by @Takeo Suzuki, EdD (University of Tennessee - Chattanooga)
This past semester, I had the opportunity to teach one of the most engaging and thought-provoking courses I’ve offered at the university—Japanese Anime and Manga in the Global Context. This was not my first time teaching the class. Still, each semester brings something new, especially because the students bring fresh perspectives, interpretations, and questions that continuously deepen the learning experience.
While anime and manga are widely recognized for their entertainment value, in this course, we explore them as powerful cultural texts—ones that provide unique insight into not only Japanese society and values, but also worldviews and intercultural communication. What unfolded over the semester was more than just a study of visual storytelling. It became a journey into intercultural communication, helping students unpack the cultural assumptions embedded in media and develop more nuanced understandings of how stories travel and transform across borders.
The course attracted students with diverse backgrounds and varying levels of familiarity with Japanese media. Some arrived as lifelong anime fans, while others were entirely new to the genre. Regardless of where they started, by the end of the semester, nearly everyone came away with a deeper appreciation for how much cultural meaning anime and manga carry—and how much we can learn by engaging with different forms of popular culture thoughtfully.
We covered a range of works—from the haunting wartime realism of Grave of the Fireflies to the spiritual intensity of Demon Slayer, and the adventurous, heartfelt world-building of One Piece. Through these texts and animations, students examined themes like collectivism, perseverance, trauma, gender norms, social responsibility, and the tensions between modernity and tradition.
One of the most impactful discussions came during our analysis of One Piece, which led to thoughtful reflection on Japanese concepts such as nakama (仲間), or the deep sense of chosen community and loyalty, and how these differ from the traditional Western notions of friendship and independence. Students were struck by how these cultural themes are embedded in plotlines and character development—and how One Piece has succeeded globally by weaving together Japanese cultural frameworks with universally appealing values like justice, resilience, and belonging.
Throughout the course, student voices were central. One student remarked, “I never thought a cartoon could make me reflect so deeply on a different country’s values.” Another reflected, “Watching Grave of the Fireflies wasn’t just sad—it made me think about how history is remembered differently around the world.” These moments, where students connect emotionally and intellectually with another culture, are where real intercultural learning happens.
We also examined the global reach of Japanese media and Japan’s use of anime and manga as tools of soft power and cultural diplomacy. From localization decisions to fan subcultures, students explored how anime is adapted for international audiences—and how much can be lost or transformed in the process. These conversations opened the door to critical analysis of how media influences global perception and cultural identity.
The personal reflections students shared throughout the semester were deeply meaningful to me as an instructor. One student said, “This class made me realize how global media can shape identity and build bridges. I started to see parts of myself in characters from a completely different culture.” Another wrote, “I didn’t grow up watching anime, but now I get why it resonates with so many people. It’s emotional, relatable, and really reflective of the human experience.”
By the final week, the most common sentiment I heard was how much they looked forward to each class session. One student wrote, “It was the perfect mix of learning, self-reflection, and fun.” Another added, “Please offer a Part II of this class!”
It’s incredibly rewarding to witness this kind of transformation as an educator. Every other semester I teach this course, I’m reminded of the power of culturally rooted storytelling to foster understanding, empathy, and curiosity. Anime and manga are more than just entertainment—they are living, evolving expressions of culture that help bridge worlds. Through them, my students and I continue to learn how to listen, reflect, and connect across borders.
Which anime, manga, cartoon, or work of art has made you see the world—or yourself—in a new light?