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Definitions of terms

What is shoujo?

shoujo is a Japanese word referring to "girls".

Hence shoujo manga = comics for (Japanese) girls. It refers to graphic titles published in magazines marketed at Japanese girls, e.g. the monthly "Margaret".

shoujo manga frequently, but not invariably, have a characteristic feminine design style and content. Boys not especially or solely interested in ultra-violence also enjoy these manga for their art, character interest and dramatic storylines!

From this, shoujo anime = animation adapted from shoujo manga. Again, these frequently, though not always, have a characteristic feminine flavour and display interest in character and romance.

Western fans, particularly those new to the anime scene, often make the mistake of trying to class anime as shoujo or non-shoujo on the basis of internal evidence such as the style or content of the anime, the presence of well-characterised females, and so forth.. This is quite incorrect. A shoujo anime is adapted from a manga published in a magazine for girls. End of discussion.

Sailor Moon is a famous shoujo manga which became a shoujo anime.


What is WMT?

WMT = World Masterpiece Theater
also known as meisaku
Anime adaptations of classic novels for children, e.g. "Anne of Green Gables", by Nippon Animation/Fuji TV

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[G.C 01.09.98]

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