For Grayson Scott, anime is more than just a hobby. It’s a passion that’s shaped his point of view on life. At just eight years old, he first discovered the genre while watching cable TV and was instantly hooked by Dragon Ball and its main character, Goku. That moment launched a lifelong journey into the world of anime, leading him to platforms like Crunchyroll and more great stories like Naruto, which became the first series he watched fully and inspired his Akatsuki cloud tattoo. 

“People think anime is just cartoons and fighting, but there’s real meaning behind it,” Grayson said. He’s drawn to characters who overcome personal struggles, like Naruto, who grew up outcast and misunderstood yet carried on and eventually earned love and respect. For Grayson, these stories mirror real-life challenges and offer early life lessons about growth and making the right choices. 

Now, anime influences not only his entertainment choices but also his perspective and personal growth. For newcomers, he recommends starting with Solo Leveling for action lovers or classics like Hunter x Hunter and Naruto for a story with a heartfelt message. “Anime shows you life before it happens,” he says, “and helps you figure out the right path.”