The popularization of Japanese media has catapulted mediums such as anime and manga into the forefront of mainstream culture, permeating multiple facets of the entertainment realm, spanning from film to television, and even to fashion. From this, the imaginative worlds depicted in Japanese animation have laid ground within the intersection of art and fashion lovers, influencing poignant musical moments, the growth of a community, and sartorial originality.
Movements such as cosplay and anime fashion serve as a canvas for fans to showcase their individuality and passion for the art. These garments not only narrate the rich tales of manga through their designs subtly or overtly but also weave a narrative on the dynamic relationship between anime and manga within the broader world.
To celebrate these intricate works and their influence within fashion, HBX has curated a round-up of the best anime and manga pieces for a stylish way to rep your favorite stories.
Usogui
Original Creator: Toshio Sako
Original Publish Date: 2006
Reworking Sako’s stunning story of high-stakes gambles into wearable fashion, The Sugar Punch takes on this underrated masterpiece. Usogui turns readers into participants in following Baku Madarame’s strategy, challenges, and manipulations, creating an intense yet captivating aura. Featuring his signature catchphrase, “You are a Liar” on the reverse, the apparel channels the same thrilling twists and foreshadowing for which the manga has become best known.
Ghost in the Shell
Original Creator: Masamune Shirow
Original Publish Date: 1989
An archetype of iconic spectacle and story, Ghost in the Shell details Major Motoko Kusanagi’s cyborg form which is a perfect replica of human anatomy. Through this, the anime explores themes of human consciousness and experience, echoing and pondering Descartes’ most famous maxim; if one has the ability to think, are they human? Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film adaption of the media franchise further solidified Ghost in the Shell as a cornerstone of anime excellence.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Original Creator: Hideaki Anno
Original Publish Date: 1995
Known for its collaborative and graphics-print-focused apparel pieces, Saint Michael taps into the world of Evangelion. Anno’s complex anime series transports viewers into a dystopian Japan, set 15 years after a worldwide cataclysm. Protagonist Shinji Ikari must pilot the anime’s namesake, which takes the form of a giant biomechanical mecha to fight beings known as Angels. Themes of existentialism and the disillusionment of adolescence scored against a stunning soundtrack, have led to this anime being widely considered as one of the greatest of all time.
Freedom Project
Original Creator: Shuhei Morita/Katsuhiro Otomo
Original Publish Date: 2006
Commissioned with and designed by Katsuhiro Otomo, creator of Akira, this Japanese promotional project emerged from the unlikely brand, Nissin Cup Noodles, as part of their 35th-anniversary celebration. This 23rd-century story explores the lives of 3 bike-racing teens, born on the Moon, unraveling the truth about the destruction of Earth. The series’ openly displayed product placements in which characters consume Nissin Cup Noodles, blend images of home and comfort centralizing the series’ messages, further echoed by Saint Michael’s interpretation.
Saint Seiya
Original Creator: Masami Kurumada
Original Publish Date: 1985
Kurumada’s manga series chronicles the journey of five mystical warriors known as Saints, sworn to defend the reincarnation of the Olympian goddess Athena in her battle against other gods. Saint Michael’s manga sampling pays homage to this celebrated story and its poignant artwork.
One Piece
Original Creator: Eiichiro Oda
Original Publish Date: 1997
Puma x One Piece pays homage to the longest-running anime, boasting an impressive 1,100 episodes, and over 1,090 chapters and 103 volumes available of the original manga. The series explores aspiring Pirate King, Monkey D. Luffy, and his crew in search of the “one piece” treasure. Beginning as a serialized comic in Weekly Shōnen Jump, One Piece’s whimsical energy, anthropomorphized animals, and colorful details have continued to captivate anime and fashion audiences alike to this day.
Akira
Original Creator: Katsuhiro Otomo
Original Publish Date: 1988
Known as Ye’s favorite anime, Akira’s impact extends beyond his musical endeavors to the global animation landscape, full of numerous nods to the iconic Akira's motorcycle slide scene. The film and manga portray the tale of Kaneda, recruited into a government study about paranormal and psychic abilities. Its worldwide release catapulted the film to cult status, catalyzing the Westernization of Japanese animation. Today, Akira references are omnipresent, from the worlds of music and fashion, to its future genre successors.
Tokyo Revengers
Original Creator: Ken Wakui
Original Publish Date: 2017
Inspired by Wakui’s own experiences, Tokyo Revengers details the prevalence and consequences of gang wars. Protagonist Takemichi Hanagaki, upon learning of the death of his ex-girlfriend during a dispute involving the Tokyo Manji Gang, travels 12 years back in time, determined to prevent her death however possible. mastermind JAPAN’s collaborative collection connects with Bandai Namco for figures featuring main protagonist Takemichi, Toman leader Mikey, and Draken in custom mastermind JAPAN attack suit uniforms.