Anime

Anime-inspired itasha sports coupe at a Tokyo car meet

What Is Itasha? Anime-Inspired Cars in Japan

Discover what itasha means, how anime-inspired car wraps are designed, and why these colorful vehicles have become a distinctive expression of Japanese fan and car culture.

What Is Itasha? Anime-Inspired Cars in Japan

Discover what itasha means, how anime-inspired car wraps are designed, and why these colorful vehicles have become a distinctive expression of Japanese fan and car culture.

Visitors browse art and merchandise booths along an exhibition hall aisle.

The History of Anime Conventions in Japan

From science fiction fan gatherings and Comiket to cosplay championships and AnimeJapan, explore how Japan's convention culture developed through publishing, performance, and shared enthusiasm.

The History of Anime Conventions in Japan

From science fiction fan gatherings and Comiket to cosplay championships and AnimeJapan, explore how Japan's convention culture developed through publishing, performance, and shared enthusiasm.

A cream bear plush with a tiny backpack is held in front of a canal and wooden buildings

Nui-Katsu: Japan’s Plush Photography Culture

Explore Japan’s nui-katsu culture, from plush photography and miniature outfits to café outings, travel memories, and simple ways to turn a favorite plush into the star of a personal photo...

Nui-Katsu: Japan’s Plush Photography Culture

Explore Japan’s nui-katsu culture, from plush photography and miniature outfits to café outings, travel memories, and simple ways to turn a favorite plush into the star of a personal photo...

Two friends enjoy tea and cake with a character plush and acrylic stand at a cafe

What Is Oshi-Katsu?

Discover what oshi-katsu means in Japan, how fans celebrate favorite characters and performers, and the everyday activities, displays, outings, and friendships that bring fandom to life.

What Is Oshi-Katsu?

Discover what oshi-katsu means in Japan, how fans celebrate favorite characters and performers, and the everyday activities, displays, outings, and friendships that bring fandom to life.

Two travelers walk beside a coastal railway station in Japan

What Is Anime Pilgrimage?

Explore anime pilgrimage in Japan, from the real places behind memorable scenes to planning a thoughtful visit, finding locations, and keeping the journey alive through photographs and fandom.

What Is Anime Pilgrimage?

Explore anime pilgrimage in Japan, from the real places behind memorable scenes to planning a thoughtful visit, finding locations, and keeping the journey alive through photographs and fandom.

Visitors browse booklets and artwork at tables inside a self-publishing fair.

Dōjin Culture and Fan Creativity in Japan

Explore Japan’s dōjin culture through self-published comics, original stories, fan adaptations, creative circles, and the exchanges that connect makers with readers.

Dōjin Culture and Fan Creativity in Japan

Explore Japan’s dōjin culture through self-published comics, original stories, fan adaptations, creative circles, and the exchanges that connect makers with readers.