Griffith 1

Ashton Griffith

Samantha Gonzalez

ENC1102

2 February 2024

Research Proposal

Project Title: On the Next Episode: Anime is Now Mainstream

Research Question(s):

● What cultural elements of anime contribute to its appeal and resonance with audiences

outside of Japan?

● How have collaborations between Japanese and Western entertainment industries

contributed to the mainstreaming of anime?

● How has globalization and digital technology facilitated the spread of anime to a global

audience?

● How have celebrities influenced the newfound acceptance of anime?

Statement of Significance (1-2 Paragraphs): The increasing mainstream acceptance of anime

holds significance on multiple levels. Firstly, it shows the changes to the globalization of culture,

fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. As anime gains popularity outside of

Japan, it becomes a powerful medium for sharing diverse perspectives, narratives, and artistic

styles across borders. This influences the increasing diversity of media and sets the stage for

unheard voices.
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Why is it important: Anime is greatly influencing cultures, economics, and media at an

international level, especially in Western culture.

Why should other researchers care

Other researchers should consider anime becoming more mainstream because of cultural and

economic purposes. We already know Western Culture is a vast one, and Japanese culture now

more than ever is becoming popularized. This will influence market behaviors from the

widespread coverage of anime on social media.

What is it going to contribute and/or do that other research hasn’t already?

My research will show the exponential increase of anime in Western culture and its acceptance as

well as why the population consumes it and the economic effects it brings.

IV. Research design/description of study: I will be discussing how and why anime has become

more mainstream in Western Culture and media. I will state the effects of anime becoming

mainstream. I will provide articles and books as evidence to support my claim.

How will you conduct primary research? I will gather sources and analyze them from google

scholar.

What will you actually do? Refer to articles discussing how anime has been upcoming in pop

culture. I will connect all the articles to my claim and how the sources interconnect.

How will you analyze, quantify, and/or otherwise make sense of the data you collect?

● Graphs, infographics, images, articles, online interviews

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How many examples will you look at?

I will look for around five examples of events that have caused anime to become more

mainstream. My ideas to use so far are: La Rams collaborating with One Piece, Usher connection

with JJK, One Piece was aired on Times Square, and celebrities (Micheal B Jordan, Ariana

Grande, Megan Thee Stallion) who express their love for anime. I will look at the pivotal

moments that help lead anime into pop-culture over the years. I will research the reasons why

people enjoy anime.

Be specific here, as these details will help to determine whether your proposed research is

approved.

V. Include a minimum of 4 sources in your proposal. (I am not asking for a summary or

annotated bibliography right now.)

Aziz, Munafsin, and Susy Ong. “The Implementation of Japanese Animation (Anime) In

Advertising.” View of the Implementation of Japanese Animation (Anime) in

Advertising, Journal of Indonesian Social Science, 5 May 2023,

jiss.publikasiindonesia.id/index.php/jiss/article/view/810/1524.

Baird, Daniel. “Introduction to Anime in US Pop Culture.” Literary Studies SLCC, Salt

Lake Community College, 21 Aug. 2023,

slcc.pressbooks.pub/literarystudiesatslcc/chapter/introduction-to-anime/.

Fennell, Dana, et al. “Consuming Anime.” Sage Journals, 2 Mar. 2012,

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1527476412436986
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Yusof, Nor Afian, et al. “The Influence of Anime as Japanese Popular Culture among Art

and Design Students.” Nurture, 27 July 2023,

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372845388_The_influence_of_anime_a

s_Japanese_popular_culture_among_art_and_design_students

Citations must be in MLA format

Include Link

6. Include PowerPoint separately

https://www.canva.com/design/DAF7XnLGQck/kPxZ28NihRqh9uZyWDKxjQ/edit?ui=eyJHIjp7fX
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