Uncover the Extraordinary: 10 Mind-Blowing Anime Set in the United States

Most anime and manga predominantly unfold in their own unique fantasy realms or Japan. This is unsurprising given that the majority of creators hail from Japan, thus favoring their own country as the backdrop for their stories.

Nevertheless, a few anime dare to venture across the ocean to the United States, a land renowned for its distinctive culture and heritage. Depicting an American-raised character accurately from a Japanese perspective can pose certain challenges, yet there have been instances where this has been skillfully achieved. Here are notable anime set in the United States.

10 Kaleido Star

Sora Naegino embarks on a journey to Cape Mery, California with one singular ambition: to join the esteemed Kaleido Stage, a renowned circus troupe that has captivated her since childhood. Despite initially facing disdain from her fellow members, Sora is determined to demonstrate her undeniable talent.

Kaleido Star is a gripping tale of a young girl's pursuit of her dreams in the world of circus. Although the city of Cape Mery is fictional, the story takes place within the authentic backdrop of California.

9 Red Garden

Four girls, namely Kate, Rachel, Rose, and Claire, awaken one morning at their exclusive school, only to discover that they have no recollection of the previous night's events. To make matters worse, they receive the shocking news that their close friend, Lise, has tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances. As they delve into the enigma surrounding their friend's death and their own lost memories, they stumble upon a startling revelation – they have transformed into immortal beings, devoid of their humanity. With their newfound supernatural powers, they must confront and battle against formidable monsters, while grappling with existential concerns and the darkness that engulfs their lives. "Red Garden," an eerie and thought-provoking supernatural thriller, sets its stage in the heart of New York City, Roosevelt Island, as the girls navigate a realm where darkness prevails and philosophical questions loom over their existence.

8 Takt Op. Destiny

Following the impact of a dark meteorite on Earth, enigmatic creatures known as D2s emerged, launching relentless attacks on music performances worldwide, leading to a universal restriction on musical expression. In order to eradicate these malicious beings and restore harmony, Conductors collaborate with Musicarts, harnessing the formidable power of music.

Takt Op. Destiny is an animated series that centers around an upcoming mobile game, boasting its own captivating narrative. The anime chronicles Takt's journey alongside his Musicart companion, Destiny, as they traverse the expanse of the United States, ultimately aiming to rectify Destiny's unstable state.

7 Gunsmith Cats

In the city of Chicago, 19-year-old Irene "Rally" Vincent and her friend "Minnie" May Hopkins pose as gun shop owners. However, their true profession is that of bounty hunters. Rally is known for her exceptional shooting skills and driving prowess, while Minnie specializes in handling explosives. Gunsmith Cats is a renowned "girls with guns" anime from the 90s, showcasing the thrilling escapades of Rally and Minnie as they combat runaway fugitives and ruthless criminal syndicates.

6 91 Days

After losing his family in a mafia conflict, Angelo Lagusa forsakes the Lawless district and adopts the alias Avilio Bruno. Despite his attempt at starting anew, he is compelled to revisit the district upon receiving a note urging him to seek vengeance.

91 Days is an anime that revolves around a crime-filled narrative, set in America during the Prohibition Era. While the historical backdrop adds intrigue, the captivating element of the series lies in its tale of revenge and treachery.

5 Chrono Crusade

In a world infested with demons and devils, the responsibility of exterminating them falls upon the Order of Magdelene. Rosette Christopher, an exorcist, dedicates herself to this duty alongside her loyal partner, Chrono, despite him being a demon himself. Their ultimate mission is to find Rosette's brother, Joshua, who has been abducted by the notorious Sinner Aion.

Chrono Crusade is an enthralling supernatural action series unfolding against the backdrop of the United States in the vibrant 1920s. While the setting encompasses a historically significant era, the heart of Chrono Crusade lies in its exploration of the otherworldly realm, delving into the sinister forces of devils and demons.

4 Pet Shop Of Horrors

In Los Angeles' Chinatown lies a peculiar pet shop, owned by the enigmatic Count D. Enticed by the unusual creatures available for purchase, unsuspecting visitors quickly discover the unforeseen repercussions that come with owning such extraordinary pets.

Pet Shop of Horrors, a timeless horror anime that emerged in the 1990s, follows an episodic format. Each narrative revolves around a distinct customer and their fascination with a specific pet. Given its genre, this series frequently delivers unsettling endings, creating an expectation for unfavorable outcomes in most of these tales.

3 Banana Fish

Seventeen-year-old Ash Lynx struggles as a young gang leader, trying to care for his older brother Griffin, who remains in a vegetative state. One fateful night, a dying man utters the phrase "seek banana fish," capturing Ash's curiosity and prompting him to delve into the mystery surrounding it. Unbeknownst to Ash, his investigation leads him into a turbulent world of crime and conspiracy.

Set in the vibrant backdrop of 1980s New York City, Banana Fish stands as a timeless crime drama that shares similarities with other renowned series set in the same bustling metropolis. However, it possesses unique aspects that set it apart from the rest.

2 Baccano!

In 1930, an alchemist successfully concocts an elixir for immortality, only to have it stolen. The discovery of this elixir ignites a frenzy among various factions, including mafia gangs, journalists, thieves, and others, all vying for the chance at eternal life.

Baccano! stands out as a remarkably diverse anime series, boasting a wide array of characters who reside in different time periods. Although the storyline encompasses various settings, the core of the narrative primarily unfolds in the United States.

1 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean

The sixth installment of the immensely popular JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series revolves around Jolyne, the daughter of Jotaro Kujo. Unjustly imprisoned for a crime she did not commit, Jolyne must adapt to life behind bars. However, her newfound Stand powers become instrumental in her survival. Along the way, she uncovers a conspiracy that has the potential to alter the destiny of the entire world.

Set in Green Dolphin Street Prison in Florida, Stone Ocean becomes the second JoJo part to delve into the American setting. Notably, Part 2 showcased Joseph Joestar spending time in America before venturing off to different corners of the world.