Japanese explain why Attack on Titan was a hit

One day in 2009, the author, Hajime Isayama, wrote Attack on Titan – a dark fantasy that shocked the whole world. That was the year this strange work was born and continued for the last 12 years.

This time this article is about why the Attack on Titan, which everyone may have seen at least once, became such a huge hit.

Three major reasons why Attack on Titan became so popular. There are three major reasons why Attack on Titan has gained worldwide popularity

Let’s check them one by one.

A worldview that makes anyone to sympathise with the character

In Japan the number of fans, especially among young people, continues to increase, and Attack on Titan is still really popular.

Recently, the popularity of the cosplay of Attack on Titan has increased, and many photo sessions are being held at Western-style castles in Japan, which have a similar atmosphere.

Also because fans want to actually experience the world of Attack on Titan,  many new ways to make it happen are born.

But here’s an interesting fact.

Attack on Titan has gained much bigger popularity overseas than in Japan itself. If you check the data you will see that in 2019 more than 100 million copies of Attack on Titan were sold worldwide.

The person in charge of the English translation of Attack on Titan left the following comment on the reason why it became popular overseas.

“The main theme of  Attack on Titan is “fighting to survive in a cruel world” and many people around the world who are struggling in life could relate and sympathise with the characters in  their social and economical struggles, as well in other struggles. “

For example, there is a wall that protects the city that appears in the story.

Once you step outside the wall, you’ll find the vast land and the ruthless giants(Attack on Titan) that inhabit it.

“What if tomorrow this wall that protects us is broken?” That’s are the thoughts of the people who live in fear every day, but still try to live for tomorrow.

Certainly, this is a worldview that everyone can easily understand and relate to.

By the way, the theme song and soundtrack of Attack on Titan was released at the same time as Japan everywhere around the world, which was very unusual,  and in the New York Times best-selling corner, Volume 1 was ranked first in the weekly manga ranking.

Unique manga style with outstanding impact

One you must not forget about Attack on Titan is the illustration of a manga that presents a world of dark fantasy that instantly attracts you.

This illustration is based on a Japanese manga style that is mixed with styles from many different countries.

In the illustrations of Attack on Titan there are thoughts of the writer which makes you feel attracted to the work at the first glance.

And the background of the manga is based on the image of German cityscape.

In other words, although Attack on Titan is a Japanese manga, its style and characteristics apply to many countries,  which makes overseas readers feel more familiar and relatable.

In fact, there were many such reactions from overseas readers.

“I highly recommend this manga to anyone who likes action, survival, horror, etc., not only the story is interesting, but the art style is also wonderful. And it’s a manga with precisely planned reality  “

By the way, even now there are many tweets on Twitter about impressions of anime and manga Attack on Titan from overseas.  Attack on Titan’s popularity overseas … is crazy.

Development of a unique collaboration

 A unique collaboration development that is extremely rare for manga is collaboration with theme parks.

Fuji-Q Highland

Collaboration with Fuji-Q Highland from 2017 to 2018.

Mainly attraction events.

Universal Studios Japan

Collaboration with Universal Studios Japan from 2017 to 2018.

One of the projects is called “Universal Cool Japan”.

Giants’ (Attack on Titan) decorations were exhibited in the area of ​​the collaboration.

Tokyo Joypolis

In 2019, a dedicated attraction was prepared as part of the collaboration with Tokyo Joypolis.

In addition, Japanese live-action movie was released in 2015, and it was announced that a Hollywood movie is also being produced in 2018.

Attack on Titan is expected to collaborate with many large-scale facilities and to play an active role in Hollywood.

The popularity of the work is highly evaluated not only in Japan but also overseas.

Postscript

What did you think?

Even if the original manga is completed, the heat from it has not cooled yet, and Attack on Titan is expected to develop further.

If you haven’t had a chance to read  Attack on Titan yet, why don’t you try and feel it’s world?

Shinzouwo Sasageyo! (translation:Dedicate your heart!)

See you!