Highlights

  • Anime like Spirited Away incorporate elements of Japanese culture seamlessly, giving viewers a glimpse into traditions, spirits, and folklore.
  • Pokemon serves as a gateway to Japan for many fans, igniting a desire to explore places like the Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo.
  • Shows like Food Wars: Shokugeki No Soma and Haikyuu!! not only showcase mouthwatering Japanese cuisine and high school sports, but also provide insights into Japanese school culture and relationships.

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.

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From beautiful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and visuals 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.

8 Spirited Away

Incorporates Many Elements Of Japanese Culture

Chihiro and No Face in Spirited Away
Spirited Away (2001)
Fantasy

Release Date
July 20, 2001
Studio
Studio Ghibli
Director
Hayao Miyazaki

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.

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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.

7 Pokemon

Will Make Fans Want To Visit A Real Pokemon Center

Ash, Pikachu, Misty & Brock In The Pokemon Anime
Pokémon (1997)
Action
Adventure
Comedy
Family

Release Date
April 1, 1997
Creator
Satoshi Tajiri

Whether a fan of anime or not, everyone has heard of Pokemon, and it's for a good reason. Created in 1997, the animated series follows a young trainer called Ash Ketchum and his friends as they compete in Pokemon battles. Ash's dream is to become a Pokemon Master, and he must do this by winning regional leagues.

Most anime fans grew up with Pokemon, 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.

6 Food Wars: Shokugeki No Soma

Showcases Mouthwatering Japanese Cuisine

Anime Food Wars
Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma
Comedy

Release Date
April 4, 2015
Seasons
5
Studio
J.C.Staff

The plot for Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma is 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.

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Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma shows off an incredible 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.

5 Haikyuu!!

Viewers Will Learn More About High School Culture And Sports

Shoyo Hinata looking excited in Haikyuu!!
Haikyu!! (2014)
Sports

Release Date
April 6, 2014
Seasons
4
Studio
Production I.G

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 together to 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.

4 Barakamon

Based In A Real Location In Japan

Seishu and Haru in Barakamon
Barakamon
Comedy
Slice of Life

Release Date
July 6, 2014
Seasons
1
Studio
Kinema Citrus

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.

3 Tsurune

Showcases Kyudo (Japanese Archery)

tsurune linking shot episode 2 minato aiming bow
Tsurune
Sports

Release Date
October 22, 2018
Seasons
2
Studio
Kyoto Animation

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.

Tsurune may encourage fans to take a trip to Japan through displays of the traditional Japanese art of Kyudo (archery). Viewers will learn about the rituals, techniques, and discipline associated with the sport, which could possibly lead to them wanting to try out the practices in person.

2 Naruto

Some Scenes Depict Incredible Japanese Architecture

naruto anime
Naruto
Animation
Action
Adventure

Release Date
October 2, 2002
Seasons
5
Studio
Pierrot

Naruto is 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 face rival ninja villages, rogue ninjas, and other obstacles along the way.

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The anime showcases iconic ninja villages, techniques, and the Hidden Leaf Village. The Hidden Leaf Village features traditional Japanese architecture that may convince fans to make a visit to Japan.

1 Love Live! School Idol Project

Introduces Viewers To Idol Culture

Rin in Love Live! School Idol Project
Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club
Music

Release Date
October 3, 2020
Seasons
2
Studio
Bandai Namco Filmworks

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 Project is 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.

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