90s Anime Memes for OG Otakus Who Grew Up with Goku and Usagi on Toonami (March 10, 2025)

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Ely Bulnes • Writer and Editor
Mar 11, 2025 8:00 PM EDT

A question to all the OG anime fans out there: did you know that anime was Japanese when you were watching it on TV as a kid? American kids watching anime on Toonami, 4Kids, or Cartoon Network were treated to English dubs of the shows, so depending on what you were watching, it wasn't always clear. If you grew up only watching Pokémon, you might not have had a clue that it originated in Japan because they live in a fantasy world, and the characters' names are pretty ambiguous. Similarly, young Dragon Ball fans may have caught every single episode while totally missing the Japanese cultural references. Most kids that were into Sailor Moon probably picked up on the fact that the show was foreign; she and her friends live in Tokyo, after all, and their names are distincly Japanese. Still, I knew a few people that thought it was just another fantasy location. If you grew up in a world without Google on your fingertips to look up the Wiki for your favorite TV shows, scroll down below for some nostalgic memes!

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  • 01
    When you say something embarrassing by accident
    via @hubterxhunterworn
  • 02
    When someone tells me "when one door closes, another one opens" @sailormoon.memes All the doors are closed!
    via @sailormoon.memes
  • 03
    I think the reason why we're so tired as adults is cause we gave our power to Goku for the spirit bomb when we were younger
    via @anime_otakumemes

  • This totally tracks… Dragon Ball fans may be eligible for compensation!

  • 04
    Me @ the Costco sample stands when my favourite snacks are being offered @sailormoon.memes Nothing is cheaper than free.
    via @sailormoon.memes
  • 05
    Me after doing my only task of the day
    via @anime_otakumemes
  • 06
    Me when he says he would still love me if I were a lampshade @sailormoon.memes He loves me!
    via @sailormoon.memes
  • 07
    No one: babies in public transportation:
    via @anime_otakumemes
  • 08
    When you're in your thirties and still trying to catch 'em all
    via @anime_otakumemes
  • 09
    When you're trying to study and save the world at the same time @sailormoon.memes 数学 What's the square root of two?!
    via @sailormoon.memes
  • 10
    "Maybe next month will be better" next month:
    via @anime_otakumemes
  • 11
    Me anytime I'm invited anywhere
    via @anime_otakumemes
  • 12
    cowboy bebop? no man, you're thinking of cowboy bee boo boo bop boo boo bop 10%
    via @cowboybebopmemes
  • 13
    12 years old me trying to win a duel by believing in the Heart of the Cards dr.crowler_memes
    via @dr.crowler_memes
  • 14
    Being 30 in the 80's Being 30 in 2024
    via @anime_otakumemes

  • Is it the skincare? Better styling? Less time outside keeping everyone out of the sun? 30 year olds are truly drinking the elixir of life.

  • 15
    Guys with haircuts like this have a 120% chance of beating you at a children's card game W
    via @anime_otakumemes
  • 16
    Me praying extra hard to win the lottery @sailormoon.memes
    via @sailormoon.memes
  • 17
    i'm 100% convinced not a single character in anime has been universally clowned on like Yamcha 電 T SOWN
    via @anime_otakumemes
  • 18
    To date my daughter first you have to defeat me in a duel
    via @anime_otakumemes
  • 19
    When the dating app asks you to put in a biography @sailormoon.memes 號 I'm clumsier than others and a bit of a crybaby. That's about it.
    via @sailormoon.memes
  • 20
    Cowboy Bebop in Japan ПРОКУРАТУР Cowboy Bebop in America KAZA FIRS
    via @cowboybebopmemes
  • 21
    WHEN SOMEONE USES YOUR DRIVEWAY TO TURN AROUND
    via @cowboybebopmemes
  • 22
    When someone shows up to the Halloween Party wearing the same costume as you @sailormoon.memes Please, get rid of that disguise.
    via @sailormoon.memes
  • 23
    IT'S CALLED FICTION FOR A REASON EXPECTATIONS REALITY @SAILORMOON CARDCAPTORS
    via @SAILORMOON_CARDCAPTORS
  • 24
    Who would win? @SAILORMOON_CARDCAPTORS
    via @SAILORMOON_CARDCAPTORS

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Tags

1990s dragon ball Pokémon throwback elder millennial anime millennials animemes Dragon Ball Z sailor moon anime memes 90s kids Japan 90s cartoons otaku television
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