Some thoughts about anime in Japan

I have recently answered an anime-related question on Quora.
Someone asked if anime was a niche thing in Japan. As I explained in my book, Tokyo Geek's Guide, whoever says that anime is a super niche thing in Japan clearly don't know to what extent anime is embedded in Japanese culture and psyche.
These people probably think that anime is just an otaku thing. However, Japanese animation goes well beyond hardcore fans.
You only have to check out the TV Guide to see that both public braodcaster NHK and private channels show anime series nearly every day. Every Japanese kid grows up watching Anpanman, Doraemon and Crayon Shinchan while Chibi Maruko and Sazae-san are loved by the whole family.
Then there's cinema. Every year the box office ranking is ruled by anime feature films and live-action movies based on anime and manga works.
Not only that: anime characters appear everywhere, from advertisements and TV commercials to campaign posters and brand products. The list goes on. Recently even the Japanese armed forces are using anime characters in their recruitment posters.


Check out Quora to read more of my answers about Japanese society, culture, etc.