5 Best Anime Recommendations to Get to Know Japanese Culture

Some anime focus on fantastical themes outside the real world. 

These anime are often set in fictional locations, the past, or even the future.

By carrying out such themes, some of these anime have gained fame among fans.

Since anime is often used as an escape material for a while, it's not surprising that anime that shows a 'new' world is the top choice to watch.

However, some great anime don't really need a fanciful, contrived theme to be interesting.

The anime focuses more on Japanese culture and traditions, paying homage to the country of origin of anime.

Because anime connoisseurs come from all over the world, such anime can provide insight into countries that have created their favorite shows.

Without having to visit Japan in person, the five anime listed below will take you around by looking at Japanese culture.

1. Chihayafuru (2011)

Chihayafuru aired from 2011 to 2020. 

The anime series spanned three seasons with three action films released in 2016 to 2018.

This anime focuses on a traditional Japanese card game called karuta.

The story of this anime follows the female protagonist Chihaya Ayase, who discovers her potential in karuta after meeting a boy named Arata Wataya.

After realizing her talent in karuta, Chihaya aspires to become the best karuta player in Japan.

Upon entering high school, Chihaya reunites with her childhood friend.

Finally, Chihaya forms a karuta club with her childhood friend, Taichi Mashima.

As Chihaya connects with her new friends at the Mizusawa Karuta Club, she begins to set her mind on entering the national competition.

To that end, Chihaya aims to win the national championship held at the Obi Shrine.

2. Hanayamata (2014)

Hanayamata premiered in 2014.

Still in the same year, this anime series released a video game as a franchise.

This anime will show a unique Japanese dance called yosakoi. 

The dance was performed very energetically.

Generally, the dance is performed in fun events and festivals.

In Indonesia, this dance is often used as a filler for Japanese events.

The main character in the Hanayamata series is Naru Sekiya, an ordinary high school student.

Naru Sekiya likes fairy tales so that she hopes that she has a story as beautiful as a fairy tale princess.

During the full moon, Naru Sekiya meets a figure she believes is a fairy.

She realized that the fairy was a high school student who had transferred from America.

After being asked to dance by the fairy, Naru Sekiya begins to get immersed in the world of yosakoi so he decides to explore that world.

3. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu was released from 2016 to 2017. 

After that, this anime was also adapted into a live action television drama with the same title in 2018.

Centered around a form of Japanese verbal comedy art called rakugo in which speakers seated on a stage tell a long story, this anime sees the main character Yotarou wanting to dabble in the world.

Yotarou is a former yakuza who has just been released from prison. 

No longer wanting a life of crime, he decides to become a rakugo practitioner.

After telling a desperate wish to the person he admires, he is accepted by Yakumo Yuurakutei as a student.

However, he begins to realize that he is actually attracted to the rakugo style of Yakumo's biggest rival and father, Sukeroku.

4. Sangatsu no Lion (2016)

Sangatsu no Lion has aired from 2016 to 2018, while a new live action version was released in 2017.

This anime raises a Japanese chess game called shogi. 

Centered around the main character Rei Kiriyama who has been immersed in the world of shogi since he was a child, this anime will show you how to play shogi down to its nitty gritty.

After achieving professional status in high school, Rei Kiriyama is not only faced with immense pressure from his shogi, adoptive family.

Amidst the routine of being a professional shogi player, he has to deal with the tense situation of his foster family.

He also decided to move to Tokyo. 

As a 17 year old teenager, he couldn't take good care of himself. 

He is also ostracized at schools and shogi halls due to his introverted personality.

5. Kono Oto Tomare! (2019)

Based on the manga of the same name that began serialization in 2012, the anime series Kono Oto Tomare! has aired in 2019.

With a background in music, this anime will introduce a Japanese musical instrument called the koto.

Centered on the main character named Chika Kudou, this anime will show a group of high school students who want to preserve the koto.

Wanting to prove herself to her late grandfather, Chika tries her best to join the Tokise High School Koto Club.

At first, Chika was rejected by the club chairman who had doubts about her.

However, he managed to convince the chairman of the club.

Even though he was underestimated because of his bad behavior like a thug, he can show that he means it. 

At the club, he was indeed the most ordinary person, but he didn't just give up.

The fantastic world contained in anime can indeed sedate anyone to enter it.

However, the five anime above are no less interesting. 

By presenting an introduction to Japanese culture, the anime above can be used as an additional insight.

So, the anime above is perfect for those of you who want to enjoy a relaxing time in peace while gaining insight without feeling bored.