The art of power: Decoding Anime's unique energy systems
Credits: Reddit
Anime often builds its worlds around unique energy systems that heroes must master. From Dragon Ball's
ki
and Naruto's
chakra
to Jujutsu Kaisen's
cursed energy
, My Hero Academia's
quirks
, and Demon Slayer's
Breathing Techniques
, each series invents its own rules of power.
These systems are depicted in very human terms – inner strength, life force, determination – and often symbolize themes of growth, balance, or connection.
In contrast, Western heroes (like Marvel's Avengers or Harry Potter wizards) usually gain abilities from accidents or mystical inheritance. By comparing these, we see how anime frames
power
as something to nurture and balance within oneself, rather than an external gift.
The result is a rich tapestry of abilities that both fans and newcomers can appreciate, as we shall explore below.
Eastern energies: Ki and chakra
In many classic anime, power flows from an internal life force. In
Dragon Ball
, ki is literally described as a 'life force' energy inside every being. Heroes like Goku draw ki from deep within to power up their strength and speed, often speaking about balance of body and spirit to project more energy. Similarly,
Naruto
's chakra blends physical and spiritual energy. As Naruto himself explains in
Boruto
, 'chakra is something that exists inside of everyone' and is essentially 'the source of connective power… the life force which ties all things together. This mirrors the idea of a universal force (like
Star Wars
' Force) that connects people.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy
IC Markets
Tìm hiểu thêm
Undo
In practical terms, Naruto's ninja training focuses on channeling chakra through elemental affinities (fire, water, wind, etc.), as illustrated above: each element counters another to create a balanced system. Thus in these shonen classics, heroes don't inherit power by chance – they cultivate it through training, meditation, and emotional growth, embodying themes of perseverance and harmon.
Modern energies: Quirks, cursed energy, breathing
Credits: Collider
Newer anime build on this by creating imaginative spins on personal power.
My Hero Academia
introduces Quirks – unique, often quirky superpowers each person awakens with. Creator Kohei Horikoshi even calls MHA 'a love letter to superheroes,' freely borrowing Western comic ideas for inspiration. Unlike the magical life forces above, quirks are simply genetic or unexplained gifts (like teleportation, elasticity, or fusion with objects) that reflect each character's identity. Quirks still tie into a hero's journey: young Izuku Midoriya trains his body to bear the power of 'One For All,' learning that heart and willpower can amplify even inherited strength.
In
Jujutsu Kaisen
, power is born from emotion. Cursed Energy literally 'leaks from humans as a result of their negative emotions' – fear, anger, sadness, etc. Curses (the monsters) form when that energy accumulates. Sorcerers learn to control even pain or hate, channeling it into techniques. In other words, JJK turns inner angst into fuel: the darker the emotion, the stronger the potential power. This theme – that strength can come from hardship if mastered – echoes the personal nature of anime power systems.
In
Demon Slayer
, Breathing Styles are martial techniques that tap life energy through controlled breathing. They're not magical spells, but rituals that the Slayers train for years to perfect. Voice actor
Natsuki Hanae
notes how Tanjiro evolved: 'Initially, I played him as if he was desperate to perform, even when using a single Water Breathing Technique. But as he grew, he started to learn to be calm when using Water Breathing and Hinokami Kagura… he had burning passion in his heart, but he also possessed cool-headedness'.
This shows a deeper meaning: true power here comes from mastering mind and body together. Each form (Water, Flame, etc.
) expresses the user's spirit, so Demon Slayer's energy systems celebrate discipline and inner balance.
Western superpowers and magic
Anime's energies often get compared to Western heroes' powers – think Spider-Man or Superman. The difference is striking. In Marvel and DC stories, characters usually gain powers from external sources: gamma radiation (Hulk), mutagenic experiments (X-Men), alien ancestry (Superman), or cosmic artifacts. For example, the Disney/Marvel anime
Future Avengers
introduces young heroes who 'gained superhuman abilities through Hydra's influence.
Powers are often treated as a given, and heroes focus on using them to save the day.
By contrast, anime frequently portrays power as earned or innate life energy. Rather than a radioisotope spider bite, an anime hero's strength is often something to unlock through training or deep emotion. For example:
In Dragon Ball and Naruto, characters speak openly of cultivating their internal life force (ki or chakra) through discipline.
In contrast, Marvel's
Future Avengers
notes characters who are simply 'granted' power by an organization.
Harry Potter's magic is tied to bloodline or learning spells at school, whereas anime power often comes from within.
This difference reflects storytelling choices. Anime tends to emphasize personal growth and responsibility – you train to become stronger, and your power often mirrors your values. A Naruto can only perform a great jutsu by willing it with compassion and friendship, and a Jujutsu sorcerer must master grief or anger to channel it. Even voice actors and creators highlight these human themes. Horikoshi's 'love letter to superheroes' shows how
My Hero Academia
bridges East and West, but even its quirks stories revolve around students learning to control their gifts.
Similarly, Tanjiro's struggle with his breathing style underlines that courage and calm go hand-in-hand.
In the end, whether it's ki, chakra, quirks or curses, anime energy systems are more than flashy mechanics – they are metaphors for the characters' spirits. They teach us that power isn't just given; it's discovered and refined. This resonates with fans and newcomers alike. As Naruto says of chakra, it's the 'life force which ties all things together' – a reminder that, in anime as in life, our inner strength connects us all.
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. Don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bollywood vs South cinema: Ram Gopal Varma says Amitabh Bachchan was why Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi became stars
Ram Gopal Varma has brought a candid perspective to the conversation around the early growth of South Indian cinema , claiming that much of its success during the 1970s and 1980s stemmed from remakes of Amitabh Bachchan's iconic Hindi films. In a detailed interview with IndiaTV Showbiz , the filmmaker stated that all four major Southern industries—Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam—were deeply influenced by the Bollywood superstar's work. He specifically named actors like Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, NT Rama Rao, and Rajkumar as beneficiaries of this trend, noting that many of their career-defining roles were recreations of Bachchan's celebrated performances. According to him, these remakes contributed directly to their transformation into cultural icons and, eventually, near-mythical figures among fans. Bachchan's Absence and the Southern Boom Varma highlighted that during Amitabh Bachchan's five-year hiatus in the 1990s, the landscape of Indian cinema saw a shift. While Bollywood entered a period where music labels started financing films primarily to promote their soundtracks—citing Maine Pyar Kiya as a pivotal example—the South Indian industries stayed true to the mass-entertainment format, continuing to produce 'masala' films modeled on Bachchan's earlier style. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDsกับโบรกเกอร์ที่เชื่อถือได้| เปิดบัญชีวันนี้ IC Markets สมัคร Undo 'The South never stopped making the so-called masala films,' Varma remarked, suggesting that this consistent approach was central to cementing the stardom of leading South actors. The remakes weren't simply copies, he implied, but vehicles that allowed regional stars to become household names and, eventually, 'demigods.' Bollywood's Urban Edge vs. Southern Roots The director also pointed out a key difference in how filmmakers from both regions evolved. He said that Bollywood directors, particularly in the '90s, had a more global cinematic awareness, partly due to their fluency in English and urban backgrounds. In contrast, many Southern filmmakers, according to him, were less exposed to international cinema and operated with a focus on grassroots storytelling. 'They're very close to the ground root,' he said, implying that their content remained more accessible and audience-driven. The Pushpa Incident and Preconceived Notions Ram Gopal Varma also recounted a striking anecdote from the time leading up to the release of Pushpa: The Rise, directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun. He said that a producer, whom he did not identify, watched the film a few days before its release and strongly doubted its reception. According to Varma, the producer predicted that audiences would reject the film outright—not because of the actor's performance, but due to the unconventional nature of the character, who chewed paan instead of fitting the usual six-pack-hero mold. 'He was not referring to the actor,' Varma clarified. 'They are so used to good-looking six-pack heroes… that they can't comprehend a hero chewing paan.' He noted that such criticism often stems from industry professionals projecting their own assumptions onto audiences, rather than engaging with the actual substance of the film. A Shared Culture of Adaptation Varma's remarks underscore a rarely acknowledged truth: while Bollywood is often criticized today for its over-reliance on remakes, the Southern industries once followed a similar trajectory. In those earlier decades, original scripts were a rarity across languages. As he put it, when a fresh concept—regardless of the language—achieved success, others quickly adopted and adapted it for their own audiences. The culture of adaptation, Varma suggests, was not a sign of creative bankruptcy but a strategic choice that shaped some of India's biggest film legends. And while the industries have evolved, the legacy of that era continues to influence storytelling today.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Tenali Rama's Aditya Redij reveals who ignited his love for acting; says ‘Shah Rukh Khan's journey has always inspired me'
Aditya Redij, currently seen playing the regal and wise King Krishnadevaraya in Tenali Rama, recently opened up about his beginnings in acting—and the icon who inspired him to dream big. Known for his strong screen presence and layered performances, Aditya shared how acting wasn't something he actively pursued at first—it found him. 'Acting found me before I found it,' he said. 'I was always drawn to storytelling—whether on stage or in front of the camera. What cemented my decision was the joy I felt every time I slipped into a new character. That feeling was addictive—it made me want to dive deeper into the craft.' The turning point in his aspirations, however, came from watching Bollywood's King Khan rise through the ranks. 'Shah Rukh Khan's journey has always inspired me. He came from a non-filmy background, faced struggles, yet carved a place for himself with sheer talent and hard work,' Aditya shared. What resonated with Aditya most was SRK's iconic transition from television to the big screen. 'His transition from TV to films was proof that dreams can come true if you stay focused and believe in yourself. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Watching him succeed gave hope to many of us who started on similar paths.' Aditya's own career has followed a steady and dedicated path, with performances across television and films that showcase his range. With Tenali Rama, the actor shared revealed how the show resonates with him personally and professionally. 'As an actor, I believe you have to experiment; you have to try different things out,' Aditya explained. 'Ek hi cheez try kar kar ke monotonous ho jaata hai. That's the reason I've been doing different genres. After this, I think I've covered almost all genres—except horror! I believe in exploring roles that are fictional, fantasy, drama, action, and now comedy with Tenali Rama.' As King Krishnadevaraya, he brings a mix of intellect, authority, and warmth—qualities that reflect both his dedication to his craft and the inspirational trail set by the legends before him.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Kamal Haasan thanks Tamil Nadu for standing by him amid Kannada language row; promises to respond in a press meet
Kamal Haasan expressed heartfelt thanks to the people of Tamil Nadu for standing by him during the backlash sparked by his recent remarks on the Kannada language. Although he avoided a direct response to the ongoing controversy, he assured that a detailed statement would follow shortly. Kamal Haasan's gratitude speech During a recent release event of 'Thug Life' in Chennai, Kamal was heard expressing his deep respect for his fans: 'I should thank the entire state of Tamil Nadu, which stood behind me. I completely understand the meaning of the phrase 'Uyire, Urave, Tamizhe (my life and family are Tamil)' that I use during public addresses. And I stand by it,' he said in Tamil. Kamal Haasan Faces Ban in Karnataka Over Kannada Language Row, Minister Demands Apology | Thug Life Kamal refused to address the language row Kamal refrained from delving into the language row following his remark that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' during the event. He acknowledged that there were important matters beyond the film that needed to be addressed.'But this is not the stage for it. It is my duty to talk about those issues in a separate (press) meet, and I will organise it,' he added. Kamal also shared his deep admiration for director Mani Ratnam , calling 'Thug Life' a transformative experience. About the controversy The controversy began when Kamal Haasan stated that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' during a promotional event for Thug Life. The statement drew sharp criticism from pro-Kannada organisations, and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) issued a statement declaring support for those demanding a ban on the film's release in Karnataka . Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 180k traders turn to IC Markets for optimum CFD trading conditions | Sign up today IC Markets Sign Up Undo They demanded an apology from Kamal to settle the issue and allow the film to be released in the state. However, the 'Nayakan' actor refused to apologise, stating that he had not said anything wrong. Kamal later approached the Karnataka High Court seeking protection for the film's release in the state. The court, however, criticised him and advised that he express regret over his comments. The matter has been adjourned to June 10. Thug Life is scheduled to hit theatres tomorrow (June 5). Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
