I’ve just returned from an amazing three-week trip to Japan and was delighted and overwhelmed by so much that I encountered, including the fabulous graphic design work everywhere. Passing through Kyoto Station I spotted a clever ad campaign while heading to catch a speedy Shinkansen train to Tokyo. When I returned home, I did some research and found out a little about it.

Kodansha, one of Japan’s leading manga publishers, has launched an innovative campaign titled “MANGA MANNERS” to educate visitors about Japanese etiquette through beloved manga characters. Following the success of a similar initiative at Narita Airport in 2024, this new campaign is prominently featured at major Tokaido Shinkansen stations, including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka, from April 24 to June 30, 2025.

The “MANGA MANNERS” campaign utilizes characters from 17 popular Kodansha manga titles to illustrate various aspects of Japanese etiquette. Themes range from hygiene and attire to food and also safety. Sailor Moon teaches how to properly wear a Kimono while Akira educates on traffic laws.

These visual guides are strategically placed in high-traffic areas within the stations, offering travelers engaging reminders of local customs.

To further assist international travelers, Kodansha is distributing limited-edition leaflets at the participating stations. These leaflets compile all 17 etiquette tips, allowing visitors to take home a unique souvenir that reinforces their understanding of Japanese customs.