Manga Heroes Teach Travel Manners at Japan’s Train Stations
Tokyo — May 1, 2025 — Japan is employing manga heroes, using their likenesses to educate foreign visitors about Japanese customs at major train stations. The promotional campaign, called “Manga Manners”, will run from April 24 to June 30, and features characters from popular manga series, offering guidance on etiquette to international visitors. As tourism increases with the Osaka Expo, the initiative promises to enhance the travel experiance.
This educational campaign, powered by the charm of Manga Manners, aims to make navigating Japan’s cultural nuances easier, so learn more about how these manga characters are helping enhance the travel experience.
Manga Heroes Teach travel Manners at Japan’s busiest Train Stations
May 1, 2025
Tokyo — Forget conventional travel guides. This spring,some of Japan’s most iconic manga characters are stepping up too help foreign visitors navigate the country’s unique customs. From April 24 to June 30, a campaign called Manga Manners
will feature characters from 17 popular manga series at major Shinkansen stations, offering guidance on Japanese etiquette.
Unexpected Ambassadors
Imagine Sailor Moon, eren Yaeger from Attack on Titan, and Kaneda from Akira as etiquette instructors.This initiative, a collaboration between Japanese comic giant Kodansha and JR East, aims to ease the tourist experience. The Manga Manners
project initially launched at Narita airport last year and has now expanded to key transportation hubs including:
- Tokyo
- Shinagawa
- Nagoya
- Kyoto
- Shin-Osaka
The timing coincides with the anticipated surge in tourism during the Osaka Expo.
Navigating Japanese Culture with Manga
travelers passing through these stations will encounter familiar faces from series like Attack on Titan, cardcaptor Sakura, and Ghost in the Shell. These characters provide practical advice through vibrant, eye-catching panels. Each panel uses manga artwork to illustrate essential cultural customs and travel tips.
The campaign covers a range of topics, from train etiquette to broader cultural nuances.
- Train Etiquette: The Colossal Titan from Attack on Titan cautions against standing too close to the railings. Migi from Parasyte demonstrates the importance of queuing before boarding trains or buses.
- Cultural Customs: Characters from Fire Force reassure visitors that slurping noodles is not only acceptable but encouraged. usagi Tsukino and Chibiusa from sailor Moon demonstrate the proper way to wear a kimono.
The advice extends to practical safety tips and even bath etiquette. A panel featuring the trio from Chiikawa illustrates how to toast with a cheerful Kanpai!
Where to Find the Manga Manners Guides
If traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, look for these displays at five major stations:
- Tokyo Station: Near the Nihombashi exit gates, inside the waiting room near the Yaesu South exit, and in the second-floor concourse.
- Shinagawa Station: Inside the Shinkansen North entrance,near transfer gates,on the platforms,and by the coin lockers near the South exit.
- Kyoto and Shin-Osaka Stations: In the waiting areas.
- Nagoya Station: On digital signage during select periods of the campaign.
FAQ: Manga manners Campaign
- what is the Manga Manners campaign?
- A campaign using manga characters to teach foreign visitors about Japanese customs at major train stations.
- Where can I find these manga guides?
- At Tokyo, Shinagawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, and shin-Osaka stations, primarily along the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
- When is the campaign running?
- From April 24 to June 30.
- Who is involved in this project?
- A collaboration between Japanese comic giant Kodansha and JR East.
