Asian culture, A to Z.
Anime, manga, drama, gastronomy, traditions, personalities. Browse the encyclopedia of Japanese, Chinese and Korean culture.
Seven Samurai
Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa in 1954, in which a village of farmers recruits seven ronin samurai to protect them from bandits threatening to plunder their harvest. Over three hours long, this epic fresco is considered one of the greatest films in cinema history and has influenced countless works, notably John Sturges' The Magnificent Seven. The film established Kurosawa as the master of Japanese cinema and popularized the 'assembling the team' narrative structure.
Rashomon
Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa in 1950, in which four witnesses give radically contradictory versions of a murder and rape committed in a forest in medieval Japan. Winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1951 and an Honorary Academy Award in 1952, the film invented the narrative concept known as the 'Rashomon effect' and revealed Japanese cinema to the Western world. It is unanimously considered one of the most influential films in cinema history.
My Neighbor Totoro
Animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli in 1988. Two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, move to the countryside near the hospital where their mother is being treated and discover Totoro, a benevolent forest spirit. A timeless animation classic, the film became the symbol of Studio Ghibli whose logo features Totoro's silhouette, and remains one of the most beloved works in world cinema across all generations.
Princess Mononoke
Animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli in 1997. Prince Ashitaka, struck by a deadly curse, discovers a conflict between forest spirits led by Princess Mononoke and the humans of a mining town led by Lady Eboshi. An epic ecological fresco that redefined Japanese animation, the film was the highest-grossing at the Japanese box office upon release and paved the way for Studio Ghibli's worldwide recognition.
Shoplifters
Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda in 2018, portraying a marginal Tokyo family that survives through shoplifting and takes in a little girl neglected by her parents. Winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, the film is a tender and devastating exploration of chosen family bonds, invisible poverty, and the cracks in Japan's social system. It confirmed Kore-eda as one of the greatest humanists in contemporary cinema.
Midnight Diner (Shinya Shokudo)
Japanese series adapted from Abe Yaro's manga, aired on TBS then Netflix from 2009 to 2019 (5 seasons). A small Tokyo restaurant, open only from midnight to seven in the morning, welcomes night-time customers for whom the silent chef prepares their favorite dish. A contemplative ode to Japanese cuisine and the human stories that unfold over a meal.
Alice in Borderland
Japanese survival series adapted from Haro Aso's manga, produced by Netflix in 2020-2022 (2 seasons, 16 episodes). Arisu, an aimless young gamer, finds himself in a deserted Tokyo where he must participate in deadly games symbolized by playing cards to survive. A gripping thriller that rivaled Squid Game on the international stage.
The Promised Neverland
Manga by Kaiu Shirai (story) and Posuka Demizu (art), serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020. Emma, Norman, and Ray are exceptionally intelligent orphans raised in an idyllic setting at Grace Field House. They discover their orphanage is actually a farm where children are raised as livestock for demons. A gripping thriller with constant twists, totaling 20 volumes and over 40 million copies sold.
Vinland Saga (manga)
Historical manga by Makoto Yukimura, serialized first in Weekly Shonen Magazine (2005) then in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon (2005-2023). A Viking epic following Thorfinn, son of a legendary warrior, in his transformation from a vengeful child into a man seeking to create a land without war. One of the rare manga prioritizing the protagonist's psychological evolution over action, awarded the Kodansha Manga Grand Prize.
Claymore
Dark fantasy manga by Norihiro Yagi, serialized in Monthly Shonen Jump then Jump Square by Shueisha from 2001 to 2014. In a medieval world infested with Yoma, shape-shifting monsters that feed on humans, the Organization creates half-human half-Yoma female warriors called Claymores to fight them. Clare, Number 47, the weakest of her generation, pursues a quest of vengeance and survival. An intense tale of feminine strength, sacrifice, and solidarity.
Fruits Basket
Shojo manga by Natsuki Takaya, serialized in Hakusensha's Hana to Yume from 1998 to 2006. Tohru Honda, an orphaned high schooler living in a tent, is taken in by the Soma family and discovers their secret: each member transforms into a Chinese zodiac animal when embraced by someone of the opposite sex. A deeply touching tale of emotional healing, forgiveness, and self-acceptance, with over 30 million copies sold.
Nana
Josei manga by Ai Yazawa, serialized in Shueisha's Cookie from 2000 to 2009, currently on indefinite hiatus for health reasons. Two young women named Nana — one an ambitious punk rocker, the other a naive romantic — meet by chance on a train to Tokyo and become roommates in apartment 707. A masterful tale of love, friendship, dreams, and the disillusions of adult life, with over 50 million copies sold.
Chainsaw Man (manga)
Manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto published in two parts: Part 1 in Weekly Shonen Jump (2018-2020, 11 volumes) and Part 2 in Shonen Jump+ (since 2022). Denji, a destitute teenager, merges with the chainsaw devil Pochita to become Chainsaw Man. A punk, unpredictable, and emotionally devastating work that reinvented modern shonen conventions with over 30 million copies sold.
Spy x Family (manga)
Manga by Tatsuya Endo, serialized in Shonen Jump+ since March 2019. Spy Twilight, assassin Yor, and telepath Anya form the Forger family for a secret mission, without knowing each other's true identities. A global hit combining espionage, comedy, and family warmth with over 35 million copies sold. One of the most popular manga of the decade.
Haikyuu!!
Volleyball manga by Haruichi Furudate, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2012 to 2020. Hinata Shoyo, a short player with an exceptional vertical leap, teams up with the brilliant but temperamental setter Kageyama Tobio to take Karasuno's team to the top of Japanese high school volleyball. The definitive modern sports manga with 45 volumes and over 60 million copies sold.
Tokyo Ghoul
Dark fantasy manga by Sui Ishida, serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2011 to 2014, followed by Tokyo Ghoul:re from 2014 to 2018. Ken Kaneki, a literature student, becomes a half-ghoul after receiving organ transplants from a ghoul in an accident. Torn between the human world and the ghoul world, he undergoes a devastating physical and psychological transformation. One of the best-selling manga of the 2010s.
Dandadan
Manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, serialized in Shonen Jump+ since 2021. Momo Ayase, a high schooler who believes in ghosts, and Ken 'Okarun' Takakura, an otaku who believes in aliens, discover both exist and are swept into a spiral of wild supernatural adventures. An explosive mix of action, comedy, and romance with spectacularly energetic artwork.
Blue Lock
Football manga by Muneyuki Kaneshiro (story) and Yusuke Nomura (art), serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine since 2018. Following Japan's World Cup failure, 300 young strikers are locked in the Blue Lock program, a radical experiment to create the ultimate egoist striker. An unconventional approach to sports manga that won the 2022 Kodansha Award.
Dorohedoro
Dark fantasy manga by Q Hayashida, serialized from 2000 to 2018 in Monthly Ikki, then Hibana, and finally Monthly Shonen Sunday. Caiman, a man whose head was transformed into a reptile head by a sorcerer, lives in the Hole, a slum where sorcerers come to practice their magic on humans. A unique, violent, and absurd universe blending horror, dark humor, and cooking in a grimy, fascinating world.
Monster
Psychological thriller manga by Naoki Urasawa, serialized in Shogakukan's Big Comic Original from 1994 to 2001. Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant Japanese neurosurgeon working in Germany, saves the life of a young boy shot in the head instead of a politician. Years later, the saved child is revealed to be Johan Liebert, a sociopathic serial killer of terrifying intelligence. One of the most acclaimed thrillers in manga history.
20th Century Boys
Thriller manga by Naoki Urasawa, serialized in Shogakukan's Big Comic Spirits from 1999 to 2006, followed by 21st Century Boys in 2007. Kenji Endo and his childhood friends discover that a mysterious cult leader known as Friend is orchestrating a plan for world destruction based on their childhood fantasies. A masterpiece of suspense and non-linear storytelling, awarded at the Angouleme Festival.
Kingdom
Historical manga by Yasuhisa Hara, serialized in Weekly Young Jump since 2006. Set in China's Warring States period (3rd century BC), it follows Shin, a young orphaned slave who dreams of becoming the greatest general under heaven, alongside Ei Sei, the future first emperor of China. One of the best-selling manga in Japan with over 100 million copies.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Manga by Hirohiko Araki serialized since 1987, first in Weekly Shonen Jump then in Ultra Jump. A multigenerational saga following members of the Joestar bloodline across different eras and continents, with each part introducing a new protagonist and genre. Famous for its iconic poses, Stand system, and art style influenced by fashion and sculpture.
Vagabond
Seinen manga by Takehiko Inoue, serialized in Kodansha's Morning from 1998 to 2015. Loosely inspired by Eiji Yoshikawa's novel Musashi, it traces the life of Miyamoto Musashi, the most legendary swordsman of feudal Japan. A visual and philosophical masterpiece about the way of the sword, violence, and self-discovery, currently on indefinite hiatus.