American animation is limited to a few companies like Disney or Nickelodeon. On the other hand, Japanese animation is widely spread through several companies such as Studio Chibli, TMS Entertainment and Gonzo.
Cartoons in America are often reserved for children although a few shows like The Simpsons or Family Guy have been made for mature audiences. In Japan, however, anime is made for anyone young or old.
Anime generally has unrealistic characters with large eyes and disproportioned bodies. American animation, on the other hand, is based more on the realistic view of the characters. When illustrating The Lion King, for example, Disney brought an actual lion into the studio to give illustrators the realistic aspects of the animal.
Moral ideals are a strong undertone in American animation. Most American cartoon heroes are pitted against an "evil enemy." The hero triumphs and lives happily ever after.
Japanese cartoons generally lack a moral code or any limitations on death. Japanese audiences are accustomed to see heroes and enemies alike die in an anime series as well as allusions to premarital relations and drug use.