UlasanAnime.com – The concept of an anime backlog, often humorously declared by fans as an insurmountable mountain of downloaded series, is a familiar one. For many, it’s as natural as breathing or enjoying a slice of cake, a casual observation rather than a pressing issue.
While the sentiment of having a backlog might elicit a knowing nod or an eye-roll, my own experience with this phenomenon is perhaps not entirely dissimilar. I typically have a few series I intend to watch, alongside a collection of shrink-wrapped DVDs waiting to be shared. The key distinction, however, lies in my active avoidance of starting shows I know I won’t be able to complete. This often means I might miss out on titles like Saiunkoku Monogatari, primarily because the common descriptions – be it “josei,” “shoujo,” “strong female characters,” or the “historic China motif” – don’t quite resonate with my viewing preferences. Curiously, after catching an episode, I discovered the presence of Ryo Kunihiko, Houko Kuwashima, Tomokazu Seki, and Hikaru Midorikawa, which might just prompt its inclusion in my watch queue.
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However, the focus of this discussion isn’t my personal backlog. Instead, I aim to advocate for a reduction, or at least a more mindful approach, to your own backlog. This involves a conscious decision to refrain from watching everything and to limit what you acquire. For those whose backlog consists of physical media they simply wish to own, like my extensive DVD collection, this particular advice may not apply, as the desire is for ownership rather than consumption.
I believe there’s significant value in being selective about what you watch. Anime, as a hobby, can easily lead to burnout. A significant contributing factor, in my opinion, is the inherent similarity found across many anime series, where originality often extends only to superficial elements. After watching just a couple of episodes, it’s frequently possible to grasp the show’s core premise and identify its defining characteristics. This is a primary reason why I largely stopped watching shonen fight-type shows once I felt I had experienced enough of the genre’s initial appeal.
Conversely, the unique aspects of certain shows lie in their narrative progression or the intricate development of their characters into formidable forces. Titles like Initial D and One Piece come to mind; the former is a thrilling ride, while the latter boasts a sprawling universe of characters and plotlines akin to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These, however, don’t necessarily contribute to a “backlog” in the same way. One can often glean enough information from synopses and discussions with others to avoid missing crucial plot points, effectively reducing a backlog of ten or more episodes to almost nothing in a short time. While this might not offer the same immersive experience as following a series cliffhanger by cliffhanger, it’s a practical approach. For those who prefer marathoning, this method is even less impactful. A friend of mine, for instance, liberally uses the fast-forward feature, which is hardly an issue when watching subtitled content.
Employing these strategies can allow you to “deconstruct” or “skim” approximately half of the anime currently airing at any given time. What’s more concerning is that, with sufficient context, one can often accurately predict the plot developments in these shows without watching every specific episode. This leaves us with the remaining half of airing anime that are not easily deconstructed. It’s my hope that perhaps two-thirds of this remaining portion are shows you wouldn’t be interested in watching in the first place, thereby narrowing down your viewing list to a manageable level. If you find yourself watching nearly half of everything that airs, this might not be a comforting thought. It’s important to remember that enjoying everything indiscriminately can indicate a lack of discernment. While having no particular taste isn’t inherently bad, it can be a detriment. Therefore, be selective; it cultivates a more refined appreciation.
There’s also the aspect of copyright infringement to consider. Watching fewer fansubs can sometimes be beneficial. While we may feel entitled to immediate access, it’s crucial to recognize that even local Japanese audiences often don’t receive the same treatment, as many anime are only available through cable or satellite, or air later than their initial broadcast in various regions. Having your favorite fansubbed anime available just two days after its initial air date represents a form of entitlement that is rarely, if ever, achievable through legitimate means.
However, this isn’t the most rational argument. A more compelling reason is that accumulating a “fansub” backlog invariably means dedicating all your available free time to watching anime. This leaves little room for the incentive to purchase and support local anime initiatives. It’s not necessarily about keeping downloaded fansubs as a substitute for paid content (I, for example, delete most of my fansubs after viewing, with a few exceptions). Rather, it’s about allowing the thought, “I’ve already seen this, so I’ll think twice about buying it,” to interfere. I believe this is generally not a significant issue as long as commercial entities are willing to cater to the needs of fansub enthusiasts with subsequent releases.
Nevertheless, a growing divide is emerging between those who are entirely disengaged from local, domestic anime scenes and the majority of fans cultivated by these domestic efforts. This can be better characterized as an elitist chasm. While this is currently a more pronounced issue in North America, its future trajectory remains uncertain. Although this concern is primarily from a generalized perspective and may not resonate with many individuals, the underlying sentiment is present.
As counterintuitive as it may seem to advise people to watch less anime, that is precisely my suggestion. I believe individuals are aware of their limitations, and it’s beneficial to identify those boundaries and refrain from exceeding what brings genuine enjoyment. There is certainly no need to stress about your backlog. Perhaps that is the core of my message: valuable experiences are best savored in moderation.
