

I want foreigners to enjoy Japanese animation!”
Whether you are excitedly watching anime with friends or immersing yourself in the world by yourself, anime culture is one of the most fascinating aspects of Japan’s culture.
However, you may be wondering how foreigners can enjoy the appeal of anime, or whether anime is really popular abroad in the first place.
So in this article, I will explain the following:
The reality of anime’s popularity overseas
Recommended places to experience anime
・ Examples of anime experiences that foreigners enjoy
The following is a summary of the following
You can prepare for the entire contents of the book, including experiences and recommended places that foreign tourists will enjoy, as well as tips for anime-inspired conversation. Please read to the end.
Anime is popular among foreigners! What is the situation of anime in foreign countries?

Many people abroad also appreciate anime. In other words Anime culture exists all over the world Anime culture exists all over the world.
However, there are some differences between foreign and Japanese animation.
Let’s take a look at the anime situation overseas and how it differs from Japan.
The difference between Japan and Japan is the “target age!”
There is a big difference between foreign and Japanese animation. It is Target age group. is the “target age group”.
In Japan, anime is widely perceived as something that both adults and children can enjoy. For example, there are many works with touching stories and deep themes, and it is not uncommon for adults to become engrossed in them.
Overseas, on the other hand, anime has a strong image of being fun programs for children such as “Tom and Jerry” and “Osaru no George,” and many people feel that they are not good enough for adults to watch.
That is why Japanese animation with its storytelling and artistic quality is attracting attention and gaining popularity among adult foreigners.
Here is a news video of people enjoying cosplay at an American anime event.
News videos show that most of the people enjoying anime are adults.
While the image of “anime is for children” is strong in foreign countries, Japanese anime, which can be enjoyed by adults as well, has overturned this impression and won the hearts of many foreign people.
That is why we encourage foreigners visiting Japan to enjoy anime experiences and Japanese culture that even adults can get lost in.
But what is it about Japanese culture that makes foreigners happy? Please refer to Motenas Japan’s past articles.
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Also, when enjoying anime with foreigners, consideration must be given to their cultural backgrounds.
For example, cosplay with a lot of exposed skin is common in Japan, but some cultures in some countries discourage exposure in public places. For this reason, many foreigners feel uncomfortable in revealing costumes such as cosplay and oiran (courtesan) experiences.
Before having fun together, it is a good idea to ask in advance what you would like to avoid culturally and what experiences you would like to have so that you can both feel comfortable.
Japanese with a high passion for anime
As can be seen from the news footage introduced earlier, the enjoyment of anime is universal. The interviewees were smiling and talking about their enjoyment of anime.
However, Japanese people’s passion for anime is different. In fact, many foreigners who visit Japan are surprised by their enthusiasm.
For example, in Japan, many people collect all the volumes of their favorite manga or go to the cinema to see the same anime movie over and over again. Anime is also enjoyed overseas, but mainly through distribution services such as Netflix, or in a more casual way, such as sharing cosplay photos and fan art on social networking sites.
The kind of enthusiasm that makes an animated film a blockbuster hit in movie theaters and ranks first at the box office, or that makes people collect a large number of goods, may be said to be peculiar to Japan.
It is said that one of the reasons why Japanese people are so fascinated by anime is because of its ” subtle expressions that make it easy to empathize with the emotions and growth of the characters.
And now, anime has become “an experience that brings you into contact with a new world.
Even in the midst of our busy lives, we are healed and energized by the extraordinary world of anime. I am sure that many of you have had such an experience.
How did Japanese animation begin?

Anime” is a Japanese culture that continues to be loved even today. We are interested in the history of anime, its beginnings, and how it has been passed down to the present day.
Let us now look at the history of Japanese animation.
The history of Japanese animation beginning in the Heian period?
Japanese animation is actually part of a very ancient culture. For example, Japan’s oldest picture scroll, the “Birds and Beasts Caricature,” created in the Heian period (794-1192), uses moving pictures to tell a story. Such picture scrolls can be said to be connected to the origin of modern animation. Animation was originally created through the use of such pictures. Animation originally conveyed stories to people through such pictures, and the movement and expression of images developed over time. (Reference: Caricatures of Birds, Beasts, and Humans )
Animation was enjoyed by the common people in the Showa era.
This period also saw the appearance of some of Japan’s best-known animation works. For example, “Astro Boy” and “Attack No. 1” were popular among children in the 1960s. These works are also recognized as having laid the foundation for the modern animation style.
In the Showa period (1926-1989), animation spread rapidly as a form of entertainment for the common people. Especially from the late 1950s to the 1960s, as animation technology evolved and TV cartoons became familiar in the home, cartoons became more acceptable to adults as well.
(Reference: Osamu Tezuka’s official website )
Why Animation Has Spread Around the World
The spread of Japanese animation to the rest of the world was mainly due to its overseas expansion from the 1970s to the 1980s. In particular, “robot animation,” which introduced animation to foreign countries as entertainment for children, had a major impact.
Later, in the 1990s, Studio Ghibli’s films “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away” were successful around the world, and anime culture gained worldwide recognition. With the success of the Ghibli films, Japanese animation was also recognized as a film with artistic value and has a large number of fans around the world.
(Reference: Japanese Anime Culture Spreading Around the World )

The world of animation was created with passion by people in the past who wished to leave it behind for future generations.
Watching anime while learning about the thoughts of the creators of that era and the background of the times is also a very moving experience for me.
Let’s Talk Anime with Foreigners! 3 Popular Anime

Some Japanese animations are works that are highly acclaimed and loved by many people overseas. are highly appreciated and loved by many people in other countries as well. It is a great feeling to know that one’s own country’s anime is loved by people all over the world.
If you are interested in discussing anime with foreigners If you are interested in discussing anime with foreigners, here are three anime works that are especially popular among foreigners.
Ghibli|Hayao Miyazaki

Ghibli films such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away” contain nostalgic yet philosophical themes. Their Ghibli’s unique worldview is loved by many foreigners. In Asian countries, Ghibli films are also used as language teaching materials, and many foreigners say they learned Japanese from Ghibli films.
(Reference: Studio Ghibli Inc. official website )
Naruto|Naruto|Narushi Kishimoto

This is a masterpiece that established the image of “ninja = cool” overseas. The setting, which incorporates Japanese elements such as ninjutsu and chakra, is fresh even for foreigners. The “Ningen no mori” on Awaji Island, which has a Naruto-themed area, attracts tens of thousands of foreign tourists every year.
(Reference: Naruto official site )
Pokemon|Tomomi Tajiri

Its familiar design and stories are appealing. The development of games and animations that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike has attracted many fans around the world. In addition, Pokémon’s characters and worldviews resonate beyond national borders and have become global cultural icons.
(Reference: Pokémon Monster Official Site )
Recommended for foreigners! 10 Japanese Anime Spots

Here are 10 Japanese anime spots recommended for foreigners visiting Japan.
How to choose an anime spot to enjoy with foreigners
1Easy access
2Animation experience that is unique to Nippon.
The location of the anime experience with foreigners is important as well as the fun factor. Many people want to enjoy as many anime experiences as possible during their short stay in Japan. Locations that are both tourist attractions and places to enjoy anime experiences are popular. It is popular to visit a tourist spot where you can also enjoy the anime experience.
Since many people are also particular about the photographic effect, places where they can enjoy the collaboration of anime with typical Japanese structures such as castles, shrines, and temples are also popular.
We have carefully selected recommended anime spots, taking into account the wishes of foreign tourists.
Animate Ikebukuro main store

Highlights
A mecca for anime fans with a wide selection of anime and manga goods. With multilingual staff, even first-time foreign visitors can enjoy themselves here. In addition to anime goods, a wide variety of limited edition and collaborative products are available. The shop is conveniently located within walking distance of Ikebukuro Station, making it easy for foreign visitors to access.
Facility Details
Name: Animate Ikebukuro Main Store
Address: 1-20-7 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Access: (English)
- 5 min. walk from Ikebukuro Station
- Accessible from Ikebukuro Station on JR, Tokyo Metro and private lines
Phone number: 03-3988-1351
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Weekdays 10:00-21:00
- Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 10:00-21:00
Closed: Open all year round (except special days)
Payment Information: Payment Information
- cash
- credit card
- Transportation system IC cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.)
Official website: https://www.animate.co.jp/shop/ikebukuro
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, Tokyo

Highlights
This museum allows visitors to experience the world of Studio Ghibli. English-speaking guides are also available, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the charm of Ghibli films. Inside there are original exhibits and a video corner where you can watch short animated films, making it a must-see spot for fans.
Facility Details
Name: Tokyo Ghibli Museum
Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo
Access: (English)
- 10 minutes by bus from Mitaka Station
- From the south exit of Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines, [bus bound for Ghibli Museum].
- Get off at the bus stop “Mitakanomori Ghibli Museum Mae”.
Phone number: 0422-28-1822
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- 10:00-18:00 (last admission at 17:00)
- Closed: Tuesday (open if Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the following day)
- Check the official website for information on closed days and temporary closures.
Closed: Tuesdays (except holidays)
- Other holidays include year-end and New Year’s holidays and temporary closures.
Payment Information: Payment Information
- cash
- credit card
- smart card
Official website: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp
Akihabara|Maid café “@Home Cafe

Highlights
Maid cafes are a symbol of otaku culture in Japan. Cute maids serve unique menu items and provide special performances and services, special performances and services. The Maid Café is a unique spot for foreign visitors to experience Japanese anime and manga culture. For foreign visitors, it is a unique spot to experience Japanese anime and manga culture. Multilingual service is also available, making it a safe and enjoyable place for foreign visitors.
Facility Details
Name: Maid cafe “@Home Cafe
Address: Radio Kaikan 4F, 1-11-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: (English)
- 5 min. walk from Akihabara Station
- JR Akihabara Station, a few minutes walk from the Electric Town Exit
Phone number: 03-3251-0788
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- 11:00-22:00
Closed: Open all year round (with occasional holidays)
Payment Information: Payment Information
- cash
- credit card
Official website: https://athome-cafe.jp
Aichi|Ghibli Park

Highlights
Ghibli Park is, Ghibli Park is a theme park where you can actually experience the fascinating world of Ghibli’s works. Ghibli Park is a theme park where you can actually experience the fascinating world of Ghibli’s works. In the “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse,” visitors can enjoy the world of Ghibli’s works through movie exhibits and a video corner. At “Seishun no Oka,” visitors can experience the world of the film through a recreation of the famous scene from “Mimi wo Sumeba” and the Chikyuya (earth store). In the “Dondoko Mori” area, Totoro, Satsuki and May’s house, and the Cat Bathroom make a special appearance for fans. Visitors can also experience the world of “Princess Mononoke” in “Mononoke no Sato,” while “Witches’ Valley” offers a fascinating area where visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of “The Witch’s Delivery Service” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.
Facility Details
Name: Ghibli Park
Address: 1533-1 Ibarakemawarima Otsu, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
Access: (English)
- Approx. 30 minutes by train from Nagoya Station to Aichi Chikyu Hakko Kinen Koen Station on the Aichi Rapid Transit Eastern Hillside Line (Linimo).
Phone number: 052-759-5555
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:00)
Closed: Tuesdays (except national holidays), Year-end and New Year holidays, Temporary closures
Payment Information: Payment Information
- cash
- credit card
Official website: https://www.ghibli-park.jp
About the reservation:
Tickets for Ghibli Park are, advance reservations required. and are sold by advance reservation only. Reservations are accepted from 2:00 p.m. (Japan time) on the 10th of the month two months prior to the month in which you wish to enter. 2 months prior to the month in which you wish to visit. For example, if you plan to visit in July, reservations can be made as early as May 10 at 2:00 p.m. (Japan time). Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, and tickets for your desired date and time may sell out early, so early reservations are recommended!
Kyoto|Toei Kyoto Movie Village

Attractions
A theme park where you can experience Japanese movie culture. You can immerse yourself in the world of movies while walking through the sets of historical dramas. There are also cosplay experience and ninja show. You can enjoy the fusion of traditional Japanese culture and anime. This is a special experience for movie and animation fans.
Facility Details
Name: Toei Movie Village in Kyoto
Address: 10, Ohata Higashi Beeoka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: (English)
- 10 min. walk from Taimada Station
- A short walk from JR Sagano Line Ohata Station
Phone number: 075-864-7716
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- 9:00-17:00 (last admission by 16:30)
Closed: Open year-round (with occasional holidays)
Payment Information: Payment Information
- cash
- credit card
Official website:. https://www.toei-eigamura.com
Kyoto|International Manga Museum

Highlights
A facility where you can learn about the history of manga. There are more than 50,000 comic books in the museum. You can freely read and enjoy over 50,000 manga in the museum. There are also multilingual exhibits, which are convenient for foreign tourists. This is a spot where you can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese manga culture.
Facility Details
Name: Kyoto International Manga Museum
Address: Karasuma-dori, Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: (English)
- 5 minutes walk from Karasuma-Oike Station
- 5-minute walk from Karasuma-Oike Station on the Subway Karasuma Line and Tozai Line
Phone number: 075-254-7414
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- 10:00-18:00 (last admission by 17:30)
- Closed: Wednesdays (open if Wednesday is a national holiday)
Payment Information: Payment Information
- cash
- credit card
Official website:. https://www.kyotomm.jp
Osaka|Universal Studios Japan

Highlights
A huge theme park themed on the world of movies and anime. The theme park features a variety of movies and anime, such as “Harry Potter,” “Detective Conan,” and “Shinkage no Kyojin”, You can experience a realistic view of the world of anime and movies in many collaboration areas. This is a must-see spot for anime fans.
Facility Details
Name: Universal Studios Japan
Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: (English)
- 5 minutes walk from Universal City Station
Phone number: 0570-200-606
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- 9:00-22:00 (varies depending on season and events)
Closed: Open year-round
Payment Information: Payment Information
- cash
- credit card
Official website:. https://www.usj.co.jp
About the reservation:
Entry to the Mario Area at USJ is restricted during busy times, and numbered or lottery tickets are required.
Entry status can be checked on the day via the official USJ app. Numbered tickets can be obtained via the app after entering the park.
If you want to be sure of admission, it is recommended to purchase an Express Pass with guaranteed admission in advance.
On quiet days, you may be able to enter without a numbered ticket.
Osaka, Nippombashi|Anime and Cosplay Goods

Places to visit
A wide variety of anime goods and cosplay items, Osaka’s anime mecca. Anime fans gather here to buy a variety of anime-related products. The area is also popular with international visitors.
Facility Details
Name: Nihonbashi
Address: 5 Nihonbashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 5 min. walk from Nihonbashi Sta.
Awaji Island|Ningen no mori

Highlights
A theme park where visitors can enjoy collaborations with popular anime such as “Crayon Shinchan” and “Naruto”. You can meet the characters and experience cosplay, making it a popular place for anime lovers.
Facility Details
Name: Ningen no mori
Address: Nojima Hirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access: (English)
- 15 minutes by car from Awaji Interchange
Phone number: 0799-82-2727
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- 10:00-18:00
Closed: No regular holidays
Payment Information: Payment Information
- cash
- credit card
Official website:. https://ningenno-mori.com
Shirakawa-go

point worthy of note
Shirakawa-go is a beautiful traditional village located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture and is the setting for the anime It is also the setting for the animated films “Kimi no na wa” and “Higurashi no naku koro ni. The village is lined with characteristic “Gassho-zukuri” houses, which make the scenery look as if you have wandered into an anime world. Especially in winter, the snow-covered Gassho-zukuri houses are fantastic.
Facility Details
Name: Shirakawa-go
Address: Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun, Gifu-ken
Access: (English)
- 50 minutes by car from Takayama Station
- Walking distance from Shirakawa-go bus terminal
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Open 24 hours a day (daytime is the busiest time for tourists)
Closed: Open all year round
Payment Information: Payment Information
- cash
- Credit card (some facilities)
Official Site: Shirakawa-go Shirakawa-go Official Tourism Site
Introduction of examples of animation experiences for foreigners
Finally, Motenas Japan proposes Motenas Japan proposes two anime experience projects for foreigners Motenas Japan proposes two anime experience projects for foreigners.
Enjoying anime on TV or the Internet is great, but why not experience Japanese culture together? Enjoying anime in the midst of Japanese culture will give you a special moment that you cannot experience anywhere else.
Motenas Japan, which has an established reputation for planning Japanese cultural experiences, has carefully selected Japanese cultural experiences that go well with anime. Please take a look at them for your reference.
Anime experience project recommended for foreigners
1Example of experience (1) Animation production x Behind-the-scenes experience
2Example of animation experience (2) Ninja show x Ninja experience
*Tap to go to the details of the project.
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Experience Example 1: Animation Production x Behind-the-Scenes Experience
This workshop allows you to experience the fascination of animation production to the fullest. By drawing illustrations, adding postrecording, and even filming, participants can actually learn how animation is created. Through this experience, Experience the excitement of breathing life into a work of art you have drawn. and learn more about the behind-the-scenes of animation production. In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy a collaborative menu prepared by Motenas Japan’s resident chef, which is sure to further captivate anime fans! You can also enjoy a tour of the anime production site and interact with the video game industry, so it is a great opportunity for those who are interested in not only anime, but also the Japanese entertainment industry in general. This event is perfect for those who are interested in the Japanese entertainment industry in general. This is the perfect program for those who are interested in not only anime but also the Japanese entertainment industry in general.
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Example of animation experience (2) Ninja show x Ninja experience
At the ninja show, visitors can enjoy a powerful performance that makes full use of light and shadow effects, followed by the experience of actually becoming a ninja. The experience of being a ninja in a quintessentially Japanese setting, such as an elegant Japanese garden or a historical building, will make you feel as if you have stepped into the world of anime. In addition, a tailor-made experience plan is proposed to meet the needs of each participant, so everyone from children to adults can have their own special ninja experience. This experience can be customized for VIPs as well, providing a deeper and more special experience of Japanese ninja culture.
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Foreigners are treated to a “Japanese-style anime experience”.

Anime is a representative of Japanese culture, and its appeal is loved by many people both at home and abroad. For foreigners visiting Japan, it would be a wonderful memory if they could not only enjoy the images of anime but also actually experience its world.
Also, as described in this article, Motenas Japan can propose projects that combine “anime” and “Japanese cultural experiences and “Japanese cultural experiences.
We can also arrange interpreters and consult with you on venues. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to offer a unique animation experience to your special foreign guests. f

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