanese drawings. But to the Japanese the Default Human Being is Japanese! So they feel no need to make their characters “look Asian”.

Why is anime a thing?

The term anime has evolved from its original definition that described an animated series. Nowadays, the term anime is attributed to almost anything that is created in the Japanese art style. People now use terms such as anime games, anime music and even anime aesthetic.

What are anime eyes called?

These "white spaces" are called catchlights, and are naturally found in film and in photography. It is unsurprising that animators and artists would imitate this for added realism - Disney's been doing it since forever.

10 Brock Is A Ladies' Man With A Rock Pokémon Theme (Pokémon)

Ash Ketchum's friend, Brock, is known for several things: his Rock-type Pokémon team, his fondness for attractive women, his big-brother personality, his cheap jokes (at least in the dub), and most of all, how he simply never opens his eyes. Ever since the late 1990s, he's kept them shut.

9 Lucoa, Or Quetzalcoatl, Rarely Opens Her Mismatched Eyes (Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid)

Lucoa actually does open her eyes once in a while, but for the most part, she keeps them closed, hiding just how remarkable those eyes of hers really are. Lucoa's eyes are mismatched, and they have intense, highly detailed colors that some people may find dazzling, even captivating.

8 Shino Okuchi Likes To Observe Her Friends (Kannagi: Crazy Shrine Maidens)

Shino is a side character in the Kannagi: Crazy Shrine Maiden series, though she certainly is distinct for always having her eyes closed. Not even her eye color is known. And despite having her eyes shut at all times, she is an observant person and likes to take note of what her fellow art club members are like.

7 Serpico Usually Keeps His Eyes Closed, Even In Combat (Berserk)

Serpico first appeared during the Conviction arc of the original Berserk manga series, and he also appeared in the 2016-17 anime adaptation of the series. He was first seen with the Holy Iron Chain Knights together with his half-sister Farnese, and he usually kept his eyes closed during his duty.

6 Gin Ichimaru's Face Is Like A Mask (Bleach)

Captain Gin Ichimaru of squad 3 is widely mistrusted, since he is a mysterious fellow who never shows his true emotions or intentions. His face is always set in the same expression, including his permanent smug grin and his closed eyes. Thus, he is absolutely unreadable, and that makes everyone uneasy.

5 Archangel Ludociel Is A Mighty Holy Warrior (The Seven Deadly Sins)

One of the four archangels is the powerhouse Ludociel, who has taken it upon himself to slay all demons by his own hand when necessary. Although he doesn't open his eyes, he can see his demonic enemies just fine, and they all soon learn to fear him.

4 N'Doul Relied On Sound To Fight Jotaro (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)

During the Stardust Crusaders story arc, Jotaro Kujo and his allies arrived in Egypt, only for a deadly Stand user to attack them in the Saharan dunes. N'Doul, the blind Stand user, relied mainly on sound to track and attack Jotaro and the members of the Speedwagon Foundation, and it was scarily effective.

What is the Eyes Always Shut character trope?

The Eyes Always Shut anime trope refers to characters whose eyes are usually shut - whether it be because their eyes are naturally narrow or on purpose - except on special occasions when the characters become so emotional that their eyes pop out at you.

Yoshimura

Yoshimura is the mysterious manager of the Anteiku café, who also happens to be an SSS-rated ghoul. He is kind and generous, and often serves as a father figure to ghouls who can't hunt or kill humans.

Chizuru Aizawa

Chizuru is the eldest of the Aizawa siblings and is the manager of the Lemon Beach House. She is usually quiet, but can also be terrifying when the need arises. Squid Girl is extremely afraid of her, most especially when she opens her eyes!

Makoto Sakurai

Makoto is an MVP of the fictional Nichijou sport, Igo-Soccer. Compared to his sister, Izumi, he is more forward and quick to lose his temper. He also tends blackmail people in order to get what he wants.

Renji Yanagi

Renji is a third year student at Rikkai Daigaku Fuzoku. He is dubbed as the "Data Master" since he usually gathers data about his opponents.

Ren Nekoyashiki

Ren is the executive director of Astral, as well as an onmyouji who has a deep love for cats! He is also a contributing writer for a magazine and is involved in a lot of organizations.

Kaede Nagase

Kaede is a gentle girl who is actually very strong, born into a powerful ninja clan. However, her parents do not carry the family ninja traditions anymore. As a result, her ninja abilities are self-taught. Now that’s a true genius!

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