Analytical Otaku

I’ve been watching Shakugan no Shana, because I was curious about why the show was so popular. After much investigation, I have a startling deduction. People like Shana. Why? Because tsundere. There is something about those grumpy little lolis that drive people crazy (in the best way possible). I like ‘em too, as they are a far more compelling romantic lead than the usual hopelessly insecure high school girl. But why are tsunderes so fun to watch? After many hours of psychoanalysis (ie me sitting on my bed having a Toradora marathon) I have developed a theory. Tsunderes are popular because they are the perfect combination of hard-to-get, emotionally fragile, and flattering.

People like a challenge. It validates your existence when you do something that ordinary people can’t. So the idea of a tsundere, or someone who is not normally cold, suddenly being torn by their emotions, is captivating. Being in a relationship is hard enough. But winning over a tsundere is like completing a marathon with one leg tied to spare tire. It’s not something the average mortal can do.

But in a nice little paradox, most tsunderes are emotionally fragile, which means that they would be easy to be in a relationship with. Like Shana, who emotionally withdraws because she doesn’t know how to handle her own emotions, tsunderes are a “go at your own pace” romance. Tsunderes are too stubborn to admit they like someone and enter a relationship. At the same time, they immaturely refuse to let someone go. This leads to a sort of push and pull, a sweet-spot of noncommittal love. The merry-go-round of emotion means that a relationship with a tsundere can continue indefinitely without ever being constricting or binding. They aren’t ready to completely commit to a relationship, so why should you?

 But let’s not forget the most important aspect of any hypothetical relationship: they make you feel good about yourself. Tsunderes are usually tough, hardened people. Like the ferocious Palmtop Tiger from Toradora, they are quick to judge and condemn. But their special someone magically makes them melt into a pile of squishy goo. Surely someone capable of such a marvelous feat must be amazing! Either that or the designated male-lead. But the fact remains that tsunderes are flattering because their love is so begrudgingly given.

It would be an oversimplification to say this is a complete analysis of what makes tsunderes the go-to for romantic leads. There are a wealth of other factors out there. However, you can’t deny that there is something so psychologically satisfying about the love-hate dynamic. So if you can’t get enough tsundere, have some recommended viewing:

Zero no Tsukaima

Toradora!

Lovely Complex

Hayate the Combat Butler

Hidan no Aria

Pandora Hearts

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Full Metal Panic

And if you liked this post, check out my other articles!

How to Get Your Friends Addicted to Anime: Spread the joy of anime!

Shounen: Soft-core Porn for Girls: An explanation of why shounen is so popular with the ladies.

In Defense of Vocaloids: A series of posts about why Vocaloids are so dang awesome.

Oh, and if you want to make me really happy, check out my novel, Peter Pays Tribute. You can get it for free with the coupon code YP65T.

Have you ever noticed that there are a ton of squeaky fangirls in love with shounen series like Naruto, Bleach, and Ao no Exorcist? In fact, there are more pubescent girl rooting for team SasuNaru than team Kyo nowadays. According to Google search, SasuNaru generates 2,610,000 hits while everyone’s favorite anime ginger only has 2,300,000 hits.

Why is this? Because shounen is soft-core porn for girls. You have a bunch of bishounen getting all sweaty and (accidentally) ripping each other’s clothes off. You have heart-rending oaths of revenge, manly tears, anguished declarations of resolve. And don’t forget the heavy bromance (you see two guys hanging out, a fangirl sees undercover-lovers). Shounen perfectly caters to what girls want in their anime.

I’ve met more giggle-happy girls infatuated with shounen that shoujo. How does that make sense? Shoujo is marketed towards girls. And therein lies the problem. You see, most shoujo anime makes one fatal flaw: they have a female protagonist. It’s not that the chick has the spotlight; it’s that the chick is generic, uninteresting and aggravating. Much like harem-anime and H-games, the lead in shoujo romances is there as an audience surrogate. She’s supposed to have as little personality or influence as possible so that the women watching can filter her out and insert themselves in.

Most girls are intelligent enough to intuitively understand that shounen skips that annoying middle step. They can ogle all the swirly-haired boy-goodness they want without putting up with a worthless protagonist.

So here is my challenge to the anime industry: come up with main characters who don’t suck. If you’re going to make a romance story, then make your lead an actual person. You know, someone who influences the plot and has strengths and weaknesses and all that. The key to romance is chemistry, and you can’t have chemistry with a cardboard cutout.