Here is some info on Anime, and in brackets �[these sorts of brackets]' is evidence on how it relates to the Simpsons, and yes I am aware that originally The Simpsons was never intended to be like an anime.
Many people might say, "Anime is the Japanese version of animation. Anime is usually, but not always, the animated version of popular Manga (Japanese Comic)." That's partially true, but it can be misleading.
Anime is for all sorts of people. Japanese writers write for everyone from innocent young children to perverted sex-starved men. [Simpsons is usually PG rated, but it can contain adult themes or innuendos.]
Much of anime includes scenes of students in class or doing homework, or of people working in their offices. The work ethic seems omnipresent in the background. Manga and anime also tend to portray technology sympathetically. [Well Springfield Elementary, and the SNPP provide that, and the Simpsons do sometimes engrave in technology.]
Japanese Manga and anime style, which is distinctive and fairly easy to recognize. Within this broad common stylistic ground, each Manga artist's technique is distinct and unique. The stereotype is of characters with huge hair and large eyes. [Most characters have large eyes, (well just look at Marge's hair!) and are easily recognisable.]
It is the mix of harsh reality with the tantalizing world of fantasy that makes Japanese Manga and anime so appealing. [Simpsons usually portray real life, but dream sequences and Tree House of Horrors explore the realm of their fantasy.]
Another trait of Manga and anime that I have always liked is their tendency to contain a sense of spiritual optimism ... and not just simplistic good-over-evil stuff. Bad people can improve and find redemption. Unhappy heroes can find themselves, through personal crisis, and in doing so find happiness. Hard work will pay off ... but maybe only in the short term. Difficulties occur, but they can be overcome. Strength is found from helping others, even to the point of self-sacrifice.... Not all stories have, but many do. [Simpsons Vs Burns, Homer Vs Springfield Isotopes in "Hungry, hungry Homer," Bart in "Bart gets an F," Homer is very happy and then unhappy, even fails to commit suicide in "Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder" and various other episodes.]
Anime shows in Japan will sometimes depict death and such realities of life. [Some funerals are shown, guns are shown, and murder, crime, bullying etc are all depicted in the show.]
And when these simple but universal themes are woven more or less convincingly into the fabric of good plots and characters, magic happens. [Happens all the time in the show.]
Also there are some long-term plot lines and short-term plot lines going on at the same time. [A wacky one episode plot and long term stuff like Skinner and Krabappel relationship, or Burns and Smithers.]