American cartoons in Japan

[Cocochin]

Hi. First time poster. ^_^

This is a question I've been pondering for a long time.

Oftentimes, people say that anime is better subbed than dubbed, as in, the anime is unchanged other than the added English subtitles. The script is translated as roughly as possible to keep the story pure.

My question: What do they do with American cartoons that are imported to Japan? I assume they're dubbed for television. But what happens? Is the translation rough, with no added dialogue or cut scenes, or is it changed for the culture? Also, do Japanese American cartoon loves usually prefer their cartoons subbed or dubbed?

I assume only Japanese speaking people or people who went to Japan at one time would know, so ideas are welcome.

Thanks! ^_^

[DynastyxFell]

Hmmm...Interesting topic. Since, sadly, I've never been to Japan nor can I speak more than a few words of Japanese, I can't give you a real answer. But, I'm sure, they would like their cartoons to stay as pure to the story as possible.

[Fabala]

I prefer subs due to the seiyuu, actually. I know the dubbed script can be quite accurate against the original, all things considered.

Not living in Japan or speaking Japanese, all I can tell you is that I've seen seiyuu listed as voicing various American cartoon characters (Simpsons, etc.), so I know at least some ARE dubbed. Whether all are, or whether they are also subbed is another story.

[♣HappyGoLucky♣]

Your right i had never thought of it that way I guess they would just dubb it and who would like american cartoons there really weird and some or just stupid!

[Neko Kira]

GAH american cartoons are terrible. i dought the Japanese even want to watch them!
(sry my odd opinion, you can ignor it please ^.^)

[Cocochin]

Actually, very popular cartoons such as Spongebob and The Simpsons indeed make it to Japan.

In the Middle East, 'Homer Simpson' is 'Omar Shamshoon'. But he doesn't drink or eat pork.

[DOOM!]

No, some american cartoons are really good. Even the japanese can get tired of their own aime all-day.
Spongebob is NOT a good cartoon. It was exported to other countries by MISTAKE.
Personally, i choose subtitles for everything.

[Fabala]

I think what's good and is not good can be left to personal opinion. I like Spongebob. Plus I have a soft spot for it because the creator is from around here by me.

[MistressPookyChan]

In Japan, most American cartoons are dubbed. For example, if you go to the movie theater, there will often have an animated movie on 2 different screens: one dubbed and one subbed. I think my local movie theater only has subbed animated movies on in the evenings.

On TV, there are A LOT of American cartoons. We have satellite, and on there we get the disney channel and nickelodeon. All of the cartoons are dubbed, but they also have a setting where you can put it to it's original language. Spongebob is INSANELY popular here now. But I've recently seen Rocko's Modern Life, Rugrats, and all other of the usual Nickelodeon cartoons in Japanese.

As for the translation, it's pretty spot on. The slang is a little quirky, but it's not so bad.

[annie14892]

Actually, very popular cartoons such as Spongebob and The Simpsons indeed make it to Japan.

In the Middle East, 'Homer Simpson' is 'Omar Shamshoon'. But he doesn't drink or eat pork.

'Omar Shamshoon' Hahahahahahahaha.That's funny!

If he doesn't drink or eat pork..theres nothing funny about the cartoon anymore..I mean the guy's practically stupid over beer. What's the point of those people watching it if homer's normal and not fat..Kills the funny part of the story..

[silly_uchiha]

I've wondered about this myself for ages! I think it's great that they offer stuff subbed. That'd be awesome here.

[Fabala]

In Japan, most American cartoons are dubbed. For example, if you go to the movie theater, there will often have an animated movie on 2 different screens: one dubbed and one subbed. I think my local movie theater only has subbed animated movies on in the evenings.

On TV, there are A LOT of American cartoons. We have satellite, and on there we get the disney channel and nickelodeon. All of the cartoons are dubbed, but they also have a setting where you can put it to it's original language. Spongebob is INSANELY popular here now. But I've recently seen Rocko's Modern Life, Rugrats, and all other of the usual Nickelodeon cartoons in Japanese.

As for the translation, it's pretty spot on. The slang is a little quirky, but it's not so bad.

Rocko? Oh awesome! I love that show ^^

There's something so charming about Spongebob. My mum was asking the other day why my brother, two sisters, and I all like it. I really couldn't tell her for sure, apart from it being "fun" and "simple." *shrugs*

[Ollie]

Nightmares like this happen.