Quote:
Originally Posted by Mushi
I'm still trying to get a handle on just what "moe" is. I know I like it, just not exactly sure where one element ends and the other begins.
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"Moe" can be used to refer to anything that sparks an interest in some one, but is generally used to refer to a something that (to quote the
somewhat confusing Wikipedia article) "elicits a protective or loving response from the audience". One could feel "moe" for a kitten, but really, in our realm, non-sexual attraction to character aspects associated with youthful femininity. That's not to say that it can't be something that
also evokes sexual attraction, or that many overly-lonely men and the industry that panders to them don't sexualize "moe elements", but "moe" itself is non-sexual.
"Moe" is the feeling. The "moe element" is whatever evokes it, whether it be something that inspires paternal feelings (clumsiness, child-like appearance), something that is cute (twin-tail hairstyle, cat-ears, any number of clothing choices), something that is generally typified for the sexual response it evokes--but, of course, the moe feeling is the non-sexual part of the emotional response to it (large breasts,
absolute territory), a personality trait (silent girl), relationship-type (little sister,
tsundere), a sympathetic character plight (injured), or--and here's where the hard-core fandom often moves beyond my understanding--any number of non-sexual fetishes (maids, magical girls, elves).
Clearly, it's a very subjective thing. What makes your heart go pitter-patter?
See also:
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kj1980's post on the subject
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A translation of Love Hina author Ken Akamatsu's blog entry on the subject on and the ensuing discussion.
...That answered, I guess it's time for me to answer the survey question.
My favorite moe element? I don't think there's a word for it. Characters with a mature, kind, all-encompassing femininity who possess inner strength of character... well, defining it is hard, but examples would be Nayuki (and her mother, Akiko!) and Sayuri in Kanon, Shinku (and to a slightly lesser extent, Suiseiseki) in Rozen Maiden, Matsuri in Sola, Minagi in Air, Aki in Keroro Gunsou, Miyuki in Lucky Star, and Mikuru from The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi (the "inner strength" can be hard to see there, but it's visible during the rare times she's
not reduced to a quivering mass by realizing how close to being thought out of existence she is). That sort of character is enough to lower my Moe Defense Shields, but if they then expose emotional vulnerability, I'm done for. It's looking like Kotomi and Tomoyo in Clannad may be up for nominations soon.
Mark my words, I
will find a term to use for this!
Being a big brother, I have a different type of moe response for those that don't fit in the first category but are still cute, feminine characters with emotional vulnerability or sympathetic plight, and bonus points for the "inner strength" bit (Misuzu in Air, Hina Ichigo in Rozen Maiden).
Also of note: Style-wise, I also have an appreciation for glasses and, after watching Rozen Maiden, understated gothloli fashions.
On the emotional end, while tsundere is definitely not one of my moe elements, females who are unable to express their emotions and affection due to pride or denial sometimes can be (Mai in Kanon, Suigintou and Suiseiseki in Rozen Maiden, Tomoko in Canvas2). I am also an absolute sucker for soothing, yet strong, voices, which are exemplified in almost all of the examples I listed for my unnamed-but-favorite moe element (the voices for Shinku, Matsuri, and Kotomi especially--and, just to mention it, the Sola "preview" with Mayuko and adult Koyori bantering--make me
melt). Any other notable ones... are secret!
Animal Eared Moe
Fighter Girl Moe
Glasses Moe
Imouto Moe
Magical Girl Moe
Maid Moe
Moe-blob Moe
Silent Girl Moe
Tsundere Moe
Artist
I am too just starting to understand moe
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