What is anime canon?

In the world of anime, "canon" refers to the official material or storyline that is considered to be part of the established narrative of a series. Canon material is usually created by the original creator or authorized by the official rights holders.

Anime canon is important because it helps to maintain continuity and consistency within a series, ensuring that fans can follow the story and character development without confusion. Non-canon material, on the other hand, includes filler episodes, spin-offs, or alternate universe stories that do not impact the main storyline.

Fans often debate over what is considered canon in anime, especially when adaptations diverge from the original source material such as manga or light novels. Some adaptations may take creative liberties or introduce new plotlines that are not present in the source material, leading to differing opinions on what is considered "official" in the series.

Ultimately, it is up to the creators and rights holders to determine what is canon in anime. But for fans, it can be a fun and engaging aspect of the fandom to discuss and analyze the intricacies of a series and its official storyline.