While anime can encompass various genres and themes, it is noteworthy that some of the most outstanding anime shows also serve as surprisingly educational resources. Whether delving into historical events, scientific concepts, or economic principles, anime has the power to impart intriguing knowledge from unexpected sources. The pinnacle of these educational anime is attained through the masterful combination of the writers' expertise with immersive storytelling. Engaging with anime for entertainment purposes can unexpectedly lead to acquiring fresh insights and knowledge. These exceptional anime not only serve as avenues for learning, but also provide enjoyable and captivating viewing experiences in their own right. Informative and educational anime effectively broaden the audience's horizons, offering the chance to explore newfound interests and delve into unexplored fields of study.
10 Therma Romae Novae - Roman Culture
Thermae Romae Novae/Netflix.
9 Godzilla Singular Point - Quantum Mechanics
Thermae Romae Novae offers a captivating narrative that combines time travel and ancient Roman culture, creating an intriguing setting that alternates between Rome and modern-day Japan. Despite the questionable Latin grammar in its title, the series provides a comprehensive glimpse into the Roman Empire at its zenith, delving into the shared tradition of public bathhouses that both ancient Rome and modern Japan possess. While the focus primarily rests on the customs surrounding Roman public baths, the manga also offers insights into Roman architecture, features notable figures like Emperor Hadrian, and offers a genuine portrayal of daily life for the average Roman citizen.
Presenting Godzilla as a horrifying being from an alternate dimension with the power to disrupt the fabric of space and time, Godzilla Singular Point delves deeply into scientific concepts, making it necessary to pay close attention or even watch it multiple times. Quantum mechanics can be bewildering, making it challenging to grasp the precise happenings. Nevertheless, once the intricate scientific explanations are unraveled, a comprehensive understanding of the peculiarities of quantum mechanics emerges. Incorporating quantum theory into a Godzilla narrative is an innovative approach that adds a fresh perspective to both the Godzilla mythology and the scientific realm.
8 How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? - Fitness
Fittingly for a series about a high school girl with no previous experience at the gym, How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? excels at explaining the why, how, and when of exercise. In addition to breaking down the technique and science behind various exercises, the series offers insights into body mechanics and provides helpful fitness tips such as the optimal time of day to eat and how to properly warm up and cool down. Furthermore, each episode includes a tutorial on an exercise that can be easily replicated at home without the need for extensive equipment.
7 Ya Boy Kongming! - Chinese History & Literature
In present-day Shibuya, the renowned strategist Zhuge Liang, also known as Kongming, is reborn and takes up the role of manager for an aspiring young singer named Eiko. With unwavering dedication, he approaches Eiko's music career with the same intensity as his battles during the Three Kingdoms era. Utilizing his well-known strategies, Kongming adapts them to the ever-changing recording industry. The series captures the essence of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a beloved literary work in Eastern Asia, by drawing parallels between Kongming and Eiko's journey and events from the Three Kingdoms.
6 My Dress-Up Darling - Cosplay
My Dress-Up Darling has gained popularity for two key aspects: its reliance on fanservice and its meticulous attention to detail in explaining cosplay techniques. Gojo and Marin collaborate closely, carefully planning each cosplay and conducting extensive research on the source material to find appropriate references for designing. The series goes to great lengths to elucidate the optimal selection of materials and meticulously describes the sewing techniques involved in creating the costumes. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive explanation on how cosplayers enhance their resemblance to the characters through the use of wigs, makeup, and other techniques.
5 Spice and Wolf - Economics
Spice and Wolf revolves around a traveling merchant named Lawrence and an ancient goddess named Holo, who delve into the intricacies of the world's economics. Holo's lack of knowledge about money's value and commodity markets prompts her to pose questions, and Lawrence steps in with the answers. Throughout the series, Lawrence seizes opportunities to shed light on crucial concepts such as currency valuation, supply and demand, the impact of social unrest on markets, and strategies for salvaging a failed business deal and ultimately turning a profit. As Spice and Wolf is returning soon for a new season, there couldn't be a better time to explore this timeless gem.
4 The Heike Story - Samurai History
The Heike Story/Science SARU.
3 K-On! - Rock Bands
The Tale of Heike holds a significant place in Japanese literature as one of the most important works. This epic poem recounts the downfall of the Taira clan, also referred to as the Heike, and the subsequent rise to prominence of their rival, the Minamoto clan, known as the Genji. It also sheds light on the early days of the samurai, who emerged as Japan's esteemed warrior class. This timeless tale has left a lasting impact on Japanese art, culture, and media, featuring renowned samurai figures throughout its narrative. Despite condensing the extensive epic into an 11-episode series, The Heike Story anime serves as an excellent introduction to this renowned and pivotal era of Japanese history, catering to viewers who may not be familiar with this period.
K-On!/Kyoto Animation.
Kakifly, the mangaka behind the anime's source material, is an avid music enthusiast, and this passion shines through. The instruments wielded by the girls in the series are meticulously drawn to mirror their real-life counterparts. Additionally, numerous allusions to iconic figures in the world of rock music can be found throughout. Given Yui's limited experience with the guitar, her bandmates serve as guides, providing explanations of music theory and technique. The episodes where the girls embark on their first performances beyond the boundaries of their school encapsulate the exhilarating journey and challenges faced by an up-and-coming band in pursuit of their breakthrough moment.
2 Walkure Romanze - Jousting
Walkure Romanze/Eight Bit.
While the concept of a modern-day jousting school may be difficult to take seriously, Walkure Romanze manages to present the actual jousting in a convincing manner. The series successfully portrays jousting as a widely popular sport, despite deliberately being an anachronism. Although the anime is based on a dating sim, it's not surprising that some creative liberties have been taken with the armor for fan service. However, the positive aspect is that each girl is mostly covered and possesses a unique silhouette and color scheme, allowing them to be easily distinguished in their armor. Unlike many works in popular culture, Walkure Romanze is a rare fictional world where characters actually keep their helmets on, demonstrating a logical approach.
1 Fullmetal Alchemist - Alchemy & Chemistry
While pop culture often simplifies "alchemy" as a fictional version of "chemistry," true historical alchemy encompassed a mystical, philosophical, and almost religious dimension. Alchemists pursued the transmutation of lead into gold not solely for economic reasons, but also because gold symbolized a metaphysically purer and superior substance compared to lead. The series Fullmetal Alchemist effectively portrays the significance of the Philosopher's Stone in real-world alchemy, and the transmutation circles employed by the protagonist Edward Elric incorporate symbols with genuine alchemical and mystical meanings. Furthermore, the series accurately describes the properties of various real-world chemical elements and compounds at different stages.
Many anime are enjoyable, but the ones that truly resonate with fans are series that have an educational element. Exceptional anime can be both entertaining and informative. Such anime serve as unexpected sources of real-life knowledge, which could prove useful in the future. The finest educational anime manage to teach fans something in a captivating and intriguing manner.