People who enjoy watching anime have heard of the “3-episode” rule at some point, and many people actually believe there is a single rule for everyone. Some people genuinely believe and follow if a show doesn’t interest them within the first three episodes, they drop it. Although it’s fair that if you don’t enjoy the show, I wholeheartedly believe you should drop it. Still, at times you must push through the mediocrity upon first appearances. For some reason, anime fans keep pushing this rule and continue to indoctrinate new anime fans within this rule. To make matters even worse than this, I’ve done some research, and people believe that there are “rules” to watching and being a fan of anime. Here are just some of the unique rules and how they’re potentially destroying our community.
The first rule is listening to the intro/outro once in its entirety. Perhaps this isn’t that strange, but if you don’t enjoy the opening or even the ending, why would you continue to watch it? Now I’m actually in support of watching the intro and outro every time just in case some details are changed (Plastic Memories and Yuri on Ice!!!). But if the viewer doesn’t enjoy the song or the animation in the intro and outro, then they should clearly not watch, since why would you waste time on something you don’t enjoy? Personally, I think that the intro and outro songs will grow on the viewer and hopefully be somewhat enjoyable.
The second rule is apparently always to watch anime at night. Why? Anime is a form of entertainment, much like any television and movies where we can watch any time of the day. It’s strange that if you purposely watch anime only at night because it seems like the viewer is hiding it. Now, if you work or are extremely busy during the day doing your life and only have a short time at night, then that’s perfectly acceptable. However, anime shouldn’t be hidden or kept away from your friends and alike. Because if you like to watch anime, then how is that any different than watching horror films or even sports? There is a fine line between watching anime as a hobby or for entertainment and having an unhealthy habit and if you’re losing well-needed sleep. Just please stop the shows will still be there in the morning.
The third and arguably worst rule anyone has ever heard of in one form or another if the show is popular (AOT, MHA, One Piece), then you must watch/be a fan of it. Now I am in support of giving popular shows a chance, especially if you’re just getting into anime. However, if you don’t like specific genres like Mecha or even Slice of Life, then I believe the viewer should at least give it a chance. If you aren’t into action, then don’t watch heavy-based action anime and watch what you think you’ll enjoy. Take Dragon Ball Z (take whatever anime of your choice); for example, it’s a decent show. However, I’ve never seen it, but there are so many fans demanding that I get turned off by the vast demand to view it.
These are just some of the more extensive set of “rules” that were found. My last thought about these “rules” is that why? Anime or any form of entertainment shouldn’t have rules for anyone. When a community starts placing controls upon something, it can not only destroy everything its build. But also stop people from wanting to join a community because they don’t understand. So watch what you want, and enjoy it however you please.
Cody Senpai
Cody Senpai is the creator of BakaNow, an anime review website that specializes in spoiler-free reviews for everyone. He is an avid anime watcher who has traveled to Japan numerous times to not only experience the culture and history but also to build friendships with people through a common interest. He is an avid animation fanatic from birth and even went on to major in communication to help share the importance of the stories we love to watch and listen to. Cody lives in Denver, Colorado and loves to do anything adventurous.
