However, in Japan, the word is used when referencing all animation, rather than the specific artwork, storytelling, and themes that we associate with anime in America. What is Anime?Īnime, or the Japanese word for animation, is used to refer to cartoons that are created in Japan. Get some background on the popular genre and check out some of the best anime shows streaming right now. Whether you’re a newcomer to anime or a seasoned veteran, with more than 300 titles in our Anime Hub, there’s an anime for everyone on Hulu.