Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

        This research was intended to find out the positive and negative effects of watching the Japanese Anime Detective Conan. However, this study highlighted more of its benefits than negative effects and also discussed the purposes of Detective Conan as an Anime show affecting the lives of its viewers as well as the society.

        The research design used in this paper is evaluating and clarifying misconceptions since the researcher aimed to elaborate the positive effects outnumbering than its negative effects. In addition, information from blogs, term papers and articles from different authors online were utilized to meet the needs and answer the aforementioned research question.

        This is the findings derived from the result of the research:

1. Anime is not just a style of cartoon and animation in Japan. In addition, it is mature, complex and broader compared to other kinds of animation.

2. Anime is definitely unique, one of a kind and special. It is special and incomparable in terms of artwork, storytelling, themes and comprehensiveness of material.

3. Most of the Anime shows rooted in manga. In fact, Detective Conan was based on a hit manga of Gosho Aoyama.

4. Anime shows such as Detective Conan includes genres like a book or a movie. These genres include in Detective Conan are adventure, drama, mystery, thriller and comedy.

5. Detective Conan has a lot of purposes. It is not just merely for entertainment but also features a wide span of intention that viewers experience from watching.

6. Detective Conan affects its viewers as well as the society. It is either positively or negatively.

7. Detective Conan has far more good effects than bad effects. Its benefits to the viewer and also to the society are about cultural nuances, technological advancement, interest in art, social benefits, skepticism, and power of deduction.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of this study from different sources of information, the following conclusions are drawn by the researcher:

1. Genres used in the Japanese Anime Detective Conan made it attractive and get the attention and interest of all ages of viewers around the world.

2. Detective Conan was made for different purposes. It depends upon on the viewers whether they will take it negatively or positively. One must take into consideration and be aware of what will be its effect to him watching it.

3. Anime in general was perceived as a bad influence to humans. But if looking deeper into it, benefits are there because everything has it positive side and not entirely negative exist like Detective Conan the yields a lot of good effects.

4. Destructive impacts of Anime shows especially Detective Conan are always there since it is not avoidable. The person watching it should be responsible enough in handling himself.

Recommendations

After evaluating the findings and drawing conclusions from the study, the researcher presented the following recommendations/ suggestions:

1. viewers of Detective Conan must their time watching the Anime show, not to adapt is adverse influences, and control and handle himself to lessen and avoid experiencing the negative effects.

2. Parents must always there to guide their children in watching Detective Conan and other shows to monitor them whether they are doing the right thing and not performing impermissible acts.

3. Otakus, as super fans of Anime, must control themselves in watching Anime shows and patronizing Anime collectibles and activities to avoid distracting and misdirecting their real lives.

4. Aspiring animators must ensure that if they will make their own Anime, they would aim an Anime that tackles social issues and other stuffs about reality which produces real learning, applicable in real life and have positive contributions to the betterment of the society.

5. Future researchers should design possible research or study regarding the effects of Anime in different genres so that it would be a plausible source of information that viewers could use to have a better knowledge and conceptions which made be used in encountering daily lives and also, the animators could apply in their future Anime creations.

References

- Electronic Media

Gerald E. (2013). Effects of Watching Anime. Retrieved November 14, 2013 from  http://www.studymode.com/essays/Effects-Of-Watching-Anime-1557432.html.

Serdar Y. (n.d.). What Is Anime?. Retrieved November 14, 2013 from  http://anime.about.com/od/animeprimer/a/What-Is-Anime.htm.

Complete list of Anime Genres (with descriptions). Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://anirecs.com/facade/anime-genre-list-with-descriptions.

Elon G. (2007). Japanese Anime Destroying American Society. Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://dailyemerald.com/2007/10/15/japanese-anime-destroying-american-society/.

The Purpose of Anime and Manga Part 1-5. Retrieved November 21, 2013 from http://ghostlightning.wordpress.com/category/comparative/the-purpose-of-anime/.

Kimberly C. (2013). Why Do People Loves Anime So Much?. Retrieved November 21, 2013 from http://cejocokimberly.blogspot.com/.

Deb A. (n.d.). Otaku. Retrieved November 19, 2013 from http://manga.about.com/od/glossary/g/otaku.htm.

Definition of Character. Retrieved November 19, 2013 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/character .

Katherine L. (n.d.). What do you think? Is anime a bad influence?. Retrieved November 26, 2013 from http://anime.about.com/b/2007/10/16/what-do-you-think-is-anime-a-bad-influence.htm.

Lissa N. (2013). 5 - Negative Effects of Anime from Personal Experience. Retrieved December 2, 2013 from http://lissanubla.blogspot.com/2013/02/5-negative-effects-of-anime-from.html.

Melissa G. (2012). Japanese Culture Shown Through Anime. Retrieved December 2, 2013 from http://www.examiner.com/article/japanese-culture-shown-through-anime.

Brian D. (2009). Fun with Manga. Retrieved December 2, 2013 from http://www.skepticblog.org/2009/07/09/fun-with-manga/#more-3180.

The Good Effects of Anime on the Viewer.  Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://www.ehow.com/list_6818727_good-effects-anime-viewers.html.

Definition of Anime. Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anime.

Amy N. (n.d.). The Effects of Anime on Students. Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://www.ehow.com/info_8177537_effects-anime-students.html.

Josephine F. (2009). Violent Japanese Anime and Emotional Understones.  Retrieved December 3, 2013 from http://cartoonviolenceproject.blogspot.com/2009/11/violent-japanese-anime-and-emotional.html.

John W. (n.d.). The Art of Deduction. Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://www.artofdeduction.com/.

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

DISCUSSION

What are the effects of watching Detective Conan, a Japanese Anime, in the society?

Anime, its Origin and Detective Conan as an Anime

        Anime is now considered a recognized form of animation and is very well-known worldwide. The definition of Anime, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary, is a style of animation originating in Japan that is characterized by stark colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes. Anime also includes a lot of genre just like a movie or a book. Popular genres used in Anime shows are action, adventure, science fiction, love/ romance, school life, sports, fantasy, mystery, etc.

        Before proceeding to other information regarding Anime, here is a history of Anime summarized from the article “A Brief History of Anime Primer” by Cosmo P. Justy. Anime rooted in manga, or Japanese comics. Manga were established over hundred years ago and started as pictures drawn on temple walls, then on wooden blocks and finally as woodblock prints with captions gathered in books. As time passed by, the caption had its storylines and became arranged in chronological order. By the early 20th century, manga became the central form of Japanese literature. Due to its important role in Japanese society, manga engaged in all ages were regularly circulated and the span of animated films widened to all age groups. And when television turned out to be a prominent amusement medium in Japan, animation certainly became a big part of the programming roster.

        Beyond this, Anime had pioneered the media industry in different countries including Philippines. One popular Anime show that aired in the Philippine television for many years until now is Detective Conan. Detective Conan is a Japanese Anime based on a hit manga by Gosho Aoyama. It started airing in the Philippines on September 10, 2001 through GMA Network.

        In Detective Conan’s storyline, the most obvious anime genres used are adventure, drama, mystery, thriller and comedy. In terms of adventure genre, Detective Conan deals with a lot of characters affecting the protagonist and exploring new places, and it constructs an extensive plot with the main character having a solid contextual. Next is drama that copes with suspenseful, full of emotions and shocking events. The characters and its storyline are well-developed and this usually touches every viewer’s heart. Then, Detective Conan also includes mystery genre because it keeps the viewers wondering what will happen next and involves a chain of unexplained events that the protagonist encompasses along. Another is thriller genre in which provides the sudden urgency of feelings, exhilaration and excitement that drives audiences on the edge of their seats. Lastly, aside from adventure, drama, mystery and thriller, it also consists of light humor that is achieved through props, character compositions and the design of Japanese language.

        The story revolves around Shinichi Kudo, a 17-year-old high school detective, who helps the police solve complicated cases. When he was investigating, he got attacked by two Black Organization syndicate members and forced him to drink a poison which is APTX 4869 to kill him. But the chemical has a rare side effect that turns him to a 7-year-old boy. To hide his identity, to investigate about the Black Organization and to find the antidote to transform him to his original body, he adopted the name Conan Edogawa. He lives with his friend Ran and her detective father, not knowing that he is Shinichi. Later, Shiho Miyano, creator of APTX 4869, escapes from Black Organization by ingesting the chemical poison. She stays with Dr. Hiroshi Agasa, the one who helps and gives Conan gadgets. She also enrolls to the school where Conan is currently studying.

Purposes of Detective Conan

“Everything happens for a reason.”, a quote from an optimistic person. In similar manner, Detective Conan has purposes why it was made and not just about mere entertainment. Based on five sequential articles about the “Purpose of Anime and Manga” of ghostlightning (author's codename), the researcher had filtered out several purposes which are related to Detective Conan. The numberings are according to the articles where the purposes are derived.

Purpose 001:

To make time stand still so I can relax in a way that my problems matter less in the next half-hour. In watching Detective Conan, viewers can relax and think less about their problems like stopping time for a while.

Purpose 003:

To escape. By watching Detective Conan, people can somehow forget their burdens and can easily escape from complex reality. It is an easiest access to get away from responsibilities and obligations, and relieve themselves for a couple of minutes.

Purpose 004:

To enjoy a side order of characterization with a main course of fan service. With watching Detective Conan, viewers can imagine that they are the protagonist and enable to relate themselves in the situations the character has been experiencing.

Purpose 006:

To feel good about people and about ourselves by extension. Anime such as Detective Conan tackles some social issues that people deal in real life. And by watching Detective Conan, people can somehow feel that they are contributing in solving these issues.

Purpose 008:

To confront our own insecurities in closed spaces where internal problems have external solutions. By means of watching Detective Conan, viewers leave their insecurities by imagining that they are the main character who can do great and admirable things in the Anime.

Purpose 010:

To see a spectacle that cannot be expressed any other way as interestingly except through animation (despite or because of the limitations for it). Animation can convey specific scene that other form of media can not specify. Also, Anime are much interesting than others.

Purpose 011:

To have a warm “kyaaaaa” feeling in your heart when there’s no love in your real life. Detective Conan also features love story of Ran Mori and Shinichi Kudo. By watching such romantic scenes, viewers can feel warmth of love even though they do not have love life.

Purpose 014:

To realize that magic is not the center of the world even though you are supposed to be watching a world with magic. Through watching Detective Conan, we can figure out that life is not easy and perfect. Detective Conan’s storyline includes antagonist and conflicts related to the main character that hinders him to achieve his goals in life.

Effects of Watching Detective Conan

Detective Conan, in its hundreds of episodes, features many things. And from these stuffs include a lot of learning that viewers can get either positive or negative. So, here is the elaboration of effects of watching Detective Conan in various aspects of society.

A.  Negative Effects

1. Behavioral Problems:

 Behavioral problems of some people are due to violence they have witness in Anime shows.  And according to the aticle of Josephine Florenzo entitled “Violent Japanese Anime and Emotional Understones”, the violence shown in Anime shows is presented truthfully and realistic. The emphasis is also on physical suffering and the consequences of violence are highlighted. Detective Conan includes the genre of action and all of the episodes features deaths and physical fights. It is somehow not avoidable that viewers might adapt some violent scenes in that Anime.

2. Low Productivity:

 A blog post of Lisa Nubla entitled “5- Negative Effects of Anime from Personal Experience” discussed about five bad effects of watching Anime from her personal experiences. She stated that the first effect of watching Anime to her is it takes the time allotted to make her assignments. Instead of doing her home works, she chooses to watch Anime. In similar manner, because of addiction to the Anime show Detective Conan, some viewers tend to have low productivity. They become lazy and unproductive due to watching of Anime and sacrificing their important tasks.

B.  Positive Effects

1. Cultural Nuances:

 Japanese culture is rich with periods of exceptional art. Moreover, Japanese language and history are viewed through Anime shows such as Detective Conan. According to Melissa Gromley in her article entitled “Japanese Culture shown through Anime”, Japanese culture was introduced worldwide through Anime shows broadcasted in different countries. There is also an impact of the culture to Anime lovers that indirectly acquired love and appreciation for the culture. Since Detective Conan was originated in Japan, it shows the culture and hidden beauty of Japan and the Japanese way of friendship, love and student’s life that are applicable in real life. Also, viewers can learn and study the language through watching Japanese Anime.

2. Technological Advancement:

Detective Conan features a lot of gadgets such as voice-changing, power-enhancing shoes, glasses modification(microphone), stun-gun wristwatch, detective boys badge, turbo engine skateboard, criminal tracking glasses, elasticity suspenders, button speaker, earring cellphone, wristwatch flashlight, voice-changing face mask  and anywhere ball dispensing belt. According to the term paper made by Gerald Elem entitled “Effects of Watching Anime”, Anime shows present technological advancements that features some future ideas that the society would have in the future. Detective Conan serves as an overview about some future notions on what would take place in the future and what technological progressions can people expect not only in Japan but also in the world.

3. Interest in Art:

An article entitled “The Effects of Anime on Students” mentioned that any individuals interested in Anime pursue an importance in art. Likewise, fans of Detective Conan often draw Anime characters such as Shinichi Kudo, Conan Edogawa and Ran Mori. They are also interested in designing their own Anime characters. By this, it enables them to excel their abilities to draw lifelike drawings. Furthermore, this may inspires some animators to create their own Anime discussing social issues.

4. Social Benefits:

 According to a study of Lawrence Eng, a researcher with a Ph. D. in Science and Technology Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, social interaction is one great positive effect of Anime. To illustrate, Eng said that those people are keen victims of stereotype which casts them as anti-social and unapproachable. Then after becoming an Anime fans, they are instantly accepted by other people who like Anime. Besides, fans of Detective Conan and other Anime unite around the globe by their common interest of Anime. Many meet online and at anime conventions within their country that encourages them to make and wear homemade costumes based on specific Anime characters. By these gatherings, friendships and even marriages are developed through anime fandom.

5. Skepticism:

 From an article entitled “Fun with Manga” by Brian Dunning, some Anime and manga are effective learning tools to learn the context of real world. In the same way, Detective Conan contributes a lot in developing children’s critical thinking abilities. Not to easily believe, be observant and be skeptical about the statements provided and events occurring in the surroundings are some morals that Detective Conan underscores which are helpful to hone viewers' real life knowledge.

6. Power of Deduction:

Deductive reasoning is the rational process of looking for reasons, beliefs, conclusions, actions, or feelings. In daily lives, humans reason at every moment. People try to predict the consequences of activities and deduce as much as possible from perceptions and logic. An article entitled “The Art of Deduction” by John Watson discussed the positive contributions of deductive reasoning in the book Sherlock Holmes. Although the article was based from the book Sherlock Holmes, it is related to Detective Conan since Conan Edogawa’s or Shinichi Kudo’s deductive reasoning skills was derived from Sherlock Holmes’ deductive reasoning skills. And with watching Detective Conan, people can adapt the way Conan Edogawa solves complicated criminal cases and he uses deductive reasoning. By this, reasoning skills can be enhanced and developed to further help human beings survive in the present world and move forward. 

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Anime, or Japanese animation, has been prevalent not only Japan but also across the globe. Japanese has created their own unique styles that become popular in different countries. Mangaka is the artist that draws Anime into manga (comic) drafts. Then, these drafts are rearranged, colored, and synchronized by a hundred of employees. After arranging to chronological order, a Seiyuu (voice actor) will give life to the character (http://www.studymode.com/essays/Effects-Of-Watching-Anime-1557432.html).

Anime is a style of cartoon and animation in Japan. It is not just a simple cartoon but instead, it is mature, complex and broader one. It is really different with other types of animation in many ways in terms of artworks, themes, concepts and storytelling. This is the elaboration about why it is special among any other types of animation: A) Artwork- Anime art styles vary from the showy and extraordinary display to the unswerving, plain and basic. Yet, even the simplest artwork can still be very amazing; everything looks modern and contemporary. B) Storytelling- Anime can run through thousands of episodes within hundreds of series for many years without the story being boring and nonsense. C) Breadth of the material- The wide span and extent of Anime shows offer viewers most of any kind of television or movie Anime series of his/her interest (http://anime.about.com/od/animeprimer/a/What-Is-Anime.htm).

Anime is not a genre itself, but rather includes different kinds of genre within its storyline. Anime shows come about into any number of genres such as: action, adventure, comedy, supernatural, game, historical, horror, love/romance, kiddy, magic, music, science fiction, sports, hentai (Anime pornography), martial arts, ecchi (PG-13 anime includes implied sexual hints), mecca (Anime which includes robots), drama, samurai, slice of life, etc. (http://anirecs.com/facade/anime-genre-list-with-descriptions). All Anime shows have various unique stories and very popular in today's generation.

Filipinos are also hooked to different genres of Anime. Anime shows had dominated the media industry here in the Philippines for the past few years until now. Doraemon, Inu Yasha, Naruto, Fushigi Yuugi, Pokemon, Bleech, Samurai X, Lupin III, Bakugan, Dragon Ball Saga, Knockout, Ghost Fighter, Digimon, Card Captor Sakura and Sailor Moon are some Anime shows that had captivated Filipinos attention. But above all of these Anime shows, there's only one Anime that has stricken Anime fans in the Philippines- Detective Conan.

Detective Conan is a Japanese Anime based on a hit manga by Gosho Aoyama. The GMA Network started to air Detective Conan on September 10, 2001 and it really captured each and every Filipino Anime fans. It is not just an entertainment for all but indeed teaches each and every Filipino, who watches it, morals that are applicable in real life.

On the other hand, in spite of overwhelming number of fans of Anime worldwide, many say that Anime shows are bad for the society. For instance, as from the editorial article of Elon Glucklich posted in Daily Emerald, Glucklich pointed out the issue about the effects of Anime shows on youth and makes some alarming accusation as to the future of our society.

Since there are a lot of studies related to the effects of Anime shows to its viewers focusing into its negative side, this paper would want to clarify things about the effects of Anime particularly Detective Conan as the well-known Anime in the country. This study focuses on the positive effects of Detective Conan to the society outnumbering than its negative effects.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer this question:

1. What are the effects of watching Detective Conan, a Japanese Anime, to the society?

C. Significance of the Study

This study was conducted to meet the needs of the following:

Viewers of Detective Conan. This research would be able to help the viewers of Anime to be aware of the benefits they can get through watching an Anime particularly Detective Conan. In addition, the researcher hopes that upon reading and analyzing this research paper would give them deeper understanding and appreciation about the aforementioned Anime.

Parents. As the main guardian of the viewer/s of Detective Conan, parents would also benefit from this study because they would be oriented on the nature of impacts of Detective Conan to their child. Parents would be knowledgeable and they can easily supervise their child’s reaction regarding anime they have watched. Moreover, the researcher hopes that in giving emphasis to the benefits of watching Detective Conan, parents will encourage their child to watch such Anime.

Otaku. As super fans of Anime, this study would really help them to be aware of both positive and negative effects of watching Anime specifically Detective Conan. In like manner, they would better appreciate the essence of every Anime they are passionately interested with.

Aspiring Filipino Animators. This paper would serve as a motivation for Filipinos who want to make their own Anime. This would aid them to produce an Anime which underscores social issues that would have positive contributions in different aspects of the society for its advancement.

Future Researchers. Knowledge of this study would be very critical and useful for the future researchers for this research paper would serve as their staring point and guide in making similar studies especially there still seems a need for developing ideas concerning both negative and positive effects of Anime such as Detective Conan. Furthermore, behind each Anime episodes of Detective Conan lies important messages to the viewers to understand and apply with their lives; the researcher believes that if future studies would be conducted, utilizing this paper as their source of valuable data and information which was also based on other studies and researches, there might be an increase in watching Anime such as Detective Conan. Likewise, this would also root Filipinos to produce their own-made Anime highlighting moral that yields positive contributions to the betterment of the society.

D. Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on the positive and negative effects of watching Detective Conan. The Japanese Anime Detective Conan have been considered since this specific Anime aired for many years in Philippine television until now.

Due to time constraints, this study will no longer discuss other Anime which aired in Philippine television such as Naruto, Doraemon, Fushigi Yuugi, Pokemon, Bleech, Samurai X, Lupin III, Bakugan, Dragon Ball Saga, Inu Yasha, Knockout, Ghost Fighter, Digimon, Card Captor Sakura, and a lot more. This is to give emphasis on what this paper is really trying to convey and to highlight Detective Conan as the major Anime known in the Philippines due to airing for many years. Moreover, this research paper would focus more on the benefits of Detective Conan rather on its negative effects although both sides are still presented. Besides, the researcher believes that Detective Conan has shaped and influenced its viewers particularly children positively.

E. Materials and Methods

Anime captured each and every people’s attention around the world. A lot of people, studies and articles stated that Anime shows are generally bad. And because of this certain perception, this research paper intends to clarify concepts about the effects of Anime particularly Detective Conan. This paper would discuss both positive and negative effects but would focus more on its benefits. The approach to be used by the researcher is evaluating and clarifying misconceptions. This method is suitable for this study since the researcher would want to explain that Detective Conan has more positive effects than negative.

Information that is relevant to this study was garnered from huge pile of sources such as blogs, dissertations and articles from different authors online. In considering these facts, it will undergo some comprehensive evaluation.

F. Definition of Terms

To further understand the content of this research paper, here are some of the words you may encounter as you read this study:

Animation. The process of creating and photographing successive drawings and computer graphics slightly different to each other to form movements and series of actions.

Anime. In Japan, refers to any and all animation style. Outside Japan, it is a word for all animation originated in Japan.

Cartoon. A two- dimensional art using animation techniques to photograph a sequence of drawings.

Character. A person depicted or portrayed in the flow of story.

Culture. A system of knowledge, traditions, beliefs, values, attitudes and symbols acquired and shared by group of people.

Effects. A result, outcome or consequence from actions or decisions made.

Society. A group or organization of people sharing one culture.

Otaku. A person who is passionately interested often to the point of being obsessive on Japanese comics, animated TV shows, movies, toys and video games.

Viewers. A person who watches or looks at something.