Q: What is the ‘shoujo’ and how does it often function in anime?
A: Cavallaro (2006) defines shoujo as a term that plainly means “little female.” Metaphorically speaking it can also depict “the transitional stage between infancy and maturity, and its admixture of sexlessness and budding eroticism.” In terms of its use in Japanese animation (anime) shoujo is mostly alluring the sense of “stories [that] are serenely dreamy…bathed in an atmosphere of magic and wonder” that is admired by its readership of girls because of its ‘cuteness’ but also Japanese men. Other anime such as the popular ‘Princess Mononoke’ by Miyazaki uses shoujo however with its own twist if you like. Miyazaki’s approach presents his characters with abilities such as active courage that breaks shoujo simple characteristics; instead Miyazaki’s works are described as “youths wearing shoujo masks.”
Reference
Cavallaro, D.(2006)The Anime Art of Hayao Miyazaki. London: McFarland & Company.
I feel you could have put more in, but it was very straightforward. Your own words or devleopign on it could been more useful, otherwise good :)
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