<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_opera" rel="nofollow">Space opera</a> isn't an anime specific term, it's an entire sub-genre of science fiction. The easiest way to describe it is in two words: Star Wars.  It's the archetypal example of modern space opera.</p>

<p>To be more specific, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_opera" rel="nofollow">Wikipedia</a> provides a good description of the genre that lists the key elements:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction set mainly or entirely in outer
  space, that emphasizes space warfare and melodramatic adventure, and often
  risk-taking as well as chivalric romance; usually involving conflict between
  opponents possessing advanced abilities, futuristic weapons and other
  sophisticated technology.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>I'd also add another key element of space opera, an epic scope. They have interstellar scale, taking place on multiple planets, the battles are large and the characters are playing for high stakes. </p>

<p>I've only watched a few episodes of Gundam here and there, and its many series vary a fair bit, but in general I wouldn't call it a good example of space opera. It has many of the elements of space opera, but scope is fairly limited. I don't think any of incarnations of Gundam take place outside of the solar system, and many of them seem to be focused mostly on Earth.  I'd say it over all Gundam is better placed in the military sub-genre of science fiction, given the military roles of its main characters, the relatively realistic depictions of warfare and focus on military technology, the titular Gundams. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-07T01:45:37.153Z
*Dune* is another Western example of space opera. Among anime, the works of Leiji Matsumoto, e.g. Galaxy Express 999, are pretty much all space opera. Matsumoto also had a hand in the original 1970s version of Space Battleship Yamato. I would also call the Xenosaga games--and hence their anime adaptation--space opera.
Torisuda
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-06T21:39:33.207Z
2016-02-07T02:51:46.987Z
2016-02-07T02:51:46.987Z
Ross Ridge
<p>Recently, the Anime.SE Basement Anime club has finished watching <em>Space Battleship Yamato 2199</em>. After watching this, I've picked up on the term Space Opera. What elements of a show classify it as a Space Opera?</p>

<p>Would a more action-dense show like a Gundam series, also be considered a Space Opera?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-06T05:28:12.110Z
The notion of a ["space opera"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_opera) is fairly old and has very little to do specifically with anime.
senshin
<tropes><yamato-2199>
What makes an anime a space opera?
# What makes an anime a space opera?
Posted by: username_0 on 2016-02-06
Recently, the Anime.SE Basement Anime club has finished watching *Space Battleship Yamato 2199*. After watching this, I've picked up on the term Space Opera. What elements of a show classify it as a Space Opera?

Would a more action-dense show like a Gundam series, also be considered a Space Opera?
**Tags:** tropes yamato-2199
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: The notion of a ["space opera"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_opera) is fairly old and has very little to do specifically with anime.  
---
## 1 answers
### Answer by username_2 on 2016-02-06. Score: 5 | Accepted answer
[Space opera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_opera) isn't an anime specific term, it's an entire sub-genre of science fiction. The easiest way to describe it is in two words: Star Wars. It's the archetypal example of modern space opera.

To be more specific, [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_opera) provides a good description of the genre that lists the key elements:

> Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction set mainly or entirely in outer
> space, that emphasizes space warfare and melodramatic adventure, and often
> risk-taking as well as chivalric romance; usually involving conflict between
> opponents possessing advanced abilities, futuristic weapons and other
> sophisticated technology.

I'd also add another key element of space opera, an epic scope. They have interstellar scale, taking place on multiple planets, the battles are large and the characters are playing for high stakes.

I've only watched a few episodes of Gundam here and there, and its many series vary a fair bit, but in general I wouldn't call it a good example of space opera. It has many of the elements of space opera, but scope is fairly limited. I don't think any of incarnations of Gundam take place outside of the solar system, and many of them seem to be focused mostly on Earth. I'd say it over all Gundam is better placed in the military sub-genre of science fiction, given the military roles of its main characters, the relatively realistic depictions of warfare and focus on military technology, the titular Gundams.
> **Comments:**
> **username_3** (2016-02-07): *Dune* is another Western example of space opera. Among anime, the works of Leiji Matsumoto, e.g. Galaxy Express 999, are pretty much all space opera. Matsumoto also had a hand in the original 1970s version of Space Battleship Yamato. I would also call the Xenosaga games--and hence their anime adaptation--space opera.  
---
