"I’m always surprised by how young the main characters are supposed to be in animes and managas. Naruto is 13? Ash (from Pokemon) is 10? What?
It leads to some funny discussions on the internet when people who are usually into anime tries to figure out how old characters from western animations/games/whatever are. Too many seem to think that Sniper from TF2 http://www.teamfortress.com/sniper.htm is in his 20’s. :XD:
As a wise Japanese man once said, “If you haven’t saved the world at the age of 14, you’re just not trying”
Sauce: https://satwcomic.com/child-s-play
Keep in mind this comic is 16 years old when it comes to a particular word at the end.
I feel like that somewhat changed over time. Today there seem to be more anime targeted at adults. Although there are probably a lot more in total, so maybe I’m just biased
Honestly even in things targetted at adults, the overwhelming majority of it caps at high school aged characters. I think that’s just partly the last time they are, psudo free before getting sucked into the work machine
I believe it’s also because they have more room for growth and initial flaws as they are still figuring out themself and the world.
Netflix figured out this too.
I don’t know if it’s just that the volume of anime is increasing, I’m seeking it out more, the localization is not as geared to a younger audience, or my perception of what is for adults has changed, but I otherwise agree with you.