Categories:Themes:School Life

Since a large part of the anime audience still takes part in school life or is visiting college, it is only natural to choose a setting the audience can identify with, be it elementary, middle, or high school. For the older viewers a college setting with more mature real-life problems is appropriate. And since clubs take up so much time in the lives of students, these are obviously also important.

Subcategories

Clubs

Even though school clubs in Japan are not mandatory, there is some pressure from the social grid (e.g. fellow students, teachers) to participate in some kind of after-school activity, be it in sports or arts. Colleges also have clubs.

As a comedy element in anime, some students have joined too many clubs, and are thus constantly stressed out. There is also the element of social commentary, making it clear that you have to join a club, if you want to be part of the class. Since self-founded clubs need at least 3 members, the desperate search and advertising for new members can be cause for hilarity in anime.

Examples: Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (high school), Genshiken (college)

College

Since the students are typically at least eighteen years old, with stories covering mature everyday life topics, you will find the college setting quite often in seinen and josei anime.

The 3rd year high school students will prepare diligently - even visiting cram school (or juku) - for the nationally standardized entrance exam to get into a prestigious college or university. Failing the entrance exam, with the subsequent attempt to make it the next time, is also a recurring anime plot.

Examples: Genshiken (seinen), Hachimitsu to Clover (josei)

Delinquents

Every school has them, but not all anime with school setting make delinquents a central topic. There are several versions of these delinquents, though some are grounded on a misunderstanding:

• The student with a really bad image and attitude, based on his real criminal actions outside of the school (e.g. he is a member of a biker gang), and is even feared by teachers.
• The primitive "class bully" that pushes around ("clobbers") his classmates for no apparent reason, possibly extorting lunch money.
• The student with an sinister complexion or "evil eye", but is actually a "good" student (unfoundedly feared character).
• The rebellious student, who does not care for studying, but is otherwise docile. Called a "delinquent" as a joke.

Examples: Ikkitousen: Dragon Destiny, Gantz

Elementary School

The primary education (compulsory in Japan) covers the first six grades. The students are typically six to twelve years old.

The small size and energetic / playful attics of the young students make the comedic appeal and cuteness of super deformed "older" characters superfluous. Hilarity ensues when seemingly innocent children comment on the worlds troubles in a sarcastic adult way. Huge potential for heart-warming anime!

Example: Crayon Shin-chan

High School

The upper-secondary education (not compulsory in Japan) covers the grades ten, eleven, and twelve. The students are typically fifteen to eighteen years old.

Anime centre on High School settings predominately: Plot/story-wise the coming of age is of interest - the students are almost adults (their bodies have matured, see ecchi anime) with more earnest, real-life problems.

Examples: Toradora!, Azumanga Daiou, School Days

Middle School

Also referred to as junior high school (or lower-secondary education; compulsory in Japan) covers the grades seven, eight, and nine. The students are typically twelve to fifteen years old.

Anime with school setting centre on Middle School students when younger, possibly more naive and 'innocent' (less worldly wise) characters are required.

Examples: Potemayo, Happy Seven: The TV Manga