Summary
Anime has a way of whisking viewers into extraordinary and unforgettable worlds that Western animated shows don’t. There are many reasons for this but some of the main reasons are the storylines, visuals, and representation of Japanese life going seamlessly hand in hand.
From beautiful storytelling, unforgettable characters, andvisuals some might describe as breathtaking, anime has gained many fans all over the globe, which can act as a transition into becoming entranced by Japanese culture. This list is going to uncover anime that has made viewers want to visit Japan and others that have demonstrated the culture in unique ways.
Spirited Away,a 2001 fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, follows the story of a young girl named Chihiro Ogino, who becomes trapped in a magical world while on her way to her new home with her family. Chihiro and her family stumble across an abandoned amusement park where they’re enticed by a feast. Despite Chihiro’s reluctance, her family eats, which results in them turning into pigs. To save them, she has to take on a job at the bathhouse and navigate the challenges and conflicts among the spirits.
While the aim of the movie isn’t to entice viewers into visiting Japan, the film incorporates many elements of Japanese culture, like Shinto and Buddhist traditions, spirits, and folklore.
Whether a fan of anime or not, everyone has heard ofPokemon, and it’s for a good reason. Created in 1997, the animated series follows a young trainer calledAsh Ketchum and his friendsas they compete inPokemonbattles. Ash’s dream is to become a Pokemon Master, and he must do this by winning regional leagues.
Most anime fans grew up withPokemon, and it makes the perfect visual and cultural gateway to Japan for many of them. Although the world is fictional, it’s hard not to want to go to Japan to explore places like the Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo.
The plot forFood Wars: Shokugeki no Somais centered around Yukihara, an ambitious young chef who aspires to take over his family’s diner from his father. When his father closes the restaurant for a few years, Soma enrolls in Totsuki Culinary Academy, known for its prestigious and competitive environment.
Food Wars: Shokugeki no Somashows off anincredible variety of Japanese cuisine, from street food to gourmet dishes. In each episode, there are detailed and mouthwatering reactions to the food that’ll leave fans wanting to fly off to Japan and try it themselves.
Haikyuu!!centers around high school volleyball and follows Shoyo Hinata, a short but determined student who has the amazing speed and agility needed to be a great spiker in volleyball. As he enters high school, he discovers that his rival, Tobio Kageyama, is his teammate, and despite their rivalry,the two must learn to work togetherto revive the school’s success in the sport.
Haikyuu!!shows off the passion for high school sports, while also taking viewers on a journey through Japanese school culture by depicting club activities and what relationships and friendships are like.
Barakamon’s plot is about Seishuu Handa, a talented yet uptight calligrapher. After he punches an elderly curator for saying his work lacks originality, he is sent to the Goto Islands as a form of punishment.
Upon arriving, he is instantly irritated. The carefree villagers disrupt his structured lifestyle, and it’s now his job to navigate the challenges of island living, make friends with villagers, and experience his own personal and artistic growth. The Goto Islands is a real place in Japan with stunning landscapes that make tourists want to experience the peaceful life in the Japanese countryside.
Minato Narumiya used to be an archery champion before a traumatic incident happened during a middle school competition. Entering high school, his childhood friends and club members encouraged him to rejoin the club and discover his passion for archery.
Tsurunemay encourage fans to take a trip to Japan through displays of the traditional Japanese art of Kyudo (archery). Viewers will learn about therituals, techniques, and discipline associated with the sport, which could possibly lead to them wanting to try out the practices in person.
Narutois one of the most popular anime for a reason. It follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming the strongest ninja and the leader of his village. Despite the challenges he faces, he’s determined to prove his worth by enrolling in the Ninja Academy. Naruto and his team facerival ninja villages, rogue ninjas, and other obstacles along the way.
The anime showcases iconic ninja villages, techniques, and theHidden Leaf Village. The Hidden Leaf Village features traditional Japanese architecture that may convince fans to make a visit to Japan.
After the threat of Otonokizaka Academy shutting down due to a decline in enrollment, high school student Honaka Kosaka embarks on a mission to form a school idol group to boost the school’s popularity and attract new students.
Love Live! School Idol Projectis known for its vibrant performances, catchy songs, and the wholesome friendships and love between characters. This could make viewers want to travel to Japan for the idol culture, as it shows the excitement and crazy popularity these stars have in real life.
