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Why Do Characters Cry So Much in Anime?

Published in Anime Tropes 2 mins read

Anime characters cry frequently, often for various reasons. It's a common storytelling technique used to evoke emotional responses from the audience.

Reasons for Crying in Anime:

  • Emotional Intensity: Anime often explores intense emotions, pushing characters to their limits. Crying serves as a visual representation of their overwhelming feelings, making the emotional weight more palpable.
  • Character Development: Crying can be a catalyst for character growth. It shows vulnerability and allows characters to process difficult situations, leading to personal development and change.
  • Empathy: By portraying characters crying, anime aims to create empathy in viewers. This connection allows the audience to understand and relate to the character's struggles, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
  • Storytelling Device: Crying can serve as a plot device. It can signal a turning point in the narrative, create suspense, or foreshadow future events.
  • Cultural Influence: Japanese culture often embraces emotional expression, including crying. Anime reflects this cultural influence, depicting characters crying as a natural and acceptable response to emotional situations.

Examples:

  • Naruto: Naruto Uzumaki cries frequently throughout the series, expressing his loneliness, determination, and grief.
  • Attack on Titan: Eren Yeager's tears reflect his anger, fear, and desire for revenge.
  • Your Name: Mitsuha Miyamizu's tears represent her confusion, longing, and acceptance of fate.

Conclusion:

Anime characters cry frequently to enhance emotional impact, develop characters, create empathy, and serve as a storytelling device. This practice reflects the cultural acceptance of emotional expression in Japan.

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