In recent years, the mecha
anime genre , once a mainstay of the industry, has seen a decline in
popularity. Japanese netizens have been
discussing the reasons behind this trend, offering various perspectives that
reveal both changes in technology and public preferences.
One of the key points mentioned is the
advancement in real-world technology, which has led to giant robots seeming
“unlikely and meaningless . ” This technological evolution has
made the science fiction elements that once captured the public's imagination
now seem less believable and exciting.
Another aspect highlighted is the limitation
of series to twelve-episode formats, which restricts the ability of creators to
develop complex stories and worlds . This time limitation prevents
writers and directors from being able to adequately explore plots and
characters, affecting the depth and emotional impact of the series.
Additionally, a changed perception of
the iconic transformation and attack scenes has been
mentioned . Some comments suggest that these repetitive scenes can
feel like a waste of time , taking away from the dynamism and
freshness of the stories.
Sponsorship culture has also changed , with
fewer toy makers and more record labels funding projects, which could be
influencing the type of content being produced. Interest in mechas may
be waning as the focus has shifted to other elements of entertainment,
such as attractive female characters, which now appear to be more prominent.
As for narrative, some fans point out that the
lack of new ideas and innovative approaches in the genre has led to a
glut of predictable stories. This, combined with young audiences' preference
for anime with attractive female characters rather than giant robots ,
has contributed to the declining popularity of mecha.
Finally, the cost of production is
another crucial factor. The high-quality animation required for mecha action
scenes is expensive, and the use of CGI, while reducing costs, does not
always capture the visual essence expected by purist fans.
In short, the decline of the mecha genre appears to
be a combination of technological advances, changes in audience
preferences, limitations in production, and a lack of
innovation in storytelling . Meanwhile, some fans hope for a
resurgence of the genre if a balance can be found between nostalgia and
modernity, offering stories that can capture the imagination of new
generations.
Source: Yaraon!
