Anime-Exclusive Genres Explained

First time or newly interested anime fans may find themselves at a loss when faced with some of the names of popular anime genres since they’re less obvious than standard terms like “Adventure” or “Fantasy.” There are, of course, anime that fall into standard genres, but there are also several categories that you won’t likely encounter being referenced outside of the anime world. While many of these genres have been around for a long time, it is still useful for anime veterans to refresh themselves on some of these terms as well, since the state of anime and entertainment culture is always changing!

Genres:

Isekai: Isekai is a genre that tells the story of someone who is transported to another world. Isekai usually also falls into Fantasy and Adventure genres, since most of these characters are dropped in fantastical worlds with magic and monsters. Some of the most popular Isekai anime include *No Game No Life, [Re:Zero](https://myanimelist.net/anime/31240/Re_Zero_kara_Hajimeru_Isekai_Seikatsu), and [KonoSuba](https://myanimelist.net/anime/30831/Kono_Subarashii_Sekai_ni_Shukufuku_wo).*

Iyashikei: Iyashikei anime don’t have any specific storytelling trope that they follow, and are instead characterized by an overall atmosphere or vibe. They are meant to trigger an emotional “healing” (iyashi 癒し) in the viewer, and so they typically have gentle soundtracks and wholesome stories. Some of the most popular Iyashikei anime include *Mushishi, [March Comes in Like a Lion](https://myanimelist.net/anime/31646/3-gatsu_no_Lion), and [Barakamon](https://myanimelist.net/anime/22789/Barakamon).*

Mahou Shoujo: Mahou Shoujo literally means “magical girl” and these anime follow stories of young women who have somehow acquired magical powers. Typically, they use these powers to fight evil and save the world from destruction by a powerful enemy. Traditionally, Mahou Shoujo anime was primarily made for young, school-age girls, but for the past 15-or-so years many Magical Girl anime have been addressing more mature topics and have seen an increase in age ratings. Some of the most popular mahou shoujo anime include *Madoka Magica, [Cardcaptor Sakura](https://myanimelist.net/anime/232/Cardcaptor_Sakura), and [Sailor Moon](https://myanimelist.net/anime/530/Bishoujo_Senshi_Sailor_Moon)*.

Ecchi: Ecchi is used to refer to anime that use sexual themes in a playful and comedic way. Anime in this genre usually provide generous fanservice and poke fun at their characters’ sexual lives. Some of the most popular ecchi anime include *Kill la Kill, [Food Wars](https://myanimelist.net/anime/18679/Kill_la_Kill), and [High School of the Dead](https://myanimelist.net/anime/18679/Kill_la_Kill).*

CGDCT: CGDCT is a term that has more recently popped up in anime culture and stands for “Cute Girls Doing Cute Things.” This genre often overlaps with others like Iyashikei or Mahou Shoujo, but they usually feature an all-girl cast of characters. Some of the most popular CGDCT anime include *K-On!, [Lucky Star](https://myanimelist.net/anime/1887/Lucky%E2%98%86Star), and [A Place Further Than the Universe](https://myanimelist.net/anime/35839/Sora_yori_mo_Tooi_Basho).*

Lastly, there are several terms that are used to identify anime that have been falsely labeled as genres, when in reality, they refer to the demographic of viewers that the anime is marketed to. These include Josei, Seinen, Shoujo, and Shounen.

Demographics:

Shoujo: Shoujo anime is marketed towards young, school-aged girls. Typically, these stories involve themes like friendship, school life, first love, and drama. Some of the most popular Shoujo anime include *Kaichou wa Maid-sama, [Ouran High School Host Club](https://myanimelist.net/anime/853/Ouran_Koukou_Host_Club), and [My Little Monster](https://myanimelist.net/anime/14227/Tonari_no_Kaibutsu-kun).*

Shounen: Shounen anime is marketed towards young, school-age boys. Shounen features high-action stories with common themes being adventure, suspense, superheroes, and comedy. Some of the most popular Shounen anime include *Attack on Titan, Death Note, and [Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood](https://myanimelist.net/anime/5114/Fullmetal_Alchemist__Brotherhood).*

Josei: Josei is anime and manga that is marketed to adult women. Usually you will find drama, romance, and deeply emotional journeys in this category, paired with topics and themes that may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Some of the most popular Josei anime include *Kids on the Slope, [Amnesia](https://myanimelist.net/anime/15085/Amnesia), and [Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinju](https://myanimelist.net/anime/28735/Shouwa_Genroku_Rakugo_Shinjuu).*

Seinen: Seinen anime is marketed towards adult men. Within this category, you will find more action, adventure, superheroes, and the like, but this time those stories will also be accompanied by more mature themes that may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Some of the most popular Seinen anime include One Punch Man, *Tokyo Ghoul, and [ERASED](https://myanimelist.net/anime/31043/Boku_dake_ga_Inai_Machi)*.