Look at the various articles on Wikipedia. You will find a lot of valuable information about the story lines and history.

My advice, think/look faster than you usually do. They seem to me to be speeded up.

What is your main goal in understanding it better? Do you want to know what interests her in anime? Do you want to bond with her by watching it, too? Are you concerned that maybe she is watching something unwholesome for her?

I have watched anime since I was a toddler and read manga since I was in middle school. My parents don’t “get it” and I can’t really imagine them ever sitting down to watch it. They did not, however, interfere with my interests and kept tabs on what series I was interested in so they could get me new volumes as gifts. I appreciated that even though they found it “weird” that they allowed me to maintain my hobby.

So what is it that you want to know, and why? Have you tried asking her about it?

You could start by watching it.

How? I would say the best way would be to watch some and get into it. If you need to, watch some of the more mature animes first and get a feel for what this art form is capable of. Then you can apprecaite, perhaps, how some of hte more childish animes are constructed for kids.

Mind you, some of the adult stuff might turn you off anime all together. Ha. But it shouldn’t.

Also, SfDebris has a great 12 part review of Madoka Magica, all done from the perspective of someone who does not watch Anime.

My kids watch/read anime. Some series are much more kid friendly than others, and some are rather raunchy. I’ll talk to my girls (who are now grown) and let you know.

Watch them with her and ask her to explain what you don’t understand. Ask her what she likes about them.

You could try some of the more mainstream anime movies. I recommend-

Princess Mononoke
Spirited Away
Akira
Ghost in the Shell
Vampire Hunter D
Perfect Blue

All of these have interesting stories, decent English dubbing (if you don’t want to read subtitles), and avoid the epilepsy – inducing flashing. My husband enjoyed all of these, and he’s not an anime fan.

Try not to understand it too much. It will take time to learn Japanese customs and such. Watch it and learn by watching. Enjoy the art that it is!

anime is something no one understands , it just happens , best not to watch it , just be one of her supporters and accept it , but make sure she doesn’t watch ‘bad’ things :3

My daughter lives in Japan and speaks Japanese. I asked her this question, and this is her answer: “I would recommend anything directed by Hayao Miazaki. He’s the Walt Disney of Japan.” She also mentioned that some of the other animes can be pretty raunchy, with lots of very mature topics.

Thank you all for your responses, they have been very helpful

Try watching English dubbed animes and remember the cultural differences, Watch with your daughter when any bath scenes come up or nudity and violence. be sure you can comfortably answer any questions she has.