Instructions
- Read carefully: Start by reading the descriptions in each section to understand the basics of anime style and storytelling.
- Complete the Matching: Connect the Japanese terms to their English meanings.
- Character Creation: Use the table to brainstorm your own anime characters.
- Critical Thinking: Analyze the difference between "Real World" logic and "Anime Logic."
- Creative Challenge: Complete the drawing and writing prompts at the end.
Section 1: Anime Vocabulary
Draw a line or write the letter to match the term on the left with its definition on the right.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Manga | A. A mentor or teacher. |
| 2. Mangaka | B. Japanese comic books or graphic novels. |
| 3. Seiyū | C. A Japanese voice actor/actress. |
| 4. Sensei | D. The person who writes and draws Manga. |
| 5. Chibi | E. A style of drawing characters with oversized heads and small bodies. |
Section 2: The Character Profile
In anime, characters often have unique "quirks" (powers), distinct hair colors, and specific roles in a group. Fill out the table below to design a team for a new anime series.
| Character Name | Hair Color | Role (Hero, Rival, Mentor, Sidekick) | Special Power or Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Kaito | Electric Blue | Hero | Can control gravity |
| 1. | |||
| 2. | |||
| 3. | |||
| 4. | |||
| 5. |
Section 3: Anime Logic vs. Real Life
Anime often uses "visual shorthand" to show emotions. Based on what you know about anime, how would a character show these feelings?
-
Extreme Embarrassment: Hint: Think about what might appear on their forehead or how their face changes color.
-
Getting Very Angry: Hint: Think about symbols like "popping veins" or fire in the eyes.
-
Deep Sleep: Hint: What often comes out of a character's nose while they snore in anime?
Section 4: The Storyboard Pitch
Every great anime starts with a "hook." A hook is a one-sentence description that makes people want to watch the show.
Example: A boy discovers a notebook that can change the world, but he must outsmart a genius detective to use it.
Your Turn: Write a hook for an anime about a middle school student who discovers their cat is actually an alien prince from a planet made of snacks.
Your Hook:
Section 5: Creative Drawing Challenge
In the box below (or on the back of this paper), design a Power Symbol. Many anime characters have a symbol on their clothing, a tattoo, or a crest that represents their family or their magic.
- Name of the Symbol:
- What it represents:
(Space for drawing below)
Section 6: Advanced Challenge (Optional)
Genre Analysis: Most anime falls into categories like Shonen (action-packed, usually for young boys) or Shojo (focused on relationships and emotions, usually for young girls).
Do you think an anime can be both? Why or why not? Give an example of a show you have seen that mixes action and deep emotions.
Answer Key
Section 1: Vocabulary Match
- B
- D
- C
- A
- E
Section 2: The Character Profile (Student answers will vary based on creativity. Check for completeness and variety in roles.)
Section 3: Anime Logic
- Blushing deeply (red face), a giant sweat drop on the head, or steam coming from ears.
- A "cross" or "four-pointed star" vein on the forehead, fire in the eyes, or hair standing up.
- A large snot bubble that expands and contracts with breathing.
Section 4: The Storyboard Pitch (Answers will vary. Example: "When 12-year-old Leo finds out his cat is a prince from the Cookie Kingdom, he must help him win back his throne using only a lunchbox!")
Section 6: Advanced Challenge (Open-ended. Accept any logical explanation that identifies a show and explains the blend of genres.)