Most anime fans end up inevitably taking an interest in Japanese culture as well. Anime is largely informed by the Japanese fans' demands and expectations, which results in the creation of a distinct form of entertainment that feels unique yet representative of its creator's views and social environment.

While many anime series don't concern themselves with the mundane, instead exploring the possibilities of the medium by employing the supernatural, fantastical, or Sci-Fi. However, there are also shows created out of their creators' ion for their native country, highlighting the beauty of specific Japanese traditions and bits of culture, and presenting these to the world at large.

10 Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life

Not too dissimilar from other anime that focus on school clubs, Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life revolves around a koto club that faces the threat of disbandment due to a lack of . However, things change for the better when delinquent Chika Kudou suddenly declares his wish to the club, prompted by the desire to understand his late grandfather better.

Eventually, more , united by their ion for traditional koto music, and seek to master the craft of the Japanese string instrument together. While its focus on traditional Japanese music puts it on this list, Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life also features strong themes of friendship and perseverance.

9 Chihayafuru

Chihayafuru's emphasis lies on karuta, a competitive Japanese game wherein players must quickly identify and claim cards based on classical Japanese poetry. The story follows three protagonists and childhood friends: Arata, a talented karuta player, Chihaya, who is introduced to the game and inspired by Arata, and Taichi, who gradually falls in love with the game over the course of the series.

Besides exploring their ion for karuta and individual competitive journeys, the show is also well-regarded for featuring well-written characters and themes of friendship and determination. While it's likely safe to say that few viewers were previously aware of karuta, no one could possibly witness this tale without developing an appreciation for the game.

8 Those Snow White Notes

Those Snow White Notes earns its place on this list thanks to its emphasis on traditional Japanese music and cultural heritage, placing its focus on the shamisen, a special Japanese string instrument. The show follows Setsu Sawamura, who, despite holding a deep respect for the instrument, has a difficult time finding his own personal sound when playing it. However, as he meets and connects with more people, including fellow club who learn the craft of the shamisen from him, Setsu begins to understand the power of music and culture.

7 Barakamon

Barakamon follows protagonist Seishuu Handa, a talented temperamental calligrapher, who is sent away to the Goto Islands by his father after reacting inappropriately to critique of his art. While his time away from his comfortable life in Tokyo is supposed to be used for self-reflection, Seishuu quickly realizes that moments of peace are hard to come by when surrounded by curious neighbors and energetic children.

Barakamon is far from being just a beautiful presentation of the art of calligraphy and rural Japanese island life, but also an inspiring tale about the importance of finding one's place and connecting with others.

6 Tsurune: Kazemai High School Kyudo Club

Tsurune: Kazemai High School Kyudo Club revolves around kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery. The story follows Minato Narumiya, who fell in love with kyudo after first hearing the titular 'tsurune' – the sound made by the bowstring when an arrow is released.

The show focuses on Minato and his kyudo club, who seek to learn and practice the sport together, as well as compete in regional tournaments, highlighting their struggles and aspirations in the process. As for kyudo, it's shown to be abeautiful and graceful sport, while also being tough to master, requiring perfect discipline and concentration.

5 March Comes In Like a Lion

March Comes In Like a Lion follows Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player who seems to have trouble with everything other than the Japanese strategy board game, affected by his traumatic past. In spite of his inability to communicate with others, he succeeds in connecting with the three Kawamoto sisters, the eldest of whom is determined to take care of him and help him open up.

The show's connection to Japanese culture isn't limited to shogi alone, as the Kawamoto sisters' grandfather, who they live with, also runs a traditional Japanese confectionery shop. Moreover, it's a truly powerful and original tale of redemption and self-discovery.

4 Hanayamata

Hanayamata follows the story of Naru Sekiya, a timid girl waiting for a chance to become more like the magical princesses she ires. She runs into what she believes to be a fairy, later learning the "fairy" is but an exchange student, Hana N. Fountainstand, who holds a deep iration for yosakoi, a traditional Japanese dance.

Together, they start a yosakoi club, improving their dance skills and gaining self-confidence in the process. Not only does Hanayamata beautifully present yosakoi to its audience, but it also successfully portrays the journey of people working hard to pursue their ion, overcoming obstacles and growing in the process.

3 Hanasaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow

After her mother decides to run away with her boyfriend, Ohana Matsumae is suddenly forced to move from Tokyo to rural Japan, living and working at her grandmother's inn. Although balancing school and work is no easy task, Ohana ends up finding both joy and opportunities to grow in her work, as she interacts with her colleagues and guests, all of whom have their own backstories and struggles. Besides masterfully exploring themes of growth and self-discovery, Hanasaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow also manages to charmingly portray the working life of a traditional Japanese hot springs inn set in the tranquil countryside.

2 Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju

As its name implies, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju revolves around the art of rakugo, a traditional Japanese form of comedic storytelling. The story follows multiple generations of performers, one of whom is represented by Yakumo, a distinguished practitioner of rakugo.

After watching one of his performances and being deeply touched by it, Yotaro, recently released from prison, asks to become his apprentice. While typical anime drama motifs of love and ambition aren't overlooked, the show places a significant focus on the art of traditional storytelling, the difficulty of preserving and ing down culture, and the struggles of artists adapting to an ever-changing world.

1 Hikaru no Go

Hikaru no Go revolves around the titular strategy game Go, which some believe to be the world's oldest board game. While not explicitly of Japanese origin, it's particularly popular in the country. The show follows Hikaru Shindou, who accidentally awakens the spirit of ancient Go master, Fujiwara no Sai. Despite having no interest in the game initially, his ion is ignited by his rival and classmate Akira Touya. As a shonen title, themes of ion and growth are inherently present, yet the strategy and psychology behind Go matches aren't overlooked, either.

Not all anime series are meant to be realistic or grounded, with many foregoing such traits to prioritize creative settings and high-stakes action, which certainly have their own merits. But sometimes, anime creators choose to take a step back and allow themselves to be inspired by their own country's history and culture, seeking new ways to expose its lesser-known traditions for the world to learn of.