Shonen demographic misconception

[themistermanguy]

There's a misconception when it comes to shonen anime among fans in the US. People seem to think that because Bleach has blood, swearing, and innuendo, that means its for older teens young adults. This is false. Shonen is basically the young boy demographic, meaning Tween and teen boys ages 10-18. Bleach despite airing on Adult Swim, is actually a tweens show in japan. The thing is, the Japanese are less strict with youth content than America. So what may be G rated content in Japan, is most likely PG here, and whats PG in japan may be PG-13 here. Look at most game adaptations of Shonen anime, they usually get a CERO A or B ratings in Japan, which are the family and tween ratings. And they usually get an E10+ or T in the states. Besides, alot of shonen anime get censorship on japanese TV as well.

Now enjoying something aimed at a younger audience is nothing taboo, look at good kids shows in the states. And there are plenty of shonen that tackle mature themes and/or are more for the older end (like FMA) But that doesn't change the fact you are watching something aimed kids as young as 10. And not all shonen are 300 episode long fighting shows with stalling and filler, ever saw Azumanga Daioh? Also, blood and violence is hardly mature content IMO.

 

[Super Cyborg]

I think it comes down to the fact that there are people who don't like the idea that the entertainment they like is aimed for a younger audience then they are, or that they want to be seen as more mature, so they will argue that what they watch is more mature. A lot of times people don't understand what the different terms are. Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece are Shonen because of the age and gender demographic they are trying to appeal for. There are elements that might be more common in Shonen compared to Seinnen and others, but it just comes down to people trying to categorize things.