Fantasy, depicting imaginative worlds, is a beloved genre both in Japan and overseas. Within the realm of fantasy manga, you'll find various elements like action, sports, and more intertwined to create captivating stories. Particularly noteworthy is "One Piece" (Author: Eiichiro Oda), featuring Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy with dreams of becoming a pirate king. Set in the world of oceanic adventures, "ONE PIECE" is undoubtedly a representative work of fantasy manga.

Within the realm of fantasy manga, there's also a subgenre known as Dark Fantasy. Characterized by intense imagery and weighty storylines, Dark Fantasy includes titles like "Fullmetal Alchemist" (Author: Hiromu Arakawa), portraying the Elric brothers' quest to regain lost bodies through alchemy, and "Attack on Titan" (Author: Hajime Isayama), which delves into the brutal struggle between humanity and giants.

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" (Author: Koyoharu Gotouge) caused a massive international sensation. It narrates the story of Tanjiro Kamado, seeking vengeance and salvation for his family slaughtered by demons, as he becomes a demon slayer. Set in Japan's Taisho era, this work blends a mix of enemies and allies with vibrant characters. The "Demon Slayer - Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train" was screened in 45 countries, drawing over 40 million viewers worldwide, solidifying its status as a captivating Dark Fantasy masterpiece.

When it comes to Japanese action manga, "Dragon Ball" (Author: Akira Toriyama) is an iconic name. Following the adventures of Son Goku and his companions, the manga captures their quest for the Dragon Balls amid intense battles. Without the complexities of world events or racial discrimination, "Dragon Ball" engages readers with straightforward and comprehensible storytelling, making it a global favorite.

"Naruto" (Author: Masashi Kishimoto) tells the tale of Naruto Uzumaki, a young orphaned ninja, as he grows, overcomes challenges, and forms lasting bonds. This manga has piqued the interest of foreign fans intrigued by Japan's ninja culture.

"My Hero Academia" (Author: Kohei Horikoshi) stands out in the superhero genre, presenting a unique storyline. Protagonist "Deku," with his unique superpower "quirk," enrolls in a hero training school to realize his dream. Innovative in its approach, the manga showcases Deku's journey in acquiring hero abilities through classes and events, setting it apart from conventional superhero tales. Its distinct narrative style has earned it popularity both domestically and internationally. These manga titles not only offer action-packed excitement but also resonate with readers through protagonists' growth and struggles.

Sports manga delves into various athletics, captivating readers with the thrill of competition and personal growth. "SLAM DUNK" (Author: Takehiko Inoue) enjoys popularity overseas, chronicling the journey of delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi as he joins the basketball team and matures through club activities. Despite its brief 1990-1996 serialization, "SLAM DUNK" significantly influenced basketball's popularity, transforming it into a major sport in Japan. The movie "THE FIRST SLAM DUNK," released in December 2022, garnered over 10 million domestic viewers and screened internationally in countries such as South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Canada, reigniting interest in the original manga.

Other than major sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball, manga covering less common sports also shine abroad. "Haikyu!!" (Author: Haruichi Furudate) focusing on volleyball, "Ace of Diamond" (Author: Yuji Terajima) centered on baseball, and "Yowamushi Pedal" featuring cycling have captured international audiences. Additionally, "Chihayafuru" (Author: Yuki Suetsugu), which depicts the world of competitive karuta, sparked karuta's popularity overseas.

The suspense and mystery genres offer mind-bending tales that intrigue readers. "Death Note" (Author: Tsugumi Ohba & Takeshi Obata) presents a protagonist using a death notebook to pass judgment on criminals. The thought-provoking storyline, along with the mental battles between the protagonist, police, and the genius detective "L," adds to its allure.

"The Promised Neverland" (Author: Kaiu Shirai & Posuka Demizu) follows children discovering they are raised as livestock for demons, prompting their escape from an orphanage and a suspenseful struggle for survival. These manga enthrall readers with psychological warfare and surprising twists.

When it comes to representative shojo manga in Japan, 'Sailor Moon'(Author: Naoko Takeuchi) stands out. This series features girls inspired by the planets of the solar system, engaging in a story where they battle demons from the 'Dark Kingdom' that steal the energy of the city's people. The fantasy elements are abundant, with motifs taken from the planets and the moon within the solar system. The series conveys messages of girl empowerment, the enjoyment of music, and the expansion into media mixes such as anime, stage performances, and live events, captivating people around the world regardless of gender.

Another popular category of shojo manga, particularly in Europe and the Americas, includes works by Ai Yazawa. Notably, 'Neighborhood Story,' depicting the daily lives of friends attending a design school, and 'NANA,' portraying the interactions between two women sharing the same name. These works have been translated into languages such as French, German, Italian, Thai, Korean, and English, gaining widespread popularity internationally. With elements of genuine romance and a fashionable worldview that is distinct, these series continue to have enthusiastic fans both domestically and overseas.

Celebrated Masterpieces Japanese manga receives immense recognition not only within the country but also abroad, owing to its intricate plot development, captivating characters, and diverse genres. The works introduced here are merely a fraction, yet each piece represents its respective genre as a masterpiece cherished by countless readers. For those who have not yet delved into this world, I encourage you to take this opportunity to pick up a manga and experience the infinite potential and charm that Japanese manga embodies.