Whether you need a gift for Christmas, birthday or other occasion, anime fans can be hard to buy for, especially if you know little about the world known as "anime". First, let me explain a bit about it. Anime is a type of animation that started in Japan. Basically, you can call the Japanese version of cartoons. However, it has some major differences. Where American animation tends to be geared primarily toward children, there are actually many types of files, geared for many ages and interests. For example, there are a number of targeted squarely at young men, young girls, young women and so on. There are also adult series, with more adult themes and content. There are various themed anime styles, including those centered around robots (called mecha), romantic series, fighting series, school life series and so on.
In order for you to choose a fantastic gift for a Japanese animation fan in your life, you first have an idea of what anime series or at least what topic they enjoy. Learn insights from your DVD collection or checking what they watch on TV. Once you know the series as they are, here are some suggestions for surefire gifts for any anime fan:
Manga
Manga is simply the Japanese version of comic book or graphic novel. Many anime series based on the manga series. Any anime fan would love the original manga their favorite series is based on. For original Japanese manga, you can usually find some on eBay, and Japanese importers like JustManga and Manga.com. For most of the popular series, like Inuyasha, you can find English translations of manga books at many large bookstores.
Live Action and Japanese Drama DVD-A
Some anime and manga series of live versions, such as Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon fan you will most likely be interested in. If you seem interested in Japanese culture, then consider getting them some Japanese TV series. There are many Japanese drama series aimed at tweens and teens who are usually held at school or middle school. Check out Nodame cantabile, Hana Yori Dango and Gokusen, each based on anime or manga series, or both. Look for this series in places like YesAsia and eBay. Make sure to get the English subtitle version.
Toys
Some anime series like Gundam, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and others, have a lot of toys available. If you really want to get a special gift, try to get some of the toys that are imported from Japan. Toys available include action figures, vehicles, plush toys, models and puppets. You can find toys for the most popular series on the big toy stores, but not so popular series, try eBay, YesAsia and other import sites.
video game
Many of the most popular anime series like Naruto, Bleach and InuYasha also have video games based on them. This is a great gift idea, because what the fan does not want to play the game as your favorite character? Make sure you know what game system so you can get a game for each console or handheld.
Music
Many anime fans are becoming interested in Japanese culture through anime, especially of the popular Japanese artists and bands are used in music for most of the series. You can get the soundtrack for the series or even a few JPOP JRock or CDs. JPOP JRock and is an abbreviation of Japanese pop and Japanese rock music. Find many artists on both YesAsia and eBay. Popular Japanese artists are Ayumi Hamasaki (pop), Utada Hikaru (pop / R & B), Arashi (pop boy band), L'Arc-en-Ciel (rock band), Morning Musume (a girl pop band) and a much more.
collectibles and decorative objects
There are also many collectibles and decorative items are available for some series. Think animation cells, limited edition toys, photo albums, calendars, posters and more. Find these at YesAsia and eBay.
Apparel &
Some anime fans enjoy dressing up as their favorite character, it is called "cosplay". Try to find out who their favorite character and get them a costume or accessory. For example, InuYasha fan would love a necklace like InuYasha wears a sword, or play as good. Or go all out and get them full costume as their favorite character. One place to check is CosplayMagic.com.
Language books or software
If your anime fan has a serious interest in Japanese culture, then consider getting them a book or audio learning set to help them learn to read and write Japanese. This is a great gift option if you are having a hard time finding gifts from their favorite anime series. This is also a gift you can feel good, because learning a new language is very valuable skills for their future.
Food
from sushi and pocky, if you are interested in Japanese culture, they would like to try some of the foods you consume are seen in animes and dramas. Some suggestions include sushi making kit, Japanese candy and gum, pocky (pretzels covered with chocolate), a strange taste of Japanese versions as well as KitKat chocolate bars and much more. You can find many kinds of Japanese candy at AsianFoodGrocer and other Japanese food import sites.
