15 Anime Series That Take Place Outside Japan

Jormungand

Not completely unlike Black Lagoon, Jormungand also features a gang of gun runners that end up travelling the world and encompasses a diverse, though stereotypical cast. You know what they say, crime can take you all over the world, and it really does in this series.

Phantom of the Requiem

While the show hops back to Japan at times, the majority of it takes place in America where they topple everything from Mafia bosses to Navy SEALS. As an assassin, you never know where you need to go and who you need to kill, right? Of course, this series does utilize the popular “Japanese tourist goes abroad and gets in over their head” trope that is widely used in series set abroad.

Gunslinger Girl

The majority of Gunslinger Girl is set in Italy following a group of assassins. What is truly special about the series is, if I remember right, there really aren’t any Japanese characters in it. Typically they are included for reliability, but most of the characters are distinctly western in origin.

Gankutsuou

Although it takes a lot of creative license and uses some supernatural elements, Gankutsuou is based on the Count of Monte Cristo. As such, it is only natural for it to be set in France. While if you are a fan of the original story, this one might be a bit off, it does a fair amount of justice to the setting and the culture.

Do you have any more anime recommendations set outside of Japan? Tell us about them in the comments section below.