Unbeknownst to millions of anime and manga fans outside of Japan, these two hugely popular art forms have been deeply influenced by history, folklore, religion, science, nature, and contemporary culture. Cultural Guide to Anime and Manga explores how the stories, characters, and images are infused with symbols from all areas of Japanese life and culture. In the process, the book enhances appreciation for anime and manga as well as cultivating a fuller understanding of the culture from which it arose.