© Hajime Isayama / Kodansha
Source: Official Anime “Attack on Titan” Account (https://x.com/anime_shingeki?lang=ja)
Overview
Source: HuffPost (https://www.huffingtonpost.jp/)
“Attack on Titan” (Japanese: Shingeki no Kyojin) is a Japanese manga series by Hajime Isayama. It was serialized in “Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine” (Kodansha) from 2009 to 2021, achieving massive success. The series has expanded beyond manga into various media, including anime, novels, games, and movies, gaining immense popularity worldwide.
Story
The story begins with humanity living in cities surrounded by enormous walls to protect themselves from the sudden appearance of Titans, giant humanoid creatures. The protagonist, Eren Yeager, vows revenge after witnessing his mother being killed by a Titan. Together with his childhood friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, Eren joins the “Survey Corps” to fight against the Titans. As the story progresses, the true nature of the Titans and the mysteries of the world are unveiled, leading to an epic narrative.
Characters
“Attack on Titan” features many compelling characters.
- Eren Yeager: A young man driven by a strong will to fight against the Titans due to his hatred for them.
- Mikasa Ackerman: Eren’s childhood friend, a soldier with exceptional combat skills.
- Armin Arlert: Although lacking in combat skills, he supports his friends with his strategic thinking.
- Other powerful allies, such as Captain Levi and Commander Erwin, also appear, adding depth to the story.
Pilgrimage Sites
For fans of “Attack on Titan,” visiting pilgrimage sites is an essential part of the experience. Hita City in Oita Prefecture, the hometown of author Hajime Isayama, attracts many fans.
- Ōyama Dam: Statues of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin are installed here.
- JR Hita Station: A statue of Captain Levi is located here.
- “Attack on Titan” in HITA Museum: Visitors can see valuable original drawings and objects.
Media Mix and International Popularity
“Attack on Titan” has been adapted into various media, including anime, novels, games, and movies. The anime, which began airing in 2013, has been a global hit, captivating many fans with its quality and intensity over four seasons. The series has been translated into 18 languages and published in over 180 countries, with total worldwide sales exceeding 140 million copies. Thus, “Attack on Titan” has become a beloved work not only in Japan but around the world.
