While international otakus use to differ them that way it's the same. In fact "Tom & Jerry" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" are アニメ (anime) in Japan.
Mhh, synopsis is though... it could be anyone. Children controlling giant robots (assuming there must be giant robots) it's the predominant genre next to the "harem" one (a common guy involved in comical situations with a group of voluptuous girls with a crush on him). I haven't seen anime in a while, but apparently tastes haven't changed so much since 10 or more years ago.
Talking about SpongeBob in Japan, have you heard Plankton's voice? It's freaking hilarious.