The Concepts of Manga

Meitantei Konan

I want to present Japanese culture “Manga.”  Manga is familiar to Europeans and Americans.  Particularly, in France, Germany and the USA, people are familiar with it.  There are two points I’d like to introduce about them.

Doraemon

First, popular Japanese comic MANGA’s concepts are pure love and friendship.  Almost all foreign comics don’t have these concepts.  These concepts attract people from all over the world. Each Manga’s story has a very profound meaning.  Typical examples are “One Piece,” “Meitante Konan” (Detective Konan) and “Doraemon.”

Second, Manga’s pictures are very beautiful and vivid.  You don’t enjoy poor pictures, do you?  So, people of the world are attracted by Manga.  These pictures do not tire readers out.  Typical examples are “Dragon Ball” and “Slam Dunk.”

In conclusion, Manga’s profound meaningful concepts and beautiful pictures fascinate people all over the world.  Japanese comics Manga are the top level of the world’s comics.  So, I want you to read Manga!!  Please read Manga!!

**Survey question:  What is your favorite Manga character?

Chibi Maruko-chan

Of 17 people surveyed, about one-fourth picked “Chibi Maruko.” Next in popularity was Naruto, followed by Luffy and Chopper.  Other characters mentioned were Sanji, Pro Golfer Sara, NANA, AI, Seto Kaiba and Shinichi (from NANA).

Submitted by Atsushi

Tennis Hero

Most of you probably have some tennis experience. Probably, you have played it in a class or club. Tennis is one of famous sports in the world. My favorite tennis player is Rafael Nadal. I’ll introduce him to you.
 He is a pro tennis player. He is from Spain. He plays left-handed, but writes right-handed. He began playing when he was 4 years old. Now, he is 24 years old.
 He won his 500th match to reach the Barcelona final. He said, "I'm very grateful to all the people who have helped me to have the life I have, I'm very fortunate. I want to continue enjoying it because you never know when it might end." I also think we should be very grateful to the people around us how help us in our lives.

Submitted by J

Sanrio Puroland

Sanrio Puroland© is in Tokyo.  It is an amusement park.  You can see Sanrio’s characters, like Kitty, My Melody and Bad Batsumaru, there.  So, many families go there, especially those who have young children.  If you go there, you will be happy.  The amusement park and characters are loved by many people.

**Survey question: Have you ever been to Sanrio Puroland?

Of 18 people surveyed, none have been there.  Perhaps it’s a little too far away from here to visit easily…

Submitted by Coro