Guide To Introducing Your Friends To Anime

Ever had that one moment where you’re excited about an anime, but your friends can’t relate? Yes, everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but still, it’s alienating when your friends silently judge you due to lack of knowledge. Have no fear, for there is a way indoctrinate your mates.

You should go about it like you would an ambush, carefully and strategically. It may not be as easy as 1-2-3, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. Let these five (5) easy steps be your guide:

Step 1: Locate Your Prey

This is the step with the least effort because it requires you to have two (2) working brain cells. Now that you’ve realized who your friend is, you need to gear up. I must add that I use the word ‘friend’ loosely as it could be anyone really. Anime does not discriminate; it’s simply there for entertainment.

Step 2: Choose Your Weapon

Without revealing your sly intentions, you would have to figure out or simply ask them their favourite TV show genre because you want to pique their interest with something they already enjoy. Whether you show them in subbed or dubbed format, I couldn’t be arsed. Skipping this step is equivalent to eating soup with fork. Pointless, right?

Step 3: Aim & Carefully Time Your Attack

I’m not saying to stalk your friend, but I suggest you figure out when they actually have free time. There’s nothing worse than a friend who wants you try something new when you’re busy. Try to get them to come over.

It’s not limited to these, you’ll need a stable internet connection, comfort and a pc or tv (preferably a Smart TV). You must ensure that there are no interruptions because they could easily slip through your fingers or your front door.

Step 4: Fire!!!!!

Now that you have followed the previous steps and you’re in a comfortable setting, simply start the episode of the anime in question and enjoy.

Try to avoid anime like Boku no Pico or hentai, at first. You want them to be pure at the beginning, so it’s best to use that type of content later. If you don’t know which anime to choose, here are some recommendations (genre included):

Action/Suspense
Comedy
Romance (Rom-com)
  • Ouran Highschool Host Club
  • Itazura na Kiss
  • Sukitte Ii Na Yo
  • Byousoku 5 Centimeter
Horror (expect blood and gore)
  • Another
  • Corpse Party
  • Gantz
  • Elfen Lied (Pronounced el-fen le-ed)
Mystery
Shounen Ai/ Shoujo Ai
  • Junjou Romantica
  • Dakaichi
  • Asagao to Kase-san
  • Naruto (I’M KIDDING. REALLY.)

Editor note: Don’t worry we’ll be cutting her from the team for not mentioning One Piece 😉

Now that a plan of action exists, it’s your turn to enforce it. While some may see this approach as aggressive, I see it as passionate. Be positive and go for it! You’ve got nothing to lose. Now, fly free and work your magic.

Most of these series can be found on Crunchyroll for free with ads. There my be restrictions on some shows depending on your region.

Qudduws Campbell

That messy hair bloke: Romantic, Food lover, Gamer, Sports Fan, Manga Reader, Tech Head, Podcaster... Pretty much do a bit of everything.