Two dimensions

Two dimensions (ACGN subculture circle terminology)

Concept and its evolution

The intention of Two dimensions

The term "Two dimensions" comes from the Japanese "にじげん", which means "two-dimensional". It is extended to "the characters in works such as animations and games displayed on paper, screens, and other planes." Two dimensions is actually a kind of "painting style", synonymous with the mainstream style of Japanese animation. Its core is Japan's unique culture.

From Japan to China

When the word "Two dimensions" was introduced to China, people confused "two-dimensional" with "two-dimensional space" and hoped that "Two dimensions" would be misunderstood as "the world in the works of Japanese animation, games, etc." In fact, in Japan, this is only an extension of the aforementioned "Two dimensions."

Because it changed from "painting style" to "worldview", the meaning of the word "Two dimensions" in China became broad and ambiguous, and almost no longer meant to be sexual. The contrast between "Two dimensions" and "Three-dimensional space" has also become an expression of dissatisfaction with reality and the pursuit of good fiction.

From niche to the public

When ACGN culture in mainland China was embraced by mainstream culture, the word "Two dimensions" was subjected to a lot of hype, and its meaning changed again. On the one hand, "Two dimensions" is used as a name for ACGN enthusiasts and fans. On the other hand, merchants have marketed things such as JK, Lolita, antiques, and online literature—completely unrelated to "Two dimensions"—using the "Two dimensions" brand for marketing; some even define "Two dimensions" as "the unique gameplay and culture of the post-90s generation."

References

https://kotobank.jp/word/二次元-591647

https://kotobank.jp/word/三次元-513559

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