Countries around the world have long histories of cultural exchange with Japan, but one of the most fascinating and often overlooked relationships is between Japan and Brazil. Over the past century, Brazil has become home to one of the most robust anime communities outside of Japan. From early immigration to the rise of anime fandom, this surprising connection shows how deeply Japanese culture has taken root in Brazil. Then again, it likely should come as no great surprise, considering that Brazil is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, with approximately 1.5 million Japanese-Brazilians — the heart of this vibrant culture beats strongest in the states of São Paulo and Paraná.
Over time, this unique cultural crossover has unfolded in dynamic ways, and has established anime in Brazil as the potent cultural force that it is today.
A historic power duo
The bond between Brazil and Japan goes way back, starting in the late 19th century. Following Brazil’s independence in 1822, Japan officially made its mark by establishing diplomatic relations in 1897, kicking off a cultural exchange that would shape both nations for generations. The first wave of Japanese immigrants arrived soon after, settling in São Paulo, where they became key players in agriculture; specifically, in the coffee industry. By the mid-20th century, the Japanese immigrants had built a thriving community, particularly in rural Brazil, laying the foundation for a lasting cultural legacy.
Though WWII caused a rift between the two countries, their connection was reignited after the war. By the 1950s, the flow of Japanese immigrants returned; today, Brazil boasts one of the world’s largest populations of Japanese descent, both descended from the original settlers as well as born from intermarriage.
Manga’s beginnings and anime’s rise in Brazil
Manga’s rise in Brazil started in the 1960s, thanks to Japanese-Brazilian artists experimenting with the medium. In 1964, Minami Keizi launched Tupãzinho, o Guri Atomico, Brazil’s first manga-inspired comic, drawing heavy inspiration from Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, changing the game and cementing the groundwork for a whole new artistic scene. Insider info: Brazilian manga legend Claudio Seto was a true pioneer — his series O Samurai was one of the first to capture the Brazilian eye for anime, with its uniquely local twist on Japanese style.
By the 1970s, anime and manga were no longer niche—they were a cultural force. Ypê Nakashima, a Japanese cartoonist who had moved to Brazil in the 50s, created Piconzé, Brazil’s first color animated feature film, blending Brazilian and Japanese folklore in an unforgettable way. In the 1980s, the formation of ABRADEMI (The Brazilian Association of Manga and Illustration Artists) helped launch anime and manga into the mainstream. And when Osamu Tezuka—the God of Manga himself—came to Brazil in 1984 for an ABRADEMI event, it was like the rockstar of the anime world was officially saying, “Brazil, I see you!”
From anime mania to manga mainstream
The 90s were a true game-changer for anime in Brazil. Shows like Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac) and Dragon Ball were more than just TV shows—they became cultural phenomena, igniting a nationwide anime obsession. Brazil’s youth couldn’t get enough, and these titles became a defining part of pop culture. Manga publishers like Globo and Cedibra took notice and jumped in, bringing iconic series like Akira to local readers, further fueling the anime and manga craze. The anime series Pokémon also first aired in Brazil in 1999, debuting on TV network Globo, where it quickly becoming a cultural craze that established a solid connection between Brazilian audiences and the franchise.
Fun fact: Dragon Ball didn’t just capture hearts—it created an entire generation of anime fans in Brazil! The series remains a national treasure; still among the country’s most beloved gems of J-pop culture.
Anime’s popularity in Brazil shows no signs of slowing down, and with the rise of digital platforms and official manga releases, otaku-obsessed Brazilians now have access to a wealth of anime that just keeps growing richer.
By the 2000s, anime wasn’t just a passing trend—it had cemented its place in Brazilian culture. Publishers like Panini began releasing massive names like Naruto and Bleach, giving Brazil a front-row seat to some of Japan’s best. The manga movement went from marginal to mainstream, and Brazil couldn’t get enough. Year after year, the scene continued to grow, keeping fans eagerly hooked.
Crunchyroll and the streaming revolution
In 2012, Crunchyroll blew things up even more by launching Portuguese-subtitled anime for Brazil, giving fans instant access to the latest episodes straight from Japan—no more illegal streams or low-quality options. By offering high-quality, licensed content, Crunchyroll sparked a new wave of anime fandom, making anime more accessible than ever in Brazil.
Crunchyroll’s strategic decision to cater to the Brazilian market wasn’t just a lucky move—it was based on the growing demand for anime content. As one of Latin America’s largest anime consumers and with the rise of high-speed internet, streaming became the perfect platform. The service quickly gained traction, becoming a trusted source for Brazilian fans to stay updated on new series. Fast-forward to 2018, and Crunchyroll expanded its influence even further by partnering with Brazilian TV networks to broadcast anime on local television. This partnership was a landmark move, bringing anime from online screens into the living rooms of mainstream audiences, reaching not just the hardcore fan base, but also those who were less familiar with the medium. Shows like Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, and One Punch Man were now available on traditional TV, which significantly boosted anime’s presence in Brazilian homes.
In 2020, Crunchyroll began organizing events like Crunchyroll Expo, which attracted thousands of anime fans from across Brazil. These events helped foster a vibrant anime community in the country, providing fans with a space to celebrate their passion for the medium.
A never-ending otaku adventure
Anime’s popularity in Brazil shows no signs of slowing down, and with the rise of digital platforms and official manga releases, otaku-obsessed Brazilians now have access to a wealth of anime that just keeps growing richer. Brazil’s anime fandom continues to boom, well beyond its original borders, founded on the nation’s rich cultural exchange with Japan. Indeed, this cross-cultural love affair is powering up, leveling up, and here to stay—like a true shonen hero pushing past limits, ever-evolving for the love of all things anime.
