To put bluntly, many simply don’t “get” moe.  This isn’t meant as a negative statement.  This isn’t a condemnation of those that don’t appreciate it, but rather an observation that the term, and what it means, seem to act as an ever existing puzzle to many, and acts as some invisible barrier between east and west.  However, the core concept of moe is actually very easy to understand, and here I will attempt to demonstrate it in as simple a way as possible.

Before we begin, there is one requirement: be willing to accept that the range of characteristics that attracts one to a character is not restricted to just what you set before yourself.  Good to go?  Alright, lets start.

Step 1. Imagine a character that you’re attracted to.  It doesn’t matter if it’s from an eastern or western game, animation, or manga/comic.  Simply be attracted to him or her.

Step2. Determine the some of the characteristics that  causes this attraction, whether they be physical traits, or personality traits, what have you.

Done?  You have just understood the concept behind moe.  Are you surprised at how simple that was?  Moe is at it’s base no different than your own attraction to a character.  It is an umbrella term that covers a certain set of attractive characteristics.  While they may be different from your basic TNA, the result is the same.  You don’t need to understand why some might find glasses attractive, or cat ears attractive.  Simply understand that they are for some, just as what attracts you to your character is true for you, and not for everyone else.

Suddenly moe isn’t so mysterious, is it?