Best Shonen Manga With Protagonists Who Are Not Japanese

Key Takeaways

Japanese mangaka are diversifying their settings with non-Japanese protagonists to appeal to global audiences.
Series like Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and Spy X Family showcase multicultural characters and settings.
Dragon Ball and One Piece feature characters with international influences, adding depth to their origins.

As a huge fan of these iconic manga series, I can’t help but marvel at the diverse backgrounds that their creators have given to their characters. It’s fascinating to see how these stories, though rooted in Japanese culture, reach out and embrace various aspects of our global tapestry.

It’s likely not unexpected that Japanese businesses create products primarily for the Japanese market often have settings and characters that are based in Japan. Even when the story is set in a fictional world, there will be recognizable elements for their local audience to grasp (in the case of “Hurricane Polymer”, it takes place in “Amehon” – a blend of America and Japan within a single country, with “Washinkyo” serving as its capital).

Today, mangaka benefit from a wider range of inspirational resources, which has resulted in them enriching their story settings and world-building with diverse influences. This approach has been advantageous for them as some of the most renowned shōnen manga creators have introduced non-Japanese protagonists. These characters have not only been well-received domestically but have also contributed to the global popularity of these works, demonstrating that foreign settings can still resonate with local audiences if the content remains engaging.

1 Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

MyAnimeList Score: 7.29 (Part 1), 8.14 (Part 2), 8.18 (Part 5), 8.24 (Part 6)

Best Shonen Manga With Protagonists Who Are Not Japanese

Creator: Hirohiko Araki.
Part 1: 5 Volumes, 44 Chapters.
Part 2: 7 Volumes, 69 Chapters.
Part 5: 17 Volumes, 155 Chapters.
Part 6: 17 Volumes, 158 Chapters.
Available via Viz Media.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to highlight that Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure stands out as it was one of the first Shōnen Jump series to feature a non-Asian protagonist, with Jonathan Joestar from Part 1: Phantom Blood setting this precedent. While his noble demeanor didn’t spark reader excitement quite like his more brash grandson, Joseph, did when he stepped into the spotlight in Part 2: Battle Tendency, neither characters achieved the level of acclaim that the stoic, half-Japanese protagonist Jotaro garnered in Part 3: Stardust Crusaders.

Initially, Jojo was predominantly a Japanese character in Part 7: Steel Ball Run, portrayed by Johnny Joestar. However, as the series evolved into mature, male-oriented content (seinen manga), it retained an international flavor. This is evident in characters like Giorno from Part 5: Vento Aureo, who is half-Japanese but primarily raised in Italy. Jolyne from Part 6: Stone Ocean is another example of this multiculturalism; she has a mixed heritage with a quarter Japanese ancestry, and her mother’s background remains undeveloped, leaving her ethnicity somewhat ambiguous.

2 Trigun & Trigun Maximum

MyAnimeList Score: 7.72 (Trigun), 8.27 (Maximum)

Creator: Yasuhiro Nightow.
3 Volumes, 22 Chapters (Trigun), 14 Volumes, 102 Chapters (Maximum)
Available via Dark Horse Comics.

In the past, Space Westerns were highly favored genres among anime enthusiasts. Shows like Cowboy Bebop, Outlaw Star, and Trigun would captivate audiences when they aired on Toonami. However, while Bebop was exclusive to anime, Star began as a seinen comic, making Trigun the lone series that originated from a shōnen manga. The “Humanoid Typhoon,” who possesses the power to level cities yet strives for peace, might appear as another typical white male protagonist at first glance. However, appearances can be misleading.

As a gamer, I’d say this character is more than just a humanoid; he’s a sentient plant creature with a complex past. Due to a case of retrograde amnesia, it took him some time to remember his history and the malicious intentions of his twin brother. The series wasn’t an instant hit – Trigun’s original run was cut short, forcing a switch in publishers for its continuation as Trigun Maximum. However, over time, it has grown into a beloved cult classic both on paper and screens.

3 The Promised Neverland

MyAnimeList Score: 8.15

Creators: Kaiu Shirai (story), Posuka Demizu (art).
20 Volumes, 181 Chapters.
Available via Viz Media and MANGA Plus.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but confess that “The Promised Neverland” truly shines brighter in its manga format compared to its anime adaptation. The gripping narrative of a band of resilient orphans uncovering their grim fate – being raised as sustenance for demons – kept me on the edge of my seat, page after page. The suspense escalated significantly when they had to bid farewell to everything familiar, including their cherished Mama, and venture into the unknown, all while attempting to rescue fellow orphans.

Additionally, the influence of Neverland stretched beyond Japanese borders, as its characters hail from various cultural backgrounds, some bearing Western names such as Emma, the ever-optimistic, Norman, the brilliant one, and Ray, the cynical. However, it’s not merely a blend of Caucasians and Asians. Instead, this series presents a diverse array of heroes and antagonists from various ethnicities, including Don, the boisterous yet endearing character, and Krone, the scheming figure.

4 Black Butler

MyAnimeList Score: 8.41

Creator: Yana Toboso.
34+ Volumes, 213+ Chapters.
Available via Yen Press.

One reason you frequently see European backdrops in manga and anime is that many early anime series and films were influenced by European fairy tales and novels, either directly or indirectly (often through Disney movies). Pioneers like Hayao Miyazaki began their careers by bringing stories such as “Heidi, Girl of the Alps” to television screens. Studio Ghibli followed suit with productions like “Arrietty” and “Tales from Earthsea.” However, “Black Butler” drew inspiration from different sources.

In a manner reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, yet with a twist, we find the brilliant yet cursed child, Ciel, and his demonic butler, Sebastian, both sharing this likeness. Their setting is that of Victorian London, but their dynamic leans more towards the Faustian, as they do so, investigating a spectrum of occult criminals – from grotesque gothic horrors to entities more akin to H.P. Lovecraft’s nightmares.

5 Dragon Ball

MyAnimeList Score: 8.43

Creator: Akira Toriyama.
42 Volumes, 520 Chapters.
Available via Viz Media.

It’s common knowledge that Goku, the character from Dragon Ball, isn’t actually Japanese. He is a Saiyan who was raised on Earth since birth and identifies more as an Earthling than a Planet Vegeta native. However, he doesn’t originate from Japan in the traditional sense. While his Japanese voice actor uses a thick Tohoku dialect, Goku has stronger ties to China. For instance, his name “Son Goku” is the Japanese pronunciation of “Sun Wukong,” the powerful monkey character from Journey to the West.

Later on, his childhood home can be likened to Wukong’s residence on the Mountain of Fruit and Flowers, possibly Mount Huaguo in Lianyungang. Many of his friends bear resemblance to characters from Chinese folklore such as Tien (Erlang Shen), Chiaotzu (Nezha), and Oolong (Zhu Bajie). It’s plausible that DB‘s world is a fusion of various cultures, but if Goku originated from any place, it would likely be China.

6 Spy X Family

MyAnimeList Score: 8.50

Creator: Tatsuya Endo.
14+ Volumes, 107+ Chapters.
Available via Viz Media and MANGA Plus.

Spy X Family plunges headfirst into a setting reminiscent of the old East and West Germany by creating its opposing countries Westalis and Ostania. These nations mirror the divided halves of the past, standing in the heart of a Cold War conflict. In this scenario, Westalis agent “Twilight” surreptitiously investigates Ostanian political figure Desmond Donovan. To maintain his cover, he invents a family persona as Loid Forger, complete with wife Yor and adopted daughter Anya.

Yor, unaware to him, is a renowned assassin known as “The Thorn Princess,” using her false marriage to get near her target. However, she’s oblivious to Loid being a spy and Anya not being his biological daughter. Only Anya has the full knowledge of this unusual situation since her telepathic powers let her read their minds. In essence, they form an odd family that could very well be the most unique in fictional East Germany, mimicking a West German-ish household.

7 Attack On Titan

MyAnimeList Score: 8.55

Creator: Hajime Isayama.
34 Volumes, 141 Chapters.
Available via Kodansha Comics USA.

Similar to shows like “Black Butler” and “Spy x Family,” “Attack on Titan” incorporates a subtly European ambiance with its Eldians resembling Germans and Marleyans hinting at the Greeks. However, their origins are enriched by unique touches such as Mikasa’s Japanese features and name. Despite this, she is an Ackerman, maintaining a link to the German heritage that other characters share.

From her perspective, one might assume that the main character Eren Yeager had some Turkish ancestry due to his first name being derived from the Turkish word for “saint.” However, this assumption would be mistaken because the name was picked in homage to the Eldian spy, Eren Kruger. Unfortunately, it’s not likely he has Turkish roots. If the world of Attack on Titan shares connections with our reality, his probable heritage would be German, with a hint of Russian through his father, as “Grisha” is the Russian equivalent of “Gregory.

8 Fullmetal Alchemist

MyAnimeList Score: 9.04

Creator: Hiromu Arakawa.
27 Volumes, 116 Chapters.
Available via Viz Media.

Just like I find the atmosphere in “Attack on Titan” reminiscent of Germanic tales, fans have picked up on that similar vibe in “Fullmetal Alchemist,” especially more so in the 2003 anime compared to the manga. Since Studio Bones had the freedom to create their own conclusion while the manga was still ongoing, writer Sho Aikawa (known for his work on “Urotsukidoji” and “Angel Cop”) decided to send Edward Elric back in time to pre-war Germany, where he encountered a man with a mustache – a character featured in the spin-off movie, “Conqueror of Shamballa.

In creating the fantasy world of Amestris, the manga draws inspiration from late 19th century Europe, blending elements reminiscent of Britain, France, and Germany. This is also reflected in its character designs, where while there’s a diverse representation (as seen in the Middle Eastern-inspired Ishvalans and Chinese-based Xingeses), many of the main characters resemble Caucasians, including the Elric brothers themselves.

9 One Piece

MyAnimeList Score: 9.22

Creator: Eiichiro Oda.
110+ Volumes, 1,131+ Chapters.
Available via Viz Media.

Among all the positive feedback it garnered, the most favorable review of the live-action One Piece series was penned by its creator Eiichiro Oda. He was particularly captivated by Iñaki Godoy’s portrayal of Luffy, praising him so highly that he even gifted him a straw hat and expressed, “It’s fortunate you were born to play Luffy.” Given how many live-action adaptations fall short of their source material, such approval might be the ultimate accolade.

As a die-hard gamer, I can’t help but draw parallels between my gaming world and the captivating universe of “One Piece.” Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind this epic series, always envisioned Luffy as a Latino character, with Brazil serving as the closest cultural match to his origin. This was revealed in one of his SBS bulletins, which dropped along with each new chapter.

2024-11-25 13:34