The Influence of Japanese Anime Movies on the Consciousness of the Arab Child

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze how Japanese anime films affect the awareness and behavior of Arab children by examining the values, symbols, and practices depicted in these films. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire was administered to 109 media professors in the United Arab Emirates, and the data was processed using a quantitative descriptive research design. The study found that Japanese anime films establish different values, including sensory, fictional, moral, and cultural values, all of which can impact the Arab child. The moral significance was found to be 1.983, indicating a strong probability that the audience's imitation of what is seen through Japanese anime can reflect on their behavior, with a probability of adopting the same behavior seen in heroes and main characters at 1.96. Based on these findings, it is recommended that parents, teachers, and policymakers closely monitor the media content that children see and limit their exposure to messages that might encourage negative behavior. Producers of children's programs should uphold social responsibility, focus on protecting Arab culture, and integrate successful international production models to preserve the identity and culture of Arab children. Additionally, it is essential for children's media to maintain cultural values and identities while incorporating new and exciting visual techniques and effects. Specific recommendations could include monitoring children's media consumption, advocating for more culturally sensitive programming, or promoting media literacy education for children and their families. Keywords: Japanese anime films, Arab children, Values, Imitation, Cultural identity.