Anime and manga that you should not miss to get to know Japanese culture

Watching anime and reading manga is a fun and effective way to get to know Japanese culture, since it allows you to know different aspects of their culture, learn the language, better understand the cultural differences that may exist. Here we leave you a short list of anime and manga that we recommend to learn more about Japanese culture!

“Shirokuma Cafe”

This is an anime and manga that tells the story of a cafe called “Shirokuma Cafe” that is frequented by both humans and animals that are anthropomorphic or have human features.

The main character of the anime and manga is a polar bear named Shirokuma , who is the owner of the cafe. Shirokuma is kind and always willing to help his customers, humans and animals alike. Other important characters include Panda , a regular at the cafe; Penguin , who works part-time at the cafe and Llama, who works at a nearby store and often visits the cafe.

Throughout the series, the characters have comedic and thoughtful conversations on various topics, from everyday life to Japanese culture, friendship, and nature. The anime and manga ” Shirokuma Cafe ” is known for its clever humor and charming characters.

Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso

This is an anime and manga that tells the story of a young piano prodigy named Kosei Arima , who after the death of his mother, is unable to hear the sound of his own piano. However, his life changes when he meets a talented violinist named Kaori Miyazono , who challenges him to return to music.

The series is an emotional story about friendship, love and self-improvement. Through the characters, classical music, and urban landscapes of Tokyo, the series shows the importance of finding beauty in life despite pain and hardship.

“Yotsuba&!”

“Yotsuba&!” tells the story of a girl of about 5 years old named Yotsuba Koiwai and her family. The series follows Yotsuba’s daily adventures as she discovers the world around her and learns new things. The series is known for its humor, its tenderness and its positive outlook on life.

The manga was created by Kiyohiko Azuma and was first published in MediaWorks’ Dengeki Daioh magazine in 2003, however, it has not been produced in an anime version despite its success and long run.

Each chapter of the manga and episode of the anime focuses on a different experience in Yotsuba ‘s life, from her first meeting with a neighbor to her adventures in the park and on the beach. Yotsuba is an energetic and curious girl who often asks innocent questions and surprises her friends and family with her clever ideas.

“Barakamon”

Seishu Handa isa young calligrapher living in Tokyo. After a falling out with an art critic, Seishu is sent to a remote island in the Goto archipelago to reflect on his art and regain his passion for calligraphy.

On the island, Seishu finds himself surrounded by quirky characters and comes into contact with a different way of life. Through his interaction with the villagers and their customs, Seishu begins to find his own voice and discover his own artistic style.

An interesting and fun way to get to know Japanese culture and its traditions in the most rural areas!

non non biyori

Four young students live in a small rural town in Japan. The series focuses on the everyday lives of the characters and how they adjust to and enjoy life in the countryside.

“Non Non Biyori” is known for its calm and relaxed pace, and for its beautiful landscape and nature design. The characters are sweet and likeable, and the series focuses on their relationships and how they support each other as they explore and enjoy their surroundings.

The series has been popular in Japan and other countries and has been praised for its ability to capture the beauty and simplicity of rural Japanese life. The series’ ability to authentically and respectfully depict the culture and customs of rural Japan has also been highlighted.