Anime is watched and celebrated internationally, and the art form has now spread to include ethnicities, cultures, and minority groups worldwide. Throughout the years, anime has become a global phenomenon and has begun to be more inclusive and diverse. Characters from all over the world with different backgrounds, romantic interests, and abilities are found in a good deal of anime.
There are an abundance of anime that bring together all kinds of people. The new diverse and inclusive titles being released are to be celebrated, as anime connects people from around the world. Some series are much older while others are quite new, but there is something for every anime fan from any background or experience to enjoy.
10/10 Samurai Champloo Includes A Variety Of Ethnic & Cultural Backgrounds
Samurai Champloo follows Fuu, Jin, and Mugen. The characters come from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Their backstories are relatable to fans whounderstand what it feels like to be underprivileged, yet still find their way to rise above their circumstances.
The anime was intentionally created with diversity in mind. Shinichiro Watanabe, the director, made sure to include foreign characters and blend traditional Japanese culture with hip-hop. The name “Champloo” means mixed, and throughout their journey, the protagonists find themselves around diverse characters, cultures, and religions.
9/10 Durarara!! Includes Folklore From Around The World
Durarara!! features folklore from across the world. Though set in Ikebukuro, the series features a diverse set of crime organizations from Japan to Russia. Cultural diversity is highlighted throughout the story. Whether it be crime or history, the writer, Ryogo Narita, makes sure to include characters from a variety of backgrounds.
Celty, for example, is an Irish Dullahan, a creature known as a headless rider. This part of the anime comes from Celtic lore, where the Dullahan guides souls to the afterlife. Each character’s viewpoints are explored and highlight how diverse the backgrounds of each of the characters are. The anime is a celebration of cultural diversity.
8/10 Michiko & Hatchin Tells An Immersive South American Story
Set in South America, Michiko & Hatchin has a large variety of diverse characters. The anime takes place in Diamandra, a fictional place that is deeply embedded in Brazilian culture. The combination of samba music, traditional drinks, and foods alongside the clothing the characters wear highlights aspects of Latin culture.
Michiko is an escaped convict who believes that Hatchin is the ticket to the answers she seeks. The two go on a journey together and along the way they create connections with people of different backgrounds and experiences. The anime also showcases the lengths people are willing to go to achieve their dreams.
7/10 Yuri!!! On Ice Takes Viewers Ice Skating Across The World
Yuri!!! on Ice is more than a simple story about ice skaters. Professional skating creates a space for a variety of characters from all over the world to be included. Each character has traits that represent their ethnic and cultural background. King JJ, for example, represents Canada and has sponsors that resemble real Canadian companies.
There are even hints of culture found within the skaters’ routines. Phichit Chulanont, representing Thailand, imagines himself skating in traditional Thai attire during his last performance. The representation of LGBTQ+ is also important to note as the story follows Victor and Yuri throughout their skating and romantic journey.
6/10 Cowboy Bebop Emphasizes Diversity By Traveling Through Space
In Cowboy Bebop Earth is no longer habitable and humanity has migrated throughout the galaxy. The story follows bounty hunters Spike Spiegel and Jet Black, who are later joined by Faye Valentine and Radical Edward. There are many multicultural environments that highlight racial diversity throughout the galaxy, specifically on different planets.
The anime also makes use of a wide variety of languages such as English, Russian, Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin. An example of this is Ed’s full name: Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV, a name that blends nationalities found in Cowboy Bebop. The mix of languages is also apparent through the use of music. Different genres are blended together to tell diverse narratives.
5/10 Afro Samurai Connects Cultures
Afro Samurai was inspired by Western culture. The music used throughout the series is a prime example of multiculturalism in the anime. The creator of Afro Samurai, Takashi Okazaki, said that he was inspired by hip-hop and soul music. Afro Samurai‘s foundation is built on connecting cultures.
The combination of African American and Japanese cultures portrays how influential one is on the other. The premise of the story, the goal to fight and become God by obtaining the number one headband, is foundational to Japanese culture. The connections between the cultures allow for viewers all over the world to enjoy the anime.
4/10 Black Lagoon Has Mercenaries From All Over The World Come Together
Black Lagoon follows a team of mercenaries known as the Lagoon Company. They smuggle goods through the seas of Southeast Asia with their home base in Thailand. The members of the Lagoon Company come from all over the globe. The diversity of the characters highlights that there are no cultural borders out at sea.
The main cast of characters shows a connection from one part of the world to another. Rock is from Japan, Revy is of Chinese descent and grew up in New York City, Dutch is an African-American war veteran, and Benny is of Jewish descent and graduated from a school in central Florida. The team has diverse struggles, ethnicities, and backgrounds that any fan can learn about or relate to.
3/10 Great Pretender Brings Together Con Artists From Around The World
Great Pretender tells the story of conman Makoto Edamura who travels the world to take part in various scams and conspiracies. The characters in the anime are diverse, and the series is set in various locations around the world. The first three Cases are named after different locations, Los Angeles Connection, Singapore Sky, and Snow of London.
The anime showcases a balance of roles across nationalities and genders and an in-depth exploration of the characters’ backgrounds and cultures. For example, Abigail Jones is from Iraq and Laurent Theirry is from Belgium. Fans will get to learn about various cultures and customs while also being drawn into the mysteries that surround Great Pretender.
2/10 Josee, The Tiger & The Fish Sheds A Positive Light On Those Who Are Differently Abled
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is an emotional story about romance and confidence. Josee, one of the lead characters, uses a wheelchair while Tsuneo, the other lead character, is a diver with a deep love for the ocean. Tsuneo takes on a job as Josee’s caretaker but as their relationship begins to grow he decides to help her achieve her dreams instead.
Josee begins to discover her own confidence, but when tragedy strikes, Tsuneo realizes that he cannot understand what it is like for Josee to be differently abled. The anime brings inclusivity to the romance genre and showcases that happiness does not discriminate based on one’s abilities.
1/10 Given Creates A Beautiful Love Story Through Two Boys’ Passion For Music
Given is an anime about connecting to one another through music. Themes of loss, grief, healing, and the power of music itself are central to the series. Given follows Ritsuka Uneoyama and Mafuyu Sato, two boys who not only grow closer together throughout the anime but also fall in love. Their love is a source of a new beginning that starts both of their healing processes.
Mafuyu is dealing with the death of his previous boyfriend, Yuki. The guitar he carries around belonged to Yuki. Eventually, that same guitar brings Mafuyu and Ritsuka together. The anime highlights positive LGBTQ+ male representation and the power of music to connect people through song. Given is the perfect anime for any viewer who enjoys music and romance.