Anime makes it possible for us to travel to incredible destinations that differ much from our world. Animators go to great lengths to create these places, seemingly pulling incredible worlds out of thin air. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to actually go to these places, but it doesn’t hurt to dream. Here are five fictional anime countries we’d like to visit.
The Kingdom of Dowa (ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.)
Our world’s divided into different regions and countries, each with their own history and culture. But we don’t always get the opportunity to explore these beautiful locations. Luckily, ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept gives us a front row seat to such a place — the Kingdom of Dowa, a country comprised of 13 districts.
For centuries, the nation has experienced the chaos and destruction of war. But thanks in part to the public service organization ACCA, Dowa has been peaceful for the last one hundred years. However, when rumors of a revolt start to surface, it’s up to ACCA to stop it. Tasked with the case is ACCA agent Jean Otus, who must investigate all 13 states to get to the bottom of the rumors.
Not only is ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept intriguing but also rich with culture. Through Jean, we get to see all the different regions of Dowa. Pranetta, in particular, stands out with its desert terrain that’s perfect for a dune buggy ride. There’s also Hare, which boasts beautiful tropical beaches and whose citizens have the longest lifespan in the country.
Alfheim (Sword Art Online)
When playing a game, you really don’t want to die in real life. That’s why we’ve skipped Aincard — even though it’s beautiful — and decided on Alfheim, the realm of fairies in ALfheim Online where dying isn’t permanent. Taking place a year after the Sword Art Online incident, the VRMMORPG features nine fairy races competing against each other to reach the top of the giant World Tree. The first to reach the top will turn into the legendary race of Alfheim.
After escaping SAO, Kirito discovers that Asuna is being held captive in ALfheim Online — where the players assume the roles of fairies. Without hesitation, Kirito dives once again into a virtual world and reconnects with old friends to rescue Asuna.
Throughout their journey, we get to explore the beauty of Alfheim — which, like all great vacation destinations, is completely surrounded by water. At the center of this single continent lies the Alne plateau, an area separated from the fairy realms by a mountain range that stretches up into the clouds. It’s essentially the anime version of the Alps, and you don’t need a passport to get there.
Japan (My Hero Academia)
With so many superhero shows and movies coming out, it’s not difficult to imagine ourselves in a world where people have extraordinary abilities. This happens to be the case with My Hero Academia, where 80% of the population has a superpower, aka a Quirk. The anime movie centers around Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless teenage boy who receives the power of his idol and #1 hero, All Might. To become a certified hero, however, Midoriya must first go through training at the prestigious U.A. High School. And so the story of the world’s greatest hero begins.
We’d love to visit this fictional version of Japan if it meant we could see U.A. High School. The academy is home to the strongest young heroes in the nation — it also doesn’t hurt that All Might is one of the school’s alumni. With the chance to be surrounded by exceptional people, have a Quirk, and study as a hero-in-training, who wouldn’t want to visit (or live in) My Hero Academia‘s Japan?
Amestris (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the second anime adaptation based on the manga of the same name. In this fantasy, alchemy — a scientific/mystical process to transform, create, or combine objects — reigns supreme. The series follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who, after a failed attempt to resurrect their mother, go searching for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their lost bodies. Their journey takes them all over Amesteris, leading them to discover the dark-rooted evil hidden in the country’s past.
Putting Amestris’ history of mass murdering people to produce Philosopher’s Stones aside, it’s a country any anime fan would like to visit. In this fictional world, people can transmute objects into other things without much effort. This makes repairing worn buildings a breeze, and even outlandish feats like building giant walls of ice during a battle are within reach. Despite its 20th-century vibe, Amestris is quite advanced when it comes to automotive armored prostheses, also called automail. These parts not only work in battle, but they also double as prosthetic body parts for amputees. Amestris, with its steampunk, metaphysical feel, serves as the perfect playground for those of us interested in elemental battles.
Land of Fire (Naruto)
Everyone’s dreamed of being a ninja at least once in their lives — especially once Naruto, the inspirational series about Naruto Uzamaki’s quest to become the Hokage, hit the scene in the early 2000s. It was impossible to escape the popular shōnen anime, which has inspired countless playground battles, video games, and of course, a fandom of loyal fans. Naruto takes place on a fictional version of Earth, with a single continent that’s divided into several countries. The majority of the series takes place in the Land of Fire, and more specifically in the hidden village of Konohagakure.
Naruto‘s world resembles feudal Japan in many aspects, with its countries maintaining the balance between themselves through the use of the mystical arts of jutsu. To keep the order and peace, and to protect themselves from attacks, the citizens of these countries go through intense training to control their powers — which includes commanding the elements. When you have the opportunity to live in a world where you can defeat baddies with the power of jutsu — and breath fire from your mouth like a freaking dragon — it becomes impossible to say no.
