Indeed, almost no other form of entertain­ ment has been as persistently and ground­ lessly imputed a particular content as animated films. They are only for children or, if by Disney, they might make it as family films. Correspondingly, most of the series and films shown in Germany are hardly interesting for adults. Hence, it is no surprise that a growing number of people interested in animated films are focusing on Japan where works are produced for groups of all ages and interests. In Japan, "anime" stands for all varieties of animation, and yet internationally it designates specifically Japanese cartoons. Ever since "Akira" was screened in German cinemas in 1991, anime has become a widespread cliché of Japan and vogue word in the media; nevertheless, acquired visual habits still play nasty tricks on journalists, making them produce the strangest interpretations and criticisms. More over, most anime works find their way to Germany via America, and many have been shortened and cheaply synchronised. The films imported are those that can be sold and not what is successful in Japan. Hence, children's series are all we can see on television, and the meagre choice of videos on sale is limited to a few genres and caters to existing niches instead of addressing a wider audience.