Anime Shows That Will Take You Places Outside of Japan

Looking for new shows to binge this August? How about giving anime a try?

“Anime” is often referred to as animation produced in Japan. But did you know that in Japan, the term is used to describe all kinds of animation regardless of its style or origin (Anime is mainly derived from a shortening of the English word: “animation”)?

With that being said, there are many anime series and movies that go beyond its borders, taking viewers from Japan to other parts of Asia, Europe, and even the Americas.

We’re just trying to find ways to get you to dive into some really good anime at this point, so without further ado, here’s a list of anime shows that feature destinations outside of Japan and are 10/10 worth the watch!

Black Lagoon

Madhouse, 2006

"Black Lagoon" is a crime action series following a four-member team of pirate mercenaries called the Lagoon Company who smuggle goods in and around the seas of Southeast Asia aboard their boat named — yes, you guessed it, “The Black Lagoon.” The series is quite violent so fair warning! Bloody scenes ahead!

This anime features a wide variety of locations and sceneries, coupled with a diverse set of characters from different backgrounds. Revy Rebecca, one of the main characters, for example, is Chinese American, and the crime boss of the organization is African American.

The show is set in the fictional city called Roanapur, which is supposedly in Thailand near Cambodia. There’s a scene in one of the episodes which shows a giant Buddha statue near the port of the city.

Watch on Hulu.

A Place Further than the Universe

Madhouse, 2018

This coming-of-age show is about four spirited high school girls who set sail toward the frozen south in search of something great. Unlike most adventure anime which are often set within fantastical realms, “A Place Further than the Universe” showcases the beauty of the actual world and is a story about getting out there and seeing what it has to offer.

Through the main characters’ expedition to Antarctica, viewers are transported to the ends of the earth and other well-known destinations. There’s even an episode featuring popular landmarks and cultural snapshots of Singapore, which we thought was animated so well it was almost like we were watching a live-action series!

Watch on Crunchyroll.

Jujutsu Kaisen

MAPPA, 2020-ongoing

Named one of the best-selling manga series of all time, “Jujutsu Kaisen (Sorcery Battle)" follows the story of Yuji Itadori who gets entangled in the world of Jujutsu sorcerers when the King of Curses uses his body as a host. Yuji must now learn how to use his newfound powers with the help of fellow students Megumi and Nobara, and with the guidance of their powerful (iykyk) sensei (teacher), Satoru Gojo.

With fascinating characters, exquisite animation sequences, and a thrilling storyline, it’s no surprise that it's the world’s most in-demand animated TV show with a global demand rating seven times greater than the average TV show, according to Guinness World Records last April.

Although the anime is set mostly in Tokyo, there’s a certain episode in the show’s second season, “The Shibuya Arc,” which featured Malaysia’s Kuantan Beach.

The episode was a turning point in the series as it revealed the death of a major character (we’ll leave it to you guys to find out who) and was so popular that Kuantan was trending on several social media platforms. The Malaysian government was even reported to have proposed for the island to have a memorial shrine for the character and Malaysia Airlines was also quick to get in on it by taking the opportunity to promote their flights.

Watch on Netflix or Crunchyroll.

Full Metal Panic!

Gonzo & Kyoto Animation, 2002-2005

The show is about Sousuke Sagara, a member of the anti-terrorist private military organization known as Mithril, who is tasked with protecting a Japanese high schooler, Kaname Chidori. Although Sousuke’s main job is to protect the young girl, he also travels around a lot as part of the organization, showing glimpses of different places around the world.

The series is set in a parallel world based on actual events around the 20th and early 21st centuries. In the series’ second season, there were several episodes (ep. 10-12) set in Hong Kong. The show even released a location scouting documentary as part of its home video special features, which featured footage of the show’s production staff looking for scene inspirations around the city to be used for the Hong Kong episodes.

Spirited Away

Studio Ghibli, 2001

This Oscar-winning masterpiece needs no introduction. Anyone would have seen this film at least once and if you haven’t, well it’s never too late! “Spirited Away” is an animated fantasy film about young Chihiro who accidentally enters the world of “kami” (spirits of Japanese Shinto folklore).

It’s full of quirky characters, as well as comedic and emotional scenes tied together by gorgeous animation and a sweeping musical score. It’s one of those films that stay with you for a long time, making it a certified classic.

The movie takes inspiration from several places in Japan, but its main muse is the mountain town of Jiufen, Taiwan. Visiting the enchanting Old Street will instantly make you feel as if you’ve been spirited away to another world with its glowing red lanterns, winding steps, and the food stalls lining the streets. Luckily, eating there won’t turn you into pigs!

“Spirited Away” was recently re-imagined for the stage and is currently playing at the London Coliseum from Aug. 1 to 24.

Watch on Netflix.

Trese

BASE Entertainment, 2021

Adapted from an award-winning Filipino comic series written by Budjette Tan and illustrated by Kajo Baldisimo, “Trese” is a Singaporean anime-influenced animation about Alexandra Trese, a Babaylan (warrior-shaman) who protects the city from monsters and other supernatural beings from the underworld. The urban fantasy horror series was released on Netflix in 2021.

Watching the series will not only expose you to a variety of mythological creatures and supernatural characters from Philippine folklore, but also iconic landmarks and spots around the city of Manila, Philippines which is where the show takes place.

Watch on Netflix.

Black Butler

A-1 Pictures, 2008-2009

Set in England during the Victorian era, “Black Butler” is a story about the young heir to the Phantomhive family, Ciel, and his demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis. The 13-year-old made a deal with the demon in an attempt to uncover his parents’ murderers and get his revenge.

And what’s in it for Sebastian, you ask? Well, he gets Ciel’s soul. Are you shaking your heads too? Yeah, we can 100% relate. We all know a deal with the devil never ends well, but it sure makes for a good story premise!

Although set in the 19th century, viewers can still spot familiar destinations still in existence in England today, such as The Elizabeth Tower (a.k.a. Big Ben), the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, and Buckingham Palace. The Phantomhive Manor is also modeled after the famed townhouses on the outskirts of London.

Watch on Netflix or Crunchyroll.