This study focuses on the appeal of Japanese anime artwork from the perspective of Malaysians, particularly among the youth. In the context of the popularity of Japanese culture in Malaysia, anime illustrations are not only accepted as a form of visual entertainment but also serve as a medium for conveying the aesthetic values and cultural elements of Japan to an international audience. The objective of this study is to identify the visual and cultural factors that attract Malaysians to Japanese anime artwork, as well as to examine how these elements influence their artistic preferences and cultural identity. While many previous studies have focused on the narratives or themes in anime, there remains a lack of research exploring the visual aspects of anime artwork and how it shapes cultural appreciation and artistic taste. This study adopts a qualitative approach using the focus group discussion (FGD) method. The participants consist of six individuals who are enthusiasts of Japanese anime, actively create and share anime-themed artwork on social media and frequently participate in various cosplay events held in Malaysia. The analysis found that elements such as the large eyes in character designs, emotional facial expressions, vibrant color use, and Japanese cultural symbols such as traditional clothing and background settings have a strong emotional and aesthetic impact on participants. The discussions also revealed that anime artwork provides young people with a platform to express their interest in foreign cultures while developing their own creative identities. In conclusion, Japanese anime artwork not only functions as a visual art form but also plays a significant role in shaping cross-cultural interactions and aesthetic values among Malaysians.

Keywords: Japanese anime, cultural aesthetics, visual influence, Malaysians, cross-cultural interaction