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Androids and Robots - A genre in which there are androids (human appearing thinking machines) or robots (machines with artificial intelligence) in the world. They are usually the good guys. The series shows the world around them through their perceptions as they journey through the world, usually striving to become more human. These tend towards being light comedy.
Cyborgs - A genre in which there are cyborgs (humans enhanced with machine parts or humans who have been biogenetically enhanced) exist in the world. The cyborgs usually are the bad guys whom the good guys (who may also be cyborgs) fight to save the world. These tend towards being fighting, war, battles and conflict.
Ecchi (written 'H') - A Japanese word for 'Lecherous', 'Lustful' or 'Dirty'. Usually used by fans to refer to anime and related art of an adult nature (ie softcore eroticism). Properly written 'H' and pronounced 'Ecchi' in Japanese. For reference, the connotation of 'Hentai' in Japanese is closer to the English 'deviant' or 'pervert', while 'Ecchi' is more like 'Lecherous', 'Lustful' or 'Dirty', and generally milder.
Fan Service - Contains material to titillate adolescent male fans. The most common form being pose shots of female characters. Examples include shower or bath scenes that usually have little to do with the advancement of the story but seem to be generally appreciated by the fans.
Fun - This is anime made simply because the producers thought it would be fun to do. Tends to be high energy, humourous stuff. It might not have much depth, but a bit of flash and pace can make a nice change now and then.
Harem - This is partly a genre, partly a formula and partly a recognition of the young male anime audience. The important element is that there is one male, generally shy and reserved around females, who finds himself suddenly at the center of a story involving multiple females who have a tendency towards being extremely cute and sexy.
Idol Singer - The Japanese version of the 'manufactured' and short lived popstar.
Kodomo - This is material intended for children.
Magic Warrior - The genre grouping for super-powered warriors.
Magical Girl (Mahou Shoujo) - A genre directed toward younger (preteen) female viewers, and based around a normal young schoolgirl or group of schoolgirls who are suddenly called upon, or forced into, using their special powers for the protection of peace, goodness and generally saving the world. She usually has some kind of magic powers and a transformation sequence. These powers are normally 'secret', so that her normal life, while challenged, continues alongside.
Mecha (pronounced 'Meh-ka') - From the Japanese word for mechanical, Meka. They generally refer to the mechanical vehicles that appear in anime but can also refer to the weapons, vehicles, robots, etc. They are usually individually piloted powered suits (Bubblegum Crisis) or vehicles (Mobile Suit Gundam, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Robotech).
Seinen - This is anime aimed at a male, college aged, audience. It tends to have a firm basis in reality even if the content is rich in fantasy.
Shoujo - A style of artwork and story created for an audience of young girls. They are characterized by plots that focus on emotions and relationships, with art that tends toward the florid using lanky characters and rather effeminate (but always attractive) men.
Sport - A popular genre in Japan telling the human story behind the effort, training, dedication and competition.
Tokusatsu - Special-effects. Tokusatsu is used to describe a category of live action super-hero shows (Sentai) and giant monster movies.
Parody - This is anime that includes an element of making fun of the real world, which might also include making fun of anime and anime viewers.
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