Are Japanese shows really that weird?
 

we see shows like FLCL and Bobobo and think they are wierd. But aren't we the same nation that created Ren & Stimpy, ATHF, and 12oz mouse. No matter what you think about those types of shows you have to notice the simularities

FLCL and Bobobo would probably be just as weird had they evolved in North America because they were going for that when they created them - prehaps they are more strange because it's another culture's idea of how to create strangeness.

Well, from what I've seen on international television, they can be unusual yes, but not weird. It's just due to cultureal bias really.

I lived in Japan for a year and I would have to say no, not really. I live now in Germany and can tell you that many people think I am strange when i try to explain American shows like 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' or 'Fear Factor'. Not only that but most of the ''weird'' shows are shown after midnight anyway, which is something most people outside of Japan don't know, otherwise their television is just like ours(they even have some American shows), it just seems weird from our perspective.

Edit: I know this is about animation but in Germany they have more anime than in America so I never had the chance to talk to anyone about it, that is why i used live action shows as an example.

Heh.

No. They're weirder.

Well I don't know much about anime, but cartoons don't get much more bizarre than stuff like Spongebob or Billy and Mandy. I haven't watched cartoons in years, and for a good reason: *fanfare* the weirdness factor.

Seriously, most stuff American kids watch is pretty messed up, when you think about it. I mean... a walking talking dish sponge? Am I missing something here?

Yes, they are that weird.

http://www.youtube.com/w/Toei-Spider...derMan%20movie

Why does Spider-man have a wrist bracelet that controls a car/spaceship/robot?

There were plenty of shows like that, the fact that they used Spiderman as the basis for a character is somewhat... different - but i'd probably watch it.

I remember there was a show where a ninja had powers of the spider that was on in the early 70's - historical fiction types which I adore.

For weirdness to exist, there must be a steady public willing to watch and consume it... for what other reason would someone create a yellow talking sponge? Somebody has to like those things...