What is "MOE"?

from What is "MOE"? via explaining MOE to American(Japanese weblog)

pronounce
"moe-ey" with a long "O" followed by a long "A"
"Mo-ey" in Australia

definition
Apparently short for "Master of Entertainment"

The Japanese concept of "moe" in regard to anime is a distinction of young, feminine innocence.

The idea of small, young anime girls that can be nurtured into maturity.

The concept of "moe" is a recognition of a character's innocent, childlike charm and can be represented through personality or speech or both.

The word "moe" as it's used relative to anime, is written with the kanji that literally means "to sprout."

origin of word
Hotaru Tomoe (Sailor Saturn) from Sailormoon

Moe Sagisawa from Kyouryuu Wakusei ("Dinosaur Planet")

Japanese word "moeru" meaning "burning" as in cute little anime characters that incite a "burning spirit" in their fans

example
Sakura Kinomoto of Card Captor Sakura
Hotaru Tomoe of Sailormoon
Saya from Peacemaker Kurogane
Most of the cast of Sister Princess,
Tsubame Sanjou of Rurouni Kenshin
Kokoro from Kokoro Toshokan
Chi from Chobits
Kirika of Noir
Mahoro Ando from Mahoromatic
Minawa from Mahoromatic
Kurumi from Steel Angel Kurumi
Dejiko's termination of word > "-nyu", "-nyo"
Most of the cast of Ai Yori Aoshi
Most of the cast of Narue no Sekai
Sukurudo of Oh My Goddess!

opinion
The characteristics of "moe" are very strict. Girls that are too mature or strong willed cannot be considered "moe."

Girls that aren't eager likewise aren't "moe." For example, none of the primary characters in Love Hina or Onegai Teacher are "moe" because they're all too mature and independent.

The concept of "moe" implies anime characters, usually but not exclusively female, that make viewers want to hug them and protect them and nurture them by playing the role of an elder brother or sister.

If you can read Japanese, this site is very useful to know it.
Moe Moe Japan(Japanese site)
Love inside your brain(Japanese weblog)

another article
What is "MOE"(Japanese)

reference
Encyclopedia
What is "MOE"?
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