Kodansha Unveils 4th Installment of Manga Manners for Japanese Tourists
The fourth round of the MANGA MANNERS campaign is finally here, and it is honestly such a creative way to teach Japanese etiquette. This unique advertisement initiative features iconic characters from Kodansha's most famous works, like Attack on Titan and Blue Rock, to show international visitors how to behave while traveling in Japan. Starting from March 30th, these posters and displays will be put up inside various Tokyo Metro and Tobu Railway stations as well as inside the trains themselves. It is really interesting to see how these legendary series are being used for social awareness.
Image of the 4th “MANGA MANNERS” bulletin board
Tracing the Success of the Manga Manners Campaign
If we look back, the MANGA MANNERS campaign actually started back in October 2024. The first set of advertisements was placed right in front of the immigration checkpoints at Narita Airport Terminal 2, and it immediately grabbed everyone's attention. After that, the second round was held at Tokaido Shinkansen stations starting from April 2025. By November 2025, the third round had reached Kyoto City, which is one of the most famous tourist spots in all of Japan. This new fourth phase is quite huge because it introduces 12 new works into the mix. This includes three very popular titles: Atelier of the Pointed Hat, The Darwin Incident, and Space Brothers.
The main goal here is to help foreign visitors use the Japanese railway system more comfortably without any confusion. Many people coming from abroad might find the local rules a bit different, so having characters from Atelier of the Pointed Hat explain things makes it much more approachable. It is definitely better than just reading a boring rulebook.
Key Etiquette Tips Highlighted in the Ads
This time around, the advertisement campaign is promoting a total of 12 specific manners. These are small but very important things that make a big difference in daily Japanese life. Some of the key points mentioned are:
- Photography Etiquette: Avoid taking photos that might disturb other passengers while you are inside the stations or on the trains.
- Phone Usage: Always set your phone to silent mode and try to refrain from talking on the phone while commuting.
- Train Boarding: Please leave a wide opening near the doors so that people can get on and off the train easily.
It is quite amazing how Space Brothers and The Darwin Incident characters are used to convey these messages. For any fan, seeing these characters in a public service role is quite a treat. These advertisement banners are expected to stay up for quite some time, helping tourists navigate the busy lines of Tokyo and beyond. It truly shows how manga is not just entertainment in Japan, but a core part of their culture and communication. If you are planning to visit anytime soon, definitely keep an eye out for these cool posters at the stations!
