<p>According to <a href="http://forums.court-records.net/viewtopic.php?p=214285#p214285">this forum post</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>It's a tradition where it was intended for young audiences to yell the attack names with the character. The tradition began with Mazinger Z, which is considered the first Super Robot anime. The producers of the show felt that if the main character, Kouji Kabuto, shouted out the attack names each time the mecha did them, then it would give the target viewers, who were aged around 3 to 10 at the time, the ability to literally join along in the fun.</p>
  
  <p>The logic behind this is if the kids were to directly interact with a show they already liked, then they'd like it even more and would stick with the show in the long run. Needless to say, the strategy worked, and literally all other mecha anime in the 70's (sans First Gundam in late, late '79) copied the trend.</p>
  
  <p>Thus, the tradition was born and still anime shows, regardless of whether they are mecha themed or not, use it, regardless of their target audience. </p>
</blockquote>

<p>Also, It seems that it was also done to make the shows feel more intense. Something about the characters yelling their attacks just makes the action better. </p>

<p>Usually it's hinted at that the characters are only calling out the attacks in order to channel energy (much like how the characters in <strong><em>Harry Potter</em></strong> have to say the incantation for a spell in order to cast it), because if the attack names are removed then it will just be a bunch of grunts.. which seems pretty boring. ;)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-17T19:50:11.793Z
This seems pretty good! Do you have a source for the Mazinger Z part?
atlantiza
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-18T03:26:23.363Z
@atlantiza http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazinger_Z link in the sub heading **Reception and influence** 3rd paragraph its mentioned so.. Cheers !!! :)
Ajo Koshy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-18T03:30:38.623Z
Hmm, I see it talking about the attack names in the fourth paragraph of that section, but I don't see anything about the reason. The third paragraph seems to just be about the transforming robot genre. Am I missing it?
atlantiza
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-18T03:32:20.650Z
I also have referred other sites which i don't seem to remember.. I will update the same as soon as possible
Ajo Koshy
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2013-03-18T03:47:23.367Z
http://forums.court-records.net/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4454
Ajo Koshy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-18T04:22:55.690Z
I really like this answer but I don't think a forum post with no source of its own can really count as a source. :(
atlantiza
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-18T04:42:33.937Z
@atlantiza that is cool :) I love the answer too
Ajo Koshy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-19T23:29:11.957Z
@AjoKoshy In the future please included a link to your source if you are going to copy something word for word. Additionally, the ` (tilde) is intended to be used as code blocks so the code is rendered as text instead.
кяαzєя
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-07-23T22:29:10.210Z
Wow, this answer is actually a really effective marketing tool. How many times have we all heard "Kame Ha Me Ha!" growing up?
userFace
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-08-21T08:22:15.703Z
Just wanted to drop by to say that in the Harry Potter universe, talented wizards/witches can cast nonverbal spells. Cheers.
http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Nonverbal_spell
zyten
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-08-21T11:46:17.413Z
@zyten that is correct, and yet they mostly use verbal ones so that everyone can follow. remember they do at least mention the color of spells to identify what is being used :)
Ajo Koshy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-03-18T15:48:49.200Z
@AjoKoshy Wrong. The use of verbal spells is because it is much harder to cast spell without saying the magic word. This is evident in when Harry tried to learn non-verbal spell. Often he would cast a spell different than intended when he do it non-verbally. Doing it verbally helps wizard to concentrate so that they don't cast the wrong spell.
絢瀬絵里
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-17T17:13:27.070Z
2013-03-19T23:25:18.363Z
2013-03-19T23:25:18.363Z
Ajo Koshy
<p>The 1st anime I saw this in was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slayers">Slayers</a> and it was always cool to see what happens next.  </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Why do anime characters tend to shout the names of their attacks? </p>
</blockquote>

<p>Most logical answer: "words grant power". It is also used when there is sorcery to be casted. </p>

<p>It makes them focus on the attack making the attack work (or work more efficient). The general idea is that such an attack is unavoidable. The attack is of such power that the opponent, even informed about the incoming attack, is never going to be able to stop it. Of course if they do stop it it also means that character is bound to find a new better, improved attack that does overpower the opponent.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(Bonus points: Has this spread into Western animation?)</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Yes, some examples where I saw it happen... </p>

<ul>
<li>Huntik.</li>
<li>Legion Of Super Heroes.</li>
<li>Inspector Gadget.</li>
<li>Ben 10 Alien Force.</li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-14T00:10:01.093Z
I have seen several named attacks miss (**Digimon** is the most prominent example, where Child-level Digimon will always call the attack name but do miss quite often against Adult-level Digimon). This does seem to make sense, though. +1, but I'm going to wait to see if any other answers pop up before accepting one.
Cattua
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-13T19:27:55.757Z
2013-03-13T19:27:55.757Z
Rinzwind
<p>The major reason they do it for the benefit of the audience.  It helps the audience know what the character is doing.  </p>

<p>It's more dramatic if the viewer knows that the character is using the "gumgum superduper pistol", than if Luffy just punches someone.  </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-13T20:57:34.080Z
This is especially true going back to Go Nagai and Mazinger, sometimes you have no clue what an attack is (like breathing actually being a "rust" attack).
Jon Lin
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-14T14:33:08.467Z
I had that in my answer too but removed it again: from a character's viewpoint the reader/viewer should not exist :=)
Rinzwind
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-14T14:42:38.370Z
@Rinzwind That doesn't make it any less the reason
Sam I am says Reinstate Monica
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-16T18:50:51.147Z
There's alot of overexplanation in both series and movies that can be pointless to the characters, but required for the audition. watch a serie or movie from the actual characters view, and you will notice quite a lot of duh's. it's simply an easy way to tell what's going on.
Robin Castlin
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-17T09:34:37.823Z
Bleach lampshades this by explaining that a special attack (or special move) is much more powerful if the name is SHOUTED.
StarPilot
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-13T20:07:38.333Z
2014-06-26T03:37:55.490Z
2014-06-26T03:37:55.490Z
Sam I am says Reinstate Monica
<p>I can't find any official sources for how this started, but at this point, shouting your attack name is expected of battle manga/anime which is probably why it continues to be a popular practice.</p>

<p><a href="http://ssjsean.stormpages.com/ati.htm">According to an interview with Toriyama Akira</a> (creator of Dragon Ball), his editor insisted that he include attack names even though Toriyama himself finds them rather silly:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>"I don't really like giving names to attacks," Toriyama says. "I don't think the characters would be yelling out the names of their attacks in life-or-death situations. You'd get killed while yelling the name of your attack," he laughs. "But my editor said I'm better off giving attacks names."</p>
</blockquote>

<p>In an earlier part of the interview, Toriyama also mentions that his editor advised him that having a quiet main character was having a negative effect on the series.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Torishima told me one time: 'your main character is too quiet. That's why it's not so popular.' I wanted to win readers with the story this time around, and I had even made the effort to come up with a normally dressed main character, so I was peeved, and I told him, 'I'll do some 'crowd-pleaser material, then.'</p>
</blockquote>

<p>This "crowd-pleaser material" that Toriyama mentions ended up being a tournament - probably one of the easiest ways to pack in as many attack names as possible. And Toriyama says that the series' popularity did greatly increase because of this tournament.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-21T16:56:33.210Z
I completely agree with Toriyama! Good sources, though, this is a very nice answer.
Cattua
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-22T22:57:42.950Z
Interview is fine, but Toriyama's explanation simply move the problem to the editor's choice, leaving the question about the purpose and how this practice originated unanswered.
chirale
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-23T03:59:49.133Z
@chirale Yes, I agree that it is not a full explanation (as I admitted in the first sentence of my answer), but neither I nor the bounty hunters have been able to find a full explanation from an official source it seems.
atlantiza
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-21T15:37:00.667Z
2013-03-21T15:37:00.667Z
atlantiza
<p>It goes back to into Japanese culture. They're very heavily influenced by bushidō, various martial arts, even their religions (Shintō). The names of things are very important, im assuming it's just the way of the Japanese. <em>Also it is common knowledge that shouting intimidates one's opponent.</em> </p>

<p>It's known as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiai">Kiai</a> (a battle cry), it's to channel your energy at the enemy through your attack in Japansese martial arts. You'll see this a lot in anime, from the naming and personification of swords to mechs to spirit energy, internal strength (spirit energy) is channelled through these weapons.</p>

<p><a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CallingYourAttacks">Here is an article</a> on it (Calling your attacks).. </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>If you can do something more impressive than just throw a punch, your
  attack(s) must have an equally impressive name. More than that, you
  have to call it out as you launch the attack. It doesn't matter if
  it's a martial arts move, a magical spell or your secret superweapon,
  if you can't say its name, it just isn't nearly as cool or effective.
  Also, expect plenty of echoing to come with it, and (if a fighter is
  feeling particulary bombastic) dramatic... <em>pauses</em>
  ...WITHAYELLATTHEEND! A standard feature of practically every Magical
  Girl, high fantasy, or martial arts anime.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The article also links to Western culture films that also use this or at least variants of it.. <em>(not sure about animation).</em> Who wants to see a silent fight after all?</p>

<p><em>ps. BANKAI!</em></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-19T21:09:33.403Z
2013-03-19T21:14:37.567Z
2013-03-19T21:14:37.567Z
iKlsR
<p>The shouting seems to be related to what in Martial Arts is called <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiai" rel="nofollow noreferrer">kiai</a></em> (shout). Here an excerpt from martialarts SE about what <em>kiai</em> is for:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>The expulsion of intent. Kiai acts as a declaration of your fighting spirit, your internal desire to prevail in those circumstances. This can be for intimidation, self-reassurance, rallying (the war cry was essentially a form of kiai), etc.</p>
</blockquote>

<p><a href="https://martialarts.stackexchange.com/a/364">Source</a></p>

<p>TvTropes <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Kiai" rel="nofollow noreferrer">list some relevant kiai in anime and manga</a> and relate its relevance in the West to the martial arts movie sub-genre. All the titles asked by the OP are present in this list.</p>

<p>Since I cannot find any academical study about the <em>kiai</em> in Japanese pop culture, for what I can see this can be more generally be interpreted as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech_act" rel="nofollow noreferrer">speech act</a> and particularly an explicit <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performative_utterance" rel="nofollow noreferrer">performative utterance</a>, where:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>The uttering of a performative is, or is part of, the doing of a certain kind of action</p>
</blockquote>

<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performative_utterance#Examples_.28mainly_of_explicit_performative_utterances.29" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Examples</a> are vows, war declarations, verbal agreements, promises.</p>

<p>So, using a basic philosophy of language knowledge and what we had know about <em>kiai</em>, the shouting is as important as the physical action of the character. In manga and anime it doesn't simply describe the act itself but it's a part of it. We identify instantly its importance because we are used to know performative utterances in our social life.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-16T14:59:43.053Z
This isn't really the kind of "source-based" answer I was looking for - a source for definition of "kiai" and people on TVTropes guessing that kiai is deliberately put into manga/anime isn't very official. Thank you for your answer though; I think it's a likely possibility for the reason.
atlantiza
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-16T16:44:49.547Z
In absence of an interview to the authors asking this specific question related to a specific work, we can only look for some similar element from the same culture (kiai), adding the trivial interpretations by audience (TVTropes) and therefore its emerging importance and moving to the very core of the question, the interpretation of the sign. The last part is as "official" as the philosophy of language and should whet your interest.
chirale
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-16T17:06:59.057Z
Right, but speculation on TVTropes and defining a word is not what I was looking for. I thank for your answer, but just want to explain why I would not be awarding the bounty to it, so that you were not left wondering.
atlantiza
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-16T10:51:42.970Z
2013-03-16T10:51:42.970Z
2017-04-13T12:49:44.047Z
chirale
<p>According to this <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CallingYourAttacks">link</a>, here are major purpose of characters shouting their attacks:</p>

<ul>
<li>Words are powerful</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
  <p>The idea that words can grant power is a cross cultural phenomenon that shows up frequently in the earliest tales of swords and sorcery. Members of the Sinitic ethnolinguistic family in particular tend to ascribe special importance to the power of written characters, and the belief that special words can invoke control over supernatural power permeates their folklore (just ask your local Shinto, Buddhist, or Taoist practitioner if they've donated to a shrine or temple to have a talisman written lately). The magic power of spoken and written words was also a key concept in Ancient Egyptian religion and Ritual Magic. </p>
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li>Helps with building up chi</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
  <p>In terms of realism, this has some ground as traditional and even some current practitioners of martial arts hold the belief that accompanying statements and/or vocal noises alongside execution build up their chi, thereby increasing the power and efficacy of their moves and techniques.</p>
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li>Ensures proper breathing</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
  <p>Put less spiritually, saying a phrase at the right time during an attack ensures proper breathing. A call used for this reason is known as a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Kiai">kiai</a>.</p>
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li>Secret societies &amp; passing down of techniques</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
  <p>The naming of attacks also served a more practical purpose as many martial arts schools, Chinese ones in particular, used to be secret societies. The passing down of techniques was done orally and giving them esoteric names often facilitated this transmission.</p>
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li>Startle the opponent</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
  <p>Kiai has the potential to startle the opponent and give you an opening. </p>
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li>Spellcaster's invocation</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
  <p>This is also often combined with a spellcaster's Invocation, with the final part of the incantation being the name of the spell, cried out just as the spell is triggered (Spirit of Fire, gather into my hand and incinerate my enemies! FIREBALL!). A character who grows in power will eventually graduate to being able to do the initial incantation mentally, turning the final trigger into this trope completely. </p>
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li>For the commentator</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
  <p>A variant has a Combat Commentator recognizing the attacks being used (usually with a line like "That's the legendary such-and-such-and-something-or-other technique!") and explaining them to any other characters watching (and the audience, of course). </p>
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li>When there's no voice acting</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
  <p>Another variant, primarily found in video games, displays the attack name on screen as it is being executed, without a vocal "call". This typically happens in games where there is no voice acting; the call is implied. In fact, flamboyant attack/technique names are pretty much a trope in and of themselves. </p>
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li>Effective narrative device</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
  <p>There isn't really a simpler way to let the audience know that Captain Kirk's next phaser blast isn't supposed to kill the alien, or that Judge Dredd's next bullet is supposed to go "boom". Especially in manga, it's particularly difficult to let the reader know what special attacks are used without either motion or color, so having the characters say it is probably the most practical solution. </p>
</blockquote>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-04-22T05:54:13.047Z
2013-04-22T05:54:13.047Z
xjshiya
<p>In kendo we shout the names of the strikes that we are doing in order to release air from our lungs in a particular manner. It's also for judges to know what strike we are attempting so to score us. However, it's unnecessary to say the yell and the strike that goes with it. For example, I come in and strike "dou" and yell "men". As a beginner, it doesn't matter whether I say dou, kote or men, just so long as I say something in order to release the air from my lungs.</p>

<p>That is a possible origin of anime characters yelling out their attack.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-05-19T22:47:07.857Z
2016-12-09T11:47:10.640Z
2016-12-09T11:47:10.640Z
user4954
<p>Otherwise you (being an audience) will never know what's on their mind..</p>

<p>Take an example: Naruto, except few jutsus like Rasengan, Multi-shadow-clone which are very familiar, we may not understand the jutsu moves and their names, unless we have them by-hat.. </p>

<p>And we are used to it and it sounds good to <strong>roar</strong> the name of jutsu :)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-16T12:00:12.320Z
2013-03-16T12:00:12.320Z
Rookie Programmer Aravind
<p>It seems to me that in a lot of anime (<em>Naruto</em>, <em>Dragon Ball</em>, <em>Gurren Lagann</em>, and <em>Digimon</em> are four that come to mind), characters or creatures who perform an attack tend to shout its name, almost as if necessary to perform such an attack. This seems very counterintuitive—telling your opponent that you're about to use a fireball would open you up to being blocked very easily.</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/ieg38.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></p>

<p>Why do anime characters tend to shout the names of their attacks? (Bonus points: Has this spread into Western animation?)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-13T19:51:32.043Z
Great question. I always wondered about that, too ...
looper
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-17T17:08:08.853Z
At least in Naruto, the name is a required part of the technique. The words are what allows you to release you chakra. In Bleach, the use of the sword's names is required for explained reasons.
Madara's Ghost
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-17T17:18:48.853Z
@MadaraUchiha That's more of an in-universe reason than a reason why the producers/writers would do it, though.
Cattua
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-05-20T11:36:21.653Z
Ironically, I remember one instance (maybe in Alabasta?) where Usopp shouted the _wrong_ attack name to deceive his opponent.
empire539
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-12-31T01:15:21.283Z
@empire539 Yep, in the Alabasta arc, but in Little Garden Island. He was against Mr.5 who was immune to explosives, so he shouted a "flame attack" to lure Mr.5 into eating while it was hot sauce, reeeeally hot; Mr.5 had eaten his flame attack before to show Ussop how useless it is.
USERNNNNN
<tropes>
What is the purpose of characters shouting out the name of their attack?
# What is the purpose of characters shouting out the name of their attack?
Posted by: username_0 on 2013-03-13
It seems to me that in a lot of anime (*Naruto*, *Dragon Ball*, *Gurren Lagann*, and *Digimon* are four that come to mind), characters or creatures who perform an attack tend to shout its name, almost as if necessary to perform such an attack. This seems very counterintuitive—telling your opponent that you're about to use a fireball would open you up to being blocked very easily.

![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/ieg38.jpg)

Why do anime characters tend to shout the names of their attacks? (Bonus points: Has this spread into Western animation?)
**Tags:** tropes
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Great question. I always wondered about that, too ...  
> **username_2**: At least in Naruto, the name is a required part of the technique. The words are what allows you to release you chakra. In Bleach, the use of the sword's names is required for explained reasons.  
> **username_0**: @MadaraUchiha That's more of an in-universe reason than a reason why the producers/writers would do it, though.  
> **username_3**: Ironically, I remember one instance (maybe in Alabasta?) where Usopp shouted the _wrong_ attack name to deceive his opponent.  
> **username_4**: @empire539 Yep, in the Alabasta arc, but in Little Garden Island. He was against Mr.5 who was immune to explosives, so he shouted a "flame attack" to lure Mr.5 into eating while it was hot sauce, reeeeally hot; Mr.5 had eaten his flame attack before to show Ussop how useless it is.  
---
## 9 answers
### Answer by username_5 on 2013-03-17. Score: 63
According to [this forum post](http://forums.court-records.net/viewtopic.php?p=214285#p214285):

> It's a tradition where it was intended for young audiences to yell the attack names with the character. The tradition began with Mazinger Z, which is considered the first Super Robot anime. The producers of the show felt that if the main character, Kouji Kabuto, shouted out the attack names each time the mecha did them, then it would give the target viewers, who were aged around 3 to 10 at the time, the ability to literally join along in the fun.
>
> The logic behind this is if the kids were to directly interact with a show they already liked, then they'd like it even more and would stick with the show in the long run. Needless to say, the strategy worked, and literally all other mecha anime in the 70's (sans First Gundam in late, late '79) copied the trend.
>
> Thus, the tradition was born and still anime shows, regardless of whether they are mecha themed or not, use it, regardless of their target audience.

Also, It seems that it was also done to make the shows feel more intense. Something about the characters yelling their attacks just makes the action better.

Usually it's hinted at that the characters are only calling out the attacks in order to channel energy (much like how the characters in ***Harry Potter*** have to say the incantation for a spell in order to cast it), because if the attack names are removed then it will just be a bunch of grunts.. which seems pretty boring. ;)
> **Comments:**
> **username_6** (2013-03-17): This seems pretty good! Do you have a source for the Mazinger Z part?  
> **username_5** (2013-03-18): @atlantiza http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazinger_Z link in the sub heading **Reception and influence** 3rd paragraph its mentioned so.. Cheers !!! :)  
> **username_6** (2013-03-18): Hmm, I see it talking about the attack names in the fourth paragraph of that section, but I don't see anything about the reason. The third paragraph seems to just be about the transforming robot genre. Am I missing it?  
> **username_5** (2013-03-18): I also have referred other sites which i don't seem to remember.. I will update the same as soon as possible  
> **username_5** (2013-03-18): http://forums.court-records.net/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4454  
> **username_6** (2013-03-18): I really like this answer but I don't think a forum post with no source of its own can really count as a source. :(  
> **username_5** (2013-03-18): @atlantiza that is cool :) I love the answer too  
> **username_7** (2013-03-19): @AjoKoshy In the future please included a link to your source if you are going to copy something word for word. Additionally, the ` (tilde) is intended to be used as code blocks so the code is rendered as text instead.  
> **username_8** (2013-07-23): Wow, this answer is actually a really effective marketing tool. How many times have we all heard "Kame Ha Me Ha!" growing up?  
> **username_9** (2015-08-21): Just wanted to drop by to say that in the Harry Potter universe, talented wizards/witches can cast nonverbal spells. Cheers.
http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Nonverbal_spell  
> **username_5** (2015-08-21): @zyten that is correct, and yet they mostly use verbal ones so that everyone can follow. remember they do at least mention the color of spells to identify what is being used :)  
> **username_10** (2016-03-18): @AjoKoshy Wrong. The use of verbal spells is because it is much harder to cast spell without saying the magic word. This is evident in when Harry tried to learn non-verbal spell. Often he would cast a spell different than intended when he do it non-verbally. Doing it verbally helps wizard to concentrate so that they don't cast the wrong spell.  
---
### Answer by username_11 on 2013-03-13. Score: 25
The 1st anime I saw this in was [Slayers](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slayers) and it was always cool to see what happens next.

> Why do anime characters tend to shout the names of their attacks?

Most logical answer: "words grant power". It is also used when there is sorcery to be casted.

It makes them focus on the attack making the attack work (or work more efficient). The general idea is that such an attack is unavoidable. The attack is of such power that the opponent, even informed about the incoming attack, is never going to be able to stop it. Of course if they do stop it it also means that character is bound to find a new better, improved attack that does overpower the opponent.

> (Bonus points: Has this spread into Western animation?)

Yes, some examples where I saw it happen...

* Huntik.
* Legion Of Super Heroes.
* Inspector Gadget.
* Ben 10 Alien Force.
> **Comments:**
> **username_0** (2013-03-14): I have seen several named attacks miss (**Digimon** is the most prominent example, where Child-level Digimon will always call the attack name but do miss quite often against Adult-level Digimon). This does seem to make sense, though. +1, but I'm going to wait to see if any other answers pop up before accepting one.  
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### Answer by username_12 on 2013-03-13. Score: 22
The major reason they do it for the benefit of the audience. It helps the audience know what the character is doing.

It's more dramatic if the viewer knows that the character is using the "gumgum superduper pistol", than if Luffy just punches someone.
> **Comments:**
> **username_13** (2013-03-13): This is especially true going back to Go Nagai and Mazinger, sometimes you have no clue what an attack is (like breathing actually being a "rust" attack).  
> **username_11** (2013-03-14): I had that in my answer too but removed it again: from a character's viewpoint the reader/viewer should not exist :=)  
> **username_12** (2013-03-14): @Rinzwind That doesn't make it any less the reason  
> **username_14** (2013-03-16): There's alot of overexplanation in both series and movies that can be pointless to the characters, but required for the audition. watch a serie or movie from the actual characters view, and you will notice quite a lot of duh's. it's simply an easy way to tell what's going on.  
> **username_15** (2013-03-17): Bleach lampshades this by explaining that a special attack (or special move) is much more powerful if the name is SHOUTED.  
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### Answer by username_16 on 2013-03-16. Score: 14
The shouting seems to be related to what in Martial Arts is called *[kiai](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiai)* (shout). Here an excerpt from martialarts SE about what *kiai* is for:

> The expulsion of intent. Kiai acts as a declaration of your fighting spirit, your internal desire to prevail in those circumstances. This can be for intimidation, self-reassurance, rallying (the war cry was essentially a form of kiai), etc.

[Source](https://martialarts.stackexchange.com/a/364)

TvTropes [list some relevant kiai in anime and manga](http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Kiai) and relate its relevance in the West to the martial arts movie sub-genre. All the titles asked by the OP are present in this list.

Since I cannot find any academical study about the *kiai* in Japanese pop culture, for what I can see this can be more generally be interpreted as a [speech act](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech_act) and particularly an explicit [performative utterance](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performative_utterance), where:

> The uttering of a performative is, or is part of, the doing of a certain kind of action

[Examples](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performative_utterance#Examples_.28mainly_of_explicit_performative_utterances.29) are vows, war declarations, verbal agreements, promises.

So, using a basic philosophy of language knowledge and what we had know about *kiai*, the shouting is as important as the physical action of the character. In manga and anime it doesn't simply describe the act itself but it's a part of it. We identify instantly its importance because we are used to know performative utterances in our social life.
> **Comments:**
> **username_6** (2013-03-16): This isn't really the kind of "source-based" answer I was looking for - a source for definition of "kiai" and people on TVTropes guessing that kiai is deliberately put into manga/anime isn't very official. Thank you for your answer though; I think it's a likely possibility for the reason.  
> **username_16** (2013-03-16): In absence of an interview to the authors asking this specific question related to a specific work, we can only look for some similar element from the same culture (kiai), adding the trivial interpretations by audience (TVTropes) and therefore its emerging importance and moving to the very core of the question, the interpretation of the sign. The last part is as "official" as the philosophy of language and should whet your interest.  
> **username_6** (2013-03-16): Right, but speculation on TVTropes and defining a word is not what I was looking for. I thank for your answer, but just want to explain why I would not be awarding the bounty to it, so that you were not left wondering.  
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### Answer by username_18 on 2013-04-22. Score: 14
According to this [link](http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CallingYourAttacks), here are major purpose of characters shouting their attacks:

* Words are powerful

> The idea that words can grant power is a cross cultural phenomenon that shows up frequently in the earliest tales of swords and sorcery. Members of the Sinitic ethnolinguistic family in particular tend to ascribe special importance to the power of written characters, and the belief that special words can invoke control over supernatural power permeates their folklore (just ask your local Shinto, Buddhist, or Taoist practitioner if they've donated to a shrine or temple to have a talisman written lately). The magic power of spoken and written words was also a key concept in Ancient Egyptian religion and Ritual Magic.

* Helps with building up chi

> In terms of realism, this has some ground as traditional and even some current practitioners of martial arts hold the belief that accompanying statements and/or vocal noises alongside execution build up their chi, thereby increasing the power and efficacy of their moves and techniques.

* Ensures proper breathing

> Put less spiritually, saying a phrase at the right time during an attack ensures proper breathing. A call used for this reason is known as a [kiai](http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Kiai).

* Secret societies & passing down of techniques

> The naming of attacks also served a more practical purpose as many martial arts schools, Chinese ones in particular, used to be secret societies. The passing down of techniques was done orally and giving them esoteric names often facilitated this transmission.

* Startle the opponent

> Kiai has the potential to startle the opponent and give you an opening.

* Spellcaster's invocation

> This is also often combined with a spellcaster's Invocation, with the final part of the incantation being the name of the spell, cried out just as the spell is triggered (Spirit of Fire, gather into my hand and incinerate my enemies! FIREBALL!). A character who grows in power will eventually graduate to being able to do the initial incantation mentally, turning the final trigger into this trope completely.

* For the commentator

> A variant has a Combat Commentator recognizing the attacks being used (usually with a line like "That's the legendary such-and-such-and-something-or-other technique!") and explaining them to any other characters watching (and the audience, of course).

* When there's no voice acting

> Another variant, primarily found in video games, displays the attack name on screen as it is being executed, without a vocal "call". This typically happens in games where there is no voice acting; the call is implied. In fact, flamboyant attack/technique names are pretty much a trope in and of themselves.

* Effective narrative device

> There isn't really a simpler way to let the audience know that Captain Kirk's next phaser blast isn't supposed to kill the alien, or that Judge Dredd's next bullet is supposed to go "boom". Especially in manga, it's particularly difficult to let the reader know what special attacks are used without either motion or color, so having the characters say it is probably the most practical solution.
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### Answer by username_6 on 2013-03-21. Score: 13
I can't find any official sources for how this started, but at this point, shouting your attack name is expected of battle manga/anime which is probably why it continues to be a popular practice.

[According to an interview with Toriyama Akira](http://ssjsean.stormpages.com/ati.htm) (creator of Dragon Ball), his editor insisted that he include attack names even though Toriyama himself finds them rather silly:

> "I don't really like giving names to attacks," Toriyama says. "I don't think the characters would be yelling out the names of their attacks in life-or-death situations. You'd get killed while yelling the name of your attack," he laughs. "But my editor said I'm better off giving attacks names."

In an earlier part of the interview, Toriyama also mentions that his editor advised him that having a quiet main character was having a negative effect on the series.

> Torishima told me one time: 'your main character is too quiet. That's why it's not so popular.' I wanted to win readers with the story this time around, and I had even made the effort to come up with a normally dressed main character, so I was peeved, and I told him, 'I'll do some 'crowd-pleaser material, then.'

This "crowd-pleaser material" that Toriyama mentions ended up being a tournament - probably one of the easiest ways to pack in as many attack names as possible. And Toriyama says that the series' popularity did greatly increase because of this tournament.
> **Comments:**
> **username_0** (2013-03-21): I completely agree with Toriyama! Good sources, though, this is a very nice answer.  
> **username_16** (2013-03-22): Interview is fine, but Toriyama's explanation simply move the problem to the editor's choice, leaving the question about the purpose and how this practice originated unanswered.  
> **username_6** (2013-03-23): @chirale Yes, I agree that it is not a full explanation (as I admitted in the first sentence of my answer), but neither I nor the bounty hunters have been able to find a full explanation from an official source it seems.  
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### Answer by username_17 on 2013-03-19. Score: 10
It goes back to into Japanese culture. They're very heavily influenced by bushidō, various martial arts, even their religions (Shintō). The names of things are very important, im assuming it's just the way of the Japanese. *Also it is common knowledge that shouting intimidates one's opponent.*

It's known as the [Kiai](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiai) (a battle cry), it's to channel your energy at the enemy through your attack in Japansese martial arts. You'll see this a lot in anime, from the naming and personification of swords to mechs to spirit energy, internal strength (spirit energy) is channelled through these weapons.

[Here is an article](http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CallingYourAttacks) on it (Calling your attacks)..

> If you can do something more impressive than just throw a punch, your
> attack(s) must have an equally impressive name. More than that, you
> have to call it out as you launch the attack. It doesn't matter if
> it's a martial arts move, a magical spell or your secret superweapon,
> if you can't say its name, it just isn't nearly as cool or effective.
> Also, expect plenty of echoing to come with it, and (if a fighter is
> feeling particulary bombastic) dramatic... *pauses*
> ...WITHAYELLATTHEEND! A standard feature of practically every Magical
> Girl, high fantasy, or martial arts anime.

The article also links to Western culture films that also use this or at least variants of it.. *(not sure about animation).* Who wants to see a silent fight after all?

*ps. BANKAI!*
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### Answer by username_19 on 2014-05-19. Score: 5
In kendo we shout the names of the strikes that we are doing in order to release air from our lungs in a particular manner. It's also for judges to know what strike we are attempting so to score us. However, it's unnecessary to say the yell and the strike that goes with it. For example, I come in and strike "dou" and yell "men". As a beginner, it doesn't matter whether I say dou, kote or men, just so long as I say something in order to release the air from my lungs.

That is a possible origin of anime characters yelling out their attack.
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### Answer by username_20 on 2013-03-16. Score: 3
Otherwise you (being an audience) will never know what's on their mind..

Take an example: Naruto, except few jutsus like Rasengan, Multi-shadow-clone which are very familiar, we may not understand the jutsu moves and their names, unless we have them by-hat..

And we are used to it and it sounds good to **roar** the name of jutsu :)
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