GeGeGe no Kitaro

A Sengoku fantasy by Rumiko Takahashi. The adventure of a modern girl and half-demon Inuyasha gained particular popularity in the West and Latin America.

A supernatural adventure manga by Yuki Urushibara. It follows Ginko, a mysterious protagonist who investigates strange phenomena caused by supernatural beings called Mushi. The series expertly blends an Edo-period aesthetic with folklore scholarship, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of Japanese tradition and supernatural phenomena.

A body of works by Tottori-born manga artist Shigeru Mizuki centered on yokai supernatural creatures. Beginning with 'GeGeGe no Kitaro,' he elevated Japanese traditional folklore to modern manga form. His accurate yokai designs based on fieldwork research and imaginative storytelling significantly contributed to international dissemination of Japanese culture and sparked academic interest in yokai studies.

A Japanese fantasy manga by Yuki Midorikawa. It follows Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see yokai, as he navigates a mysterious book of yokai names left by his grandmother. The series beautifully explores human relationships and personal growth through encounters with spirits, seamlessly blending Japanese folklore with contemporary society.

A pirate adventure manga by Eiichiro Oda. Since its serialization began in 1997, it has surpassed 500 million copies in circulation worldwide, earning a Guinness World Record as the best-selling manga. Its epic tale of friendship and freedom continues to captivate fans globally.

A ninja-themed manga by Masashi Kishimoto. The coming-of-age story of underdog Naruto aspiring to become Hokage has sold over 250 million copies worldwide. It is one of the most influential works in spreading Japanese ninja culture globally.