Manga & Anime in Japan 😎

What is manga and anime?

Manga is a style of Japanese comics that originated in the mid-1920s. In Japan, people of all genders and all ages read manga both at home and in public, so it’s very common to see people reading comics on trains and in parks.

There are many types of manga, and the content is extremely diverse: from history and science fiction to teenage romance and deeper themes about life. In general, manga is divided into four main categories based on the target audience: boys, girls, youth, and adults. Manga can usually be found and purchased in bookstores and convenience stores all across Japan.

If a manga series becomes popular, there’s a good chance it will be adapted into anime, Japanese-style animation. Well-known examples of manga that became globally popular anime include Dragon Ball, Pokémon, and One Piece. A famous animation studio with its own distinctive style is Studio Ghibli, which produced award-winning works such as My Neighbor Totoro and many other successful titles.

There’s a common misconception that manga and anime are only for “nerds.” More and more people are gradually being exposed to this unique world created by the Japanese - and personally, I recommend giving it a try, yes - even if you’re an adult. There’s a wide range of content suited for every age and interest.

Events and Interesting Places Related to Manga and Anime

The popularity of manga and anime has led to the creation of many attractions and interesting places, especially in Tokyo, which hosts some of the largest comic-related events in the world.

Events

The main annual event is AnimeJapan (formerly Tokyo Anime Fair). It takes place once a year at the Big Sight convention center in Odaiba and is one of the largest animation events in the world. Another notable event is Comiket - a massive comic fair that attracts hundreds of thousands of people. It is held twice a year, also at Big Sight.

Manga Cafés

Manga cafés are places where customers can choose manga from a large in-house library for a set amount of time and a fee. Guests are free to borrow and return books as many times as they like within their time limit. Some cafés also offer private booths for those who want a bit more privacy.

Maid Cafés

Originally, these cafés were created to bring manga and anime fantasies to life. This style of café has become very popular, especially in Akihabara - the “geek capital” of Tokyo.

So what actually happens there? The waitresses are dressed as maids and serve food and desserts that are usually presented in a cute, themed way. They may engage in friendly conversations or play card/video games with customers to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Photography is usually not allowed, although some cafés offer the option to take a photo with a “maid” for a small fee.

If you’re wondering - no, it’s not sexual. And yes, it’s very unusual. Most travelers will probably feel that it’s more of a tourist trap than anything else.

Shopping

There’s no shortage of manga and anime shops. They’re spread all across Japan, especially in places like Den Den Town in Osaka and Akihabara in Tokyo, the heart of manga and anime culture.

10 Manga & Anime Attractions in Japan