Although I have almost given up on discussing the real meaning of moe, I disagree with gaguri about the importance of having a definition. Without it, moe means nothing more than “turns me on.” For the record, I agree almost completely with Akamatsu Ken’s definition — which emphasizes that the object of moe feeling must seem vulnerable in some way — except that there is indeed a sexual aspect to moe, which he denies. But if people are using the word however they want, and they are, then talking about moe at all becomes just about impossible.

Sorry if I’ve proved less than thoughtful this time around.

Well briefly ignoring infinte dissertations on what moe REALLY is (which I have zero interest in)

Why is that, because no one will ever be able to come up with a proper definition? It might be a futile exercise, but I still think it’s (occasionally) worth discussing.

It’s not that I have a discrimination against moe anime, but unfortunately there are just too much anime out there trying to rely on moe for everything. But I believe eventually, gems will come to find its way to the people who appreciates them.

I kinda think one of the ways this is going to come about is when more series take a leaf from Higurashi’s book and actually use moe as a practical addition to the story, rather than just an aesthetic to draw in the usual crowd of otaku. How this is going to happen, I’m not sure. Writers need to be more creative.

@A.H.

Let’s put it this way: I agree that Higurashi makes great use of its moe elements overall, for several of the previously mentioned reasons, but there are still some more or less unnecessary scenes that, outside of reinforcing the already existing contrast, could also be removed with relatively little effect.

Yeah, probably. Take a bit of moe out of Higurashi, and probably little changes. Take it all out, and the show becomes a limp attempt at horror. Does this make the use of moe in Higurashi excessive? I don’t think so. It’s kinda like taking a scalpel to an almost complete carving. The longer you go, the more effort it takes to refine it further. After a while you just don’t care. Anyway, the moe scenes are probably a risk-free way to keep the attention of a section of the audience. It’s only when things reach the point of “excessive” do they risk losing the rest of us, ie, those of us interested in the story.

@Shadowmage
It’s deft, which is why I rate it higher than other attempts at the same thing like Elfen Lied and Narutaru. It’s well written as well. I mean, you know what I think of Higurashi’s script. I was just blown away by some of the twists and turns in the plot during Kai. That’s why I can’t wait for Umineko.

I believe it’s true that Higurashi would not function without moe. As you’ve said, the show uses it to essentially disarm the viewer by lulling him into a sense of safety, letting a tinge of fear infest the saccharine atmosphere and smashing the artificially cute characters’ brains out once the conflicts boil over. Normally, I find that – as a viewer – I get jaded, put up emotional barriers, and start expecting future deaths thus lessening the dramatic impacts should they occur. However, for some reason the show manages to disarm me over and over again.

I will generally tolerate shows that contain moe elements if there’s more to it than that, but something like K-On! falls completely outside of my sphere of interest. Haruhi isn’t too high on my list but I’m far more likely to watch that, at least once the second season is done. I’m too busy and not in a real hurry. It’s just like why I would rather watch Godannar and not Queen’s Blade, although this comparison might not be the best one in this context.

I think a good analogy is this: even if you use the same red paint, the different canvas you use to paint will make the colour of blood look and feel different. Using moe, Higurashi created a sense of murder and mystery that no live action film could replicate.

It’s not that I have a discrimination against moe anime, but unfortunately there are just too much anime out there trying to rely on moe for everything. But I believe eventually, gems will come to find its way to the people who appreciates them.