This document presents a master's dissertation by Pooja Bhuva at Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, analyzing the global impact of anime and manga fandom. It covers audience studies, the evolution of fan culture, and the economic and cultural implications of Japanese media worldwide. The research incorporates survey methodology to evaluate fan behaviors and perceptions, concluding with insights into the complexities of anime and manga fandom and its future research potential.

1. Department of English
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
Date: 4th April 2024
Sem 4। Batch 2022-24
Master's Dissertation
Presentation on
Beyond Borders: Understanding Anime and Manga
Fandom: A Comprehensive Audience Analysis
Presented by Pooja Bhuva

2. Personal Information
● Presented by:- Pooja A. Bhuva
● Enrollment Number:- 4069206420220005
● Email:- poojabhuva2002@gmail.com
● Batch:- 2022 - 2024 (M.A. Sem 4)
● Date:- 3 April, 2024
● Roll Number:- 15

3. Index
● Chapter 1. Introduction
● Chapter 2. Literature Review
● Chapter 3. Manga Readers & Anime Watchers
● Chapter 4. Did Manga & Anime shape how the World
sees Japan?
● Chapter 5. Survey Methodology & Result
● Chapter 6. Conclusion
● Bibliography
● Appendix: Survey Questionnaire

4. Chapter 1. Introduction
“Would you Rather Love the more, and suffer the more;
or love the less suffer the less?” (Barnes)
● What is Audience Studies?
● What is the Fandom or Fan Studies of Anime and Manga Enthusiasts?
● What is Otaku Culture?
● What is Weeb?
● What is Manga?
● What is Anime?
● Cultural and Historical Context of Manga or Japanese Comics &
Anime or Japanimation
● Evolution of Anime and Manga Fandom
● Global Reach and Cultural Impact

5. Chapter 2. Literature Review
"When I allude to sayings of the past, you see what bearing they have on what was to come after." (Confucius)
● Audience Studies
● Step towards Audience/Fan Studies
● Fan and Fandom
● History of Anime Fandom
● From Ancient Origins to Modern Marvels: The Evolution of Manga
● Japanese Popular Culture
● Otaku: Exploring Influence and Significance in Contemporary Culture
● Global Fascination with Manga, Anime, and Fandom Culture
● Hypothesis: This dissertation examines how the global spread of Japanese Manga and Anime via online Fan networks has
boosted economic and cultural interest in Japan, while providing both community and potential psychological risks for fans.
To evaluate these hypotheses, this study will explore the historical background and evolution of manga, anime, and
associated fandoms, including how fans self-identify with labels like "otaku" and "weeb." Tracing the global reach and cultural
impacts of these media, This study will analyze how anime/Manga have shaped global perspectives on modern Japanese
culture as well as benefited Japan's economy through Fan support.
○ How has the worldwide spread of Manga and Anime changed how people globally see and understand modern
Japanese culture?
○ How have online manga/Anime fans sharing content contributed to more people worldwide becoming interested in
these media?
○ What effect has the global popularity of Manga and Anime had on Japan's economy because of Fans?
○ In what ways do Manga and Anime provide fans globally a feeling of community, escape from reality, or emotional
impact?
○ What are some possible positive and negative psychological effects on fans who are really dedicated to manga/anime?
○ Does the extreme passion of manga/Anime Fandom potentially pose threats on a worldwide scale in the future?
○ What key factors drive the appeal of Manga and Anime for dedicated fans globally?

6. Chapter 3. Manga Readers & Anime Watchers
“To learn to read is to light a fire;
every syllable that is spelled out is a
spark.” (Hugo)
● Reading Manga & Watching Anime
● Perks and Flaws of Reading Manga &
Watching Anime
● Fan Preferences and Contribution
● Fan Subbing & Creative Works
● Cosplay Quest: Embarking on
Fandom Adventures
● Effects of Manga & Anime on Fans

7. Chapter 4. Did Manga & Anime shape how the World sees Japan?
"Preservation of one's own culture does
not require contempt or disrespect for
other cultures." (Chavez)
● Cultural Representation and
Perception
● Economic Impact & Globalization
● Digital Bootlegging: Uncharted Anime
and Manga Territories
● Future of Anime & Manga
● Educational and Pedagogical
Applications

8. Chapter 5. Survey Methodology & Result
“Surveys show that surveys never lie.” (Angier)
● Method of Data Collection - The study utilized a structured questionnaire with a logical sequence,
moving from simple demographic questions to more complex topics on anime/manga consumption
habits and preferences. It employed multiple question formats including multiple choice, checkboxes,
and open-ended responses to gather comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data adhering to good
questionnaire design principles.
● Understanding Survey Questions
● Anime/Manga Enthusiasts - This survey section uses targeted questions to comprehensively gather
data on anime/manga fans' viewing frequency, genre/format preferences, community engagement,
merchandise habits, cultural perceptions, consumption platforms, and motivations.
● Non Anime/Manga Enthusiasts - This section surveys non-enthusiasts on their familiarity,
perceptions, concerns about anime/manga fandoms, views on fans' enthusiasm, merchandise, societal
impact, influence on Japanese cultural understanding, and invites open-ended thoughts to gain outside
perspectives.
● Extracting Survey Conclusions
● Anime/Manga Enthusiasts
● Non Anime/Manga Enthusiasts
● Limitations of Survey - Small sample size, self-selection/response biases, lack of diversity, reliance on
self-reports, potential leading questions, online accessibility issues, and cultural/language barriers limit
the survey's generalizability and validity, necessitating acknowledgment for accurate interpretation and
future improvements.

10. Chapter 6. Conclusion
“In Japan they prefer the realistic style. They like answers and conclusions, but my stories have none. I want to
leave them wide open to every possibility. I think my readers understand that openness.” (Murakami)
● This research explores the massive fandom around Japanese anime and manga. Anime refers to Japanese
animated films and TV shows, while manga means Japanese comic books and graphic novels.
● The study looks at the behavior and motivations of anime/manga fans from the perspective of cultural
studies theories on audiences and mass media.
● It covers the history of anime and manga, the different fan groups like "otaku" and "weebs", the cultural
and economic impact of this fandom globally, and the future outlook.
● The research used a survey of 20 anime/manga fans and non-fans to understand their viewpoints. Fans
appreciate the storytelling, artwork, and imaginative worlds portrayed, with many seeing anime/manga
as gateways to learn about Japanese culture. Non-fans range from indifferent to intrigued, but most
recognize the cultural value. While limited by the small sample size, the study provides insights into this
prominent fandom phenomenon.
● Exploring Research Constraints - Studying fan cultures is very complex due to the vast amount of
existing research, the diverse ways fans express their fandom, and the personal experiences and
motivations underlying fan engagement. Researchers should acknowledge these inherent limitations. By
recognizing the boundaries of individual studies, scholars can continue exploring fan cultures through
further research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
● Future Research in the area of Anime and Manga Fandom - The study of anime and manga fandom
presents numerous avenues for future multidisciplinary research, including examining evolving fan
behaviors, psychological/sociological impacts, economic implications, educational applications, creator-
fan dynamics, and the integration of emerging technologies. Interdisciplinary collaborations could lead
to innovative methodologies and holistic perspectives on this cultural phenomenon.

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18. Thank You
Do you have any Question?
Contact: poojabhuva2002@gmail.com