Monkey Punch

A beloved anime franchise based on Monkey Punch's manga about Lupin III, the grandson of gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. Alongside his loyal crew—sharpshooter Jigen, samurai swordsman Goemon, and femme fatale Fujiko Mine—Lupin pulls off daring heists around the world while evading the relentless Inspector Zenigata. Since the first TV series in 1971, the franchise has produced countless films, TV specials, and series across five decades. Hayao Miyazaki directed the iconic film 'The Castle of Cagliostro' in 1979, which became a beloved classic in its own right. Lupin III remains one of Japan's most enduring and internationally recognized anime franchises.

Japan's preeminent horror manga artist, whose uniquely disturbing visual imagination has earned him a massive global following. Known for masterworks such as Tomie (about an immortal girl who drives men to murderous obsession), Uzumaki (about a town consumed by spiraling patterns), and standalone stories like The Enigma of Amigara Fault, Ito crafts horror from everyday situations twisted into nightmarish impossibilities. His intricate, detailed artwork creates an uncanny contrast between realistic settings and grotesque supernatural phenomena. He has received numerous awards including the Eisner Award. His popularity in English-speaking countries has exploded in recent years through translations, social media, and anime and game adaptations, making him arguably the most internationally famous manga artist working in horror.

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.

A manga by Hajime Isayama. The story of humanity's fight for freedom in a world dominated by Titans earned international acclaim for its dark, complex worldview that transcended conventional shonen manga. Its anime adaptation turned it into a global cultural phenomenon.

A manga serialized by Akira Toriyama in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1984 to 1995. With over 260 million copies in circulation worldwide, it was a pioneering work that spread Japanese manga culture globally. Its character design and battle sequences influenced countless subsequent works.

The definitive basketball manga by Takehiko Inoue. The story of delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi discovering basketball sparked a basketball boom in Japan. The 2022 theatrical film became a worldwide hit, proving the series' timeless popularity.