Anime has become rooted in Japan’s youth culture, increasing your chances of coming across it during your visit. Visitors can join in on the craze by visiting galleries, buying memorabilia, and taking part in unique experiences that celebrate this national art form.

WHAT IS ANIME?

Simply put, anime is Japanese animation. Japanese animation dates back to the early 20th Century with the rise of the very first animators. Anime usually works alongside Manga (Japanese comic books), bringing the stories to life with animated television series.

Possibly the most well-known anime program is Pokémon which has gained international fame. Each anime artist has a distinct style and the stories are usually rooted in Japanese history. Many animation films have gone on to receive highly accredited awards including an Academy Award for the movie Spirited Away.

Although you may be aware of the most popular anime characters and stories, it is difficult to really uncover the anime culture without visiting Japan. The name ‘otaku’ is used to refer to a super fan of anime and manga. The best place to experience anime culture is Tokyo, where you’ll find many unique things to do, such as manga cafes.

Akihabara is the number one district in Tokyo for all things anime. From huge shops selling all the latest gadgets and memorabilia to gaming centers where otaku spend hours upon hours competing in video games. The area is also home to the maid café phenomenon, a range of cafes that are inspired by the anime culture. Here young women dress up in Lolita and anime-style clothing and take part in a variety of games and trivia whilst serving food and drinks in the shape of animals and anime characters. This is a dining experience with a twist and one that showcases the city’s bold personality.