I love reading manga because I’m a big fan of Japanese culture, tradition, and history (though not as huge as my two sisters are). There was a time I spent two hours hearing the Tokugawa era narrated by my little sister—who is a huge historical junkie, as I said. (And no, it’s not limited to just Japan, but I digress.) But I do appreciate historical manga, and the great thing about graphic novels is that they have pictures! I’m not a big historical fiction fan, book wise. I’m the type who understands a concept or idea when presented to me visually. It was through manga that I became, as I can now 100% claim, a historical enthusiast. And that’s why I love reading manga that revolves around other cultures (and not only in Japan).

Let’s travel via these awesome manga titles! (A different post about manga set in western countries in another time! I’ll concentrate on some Asian countries first.

Otoyomegatari

Otoyomegatari by Kaori Mori is a picturesque & totally captivating manga that is set in Central Asia! A place that is not that popular with some occasional travelers, sans those hard-core backpackers. I watched a documentary about Central Asia, and the terrain (I think it was in Kazakhstan) was amazing. It looks to me like there’s a great mesh of cultures within these territories, yet it still has that distinct & fascinating thing about it. Otoyomegatari’s art is so detailed that I was immediately blown away. I have yet to progress from the small amount of chapters I sampled quite a while ago, but man, I can’t wait to continue, especially since I know it’s from the same author as Emma, an anime/manga that I also adored!

*Shoukoku no Altair

For fans of historical action manga, Shoukoku no Altair by Kotono Katou is a feast for the eyes & mind! This is set in Turkey during wartime. Since I only managed to read 5 chapters of it, I haven’t delved too much into the storyline other than the fact that the male MC was a survivor when his hometown was attacked. And now, at 17, he entered the battlefield as a pasha. (higher rank officer in the Ottoman Empire political and military system)

*Yume no Shizuku, Ougon no Torikago

Yume no Shizuku, Ougon no Torikago by Chie Shinohara is also set in Turkey (also during the Great Ottoman Empire period) when they were expanding their territories. The female MC was kidnapped, bought, and became part of the powerful Sultan’s harem & eventually, he fell in love with her. I was told (also by my sister) that it is indeed based on true events. She was inspired by Hürrem Sultan or Roxelana, Empress of the Ottoman Empire and the legal wife of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. I absolutely loved this title more than Shinohara-sensei’s more famous work, Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori (or Red River/Anatolia Story in English).

*These two were both based on historical events during the Ottoman Empire, but on different timetables (or so after I researched! (Correct me if I’m wrong, though.)

Chang Ge Xing

Chang Ge Xing (Chouka Kou in Japanese) by Xia Da is a Chinese graphic novel (manhua), set during the Tang Dynasty in China, and let me tell you, if you love kick-ass female protagonist Cheng Ge, she fits the label like a glove! Change Ge is off to get her revenge on her uncle (now the emperor) and claim what she thinks is rightfully hers (as the daughter of the late crown prince). But the road to that goal wasn’t easy! I have never read such amazing character development as what Chang Ge has gone through (or is still going through). And I might be shipping her to some guy there (although there’s like 0.1% romance in the story, but I’m not one to lose hope, so sue my shipper heart!).

Kaze Hikaru

Should I also rule out Japan? Nope, this is one of the reasons why I read manga—I love their culture. Kaze Hikaru by Taeko Watanabe is one of my sister’s favorite manga because it is set during the Bakumatsu era (although I was more into Taishou & Sengoku eras so…) I love gender bender role, but what sets Kaze Hikaru apart is how thorough Watanabe-sensei’s research is. Her notes sparked this little discussion post last time. And her hard work paid off every time. I love the details!

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And there you have it! These are my favorites and/or recommendations. I excluded historical manga set in a fictional or fantasy world (Magic!) or inspired by series such as Magi. These are almost based on factual places and events! So, history buff nerds, friends, go get some manga & read!