Spiritual Anime? Yes, absolutely.

Japan is for many good reasons, famous. One of them is its manga & anime culture. Besides the big eyes or feminine appearance of the characters, the philosophical value is profound. I am a fan since childhood, and I am still amazed by the drawing skills of the artists. Studio Ghibli is considered as the Japanese “Walt Disney” which entertains not only the small ones but the grown-ups too.

My absolute favourite is Earth Maiden Arjuna, which I discovered back in 2004. The story opens with Juna telling her boyfriend Tokio that she feels too cramped in the city, and deciding to take a trip to the Sea of Japan. On the drive, they get in an accident caused by a large, invisible worm-like creature and Juna dies. As her spirit leaves her body, Juna sees the dying Earth. The planet is suffering is visualized by worm-like creatures similar to the one that caused the accident that killed her. Known as the Raaja, they vary in size, from microscopic bacteria to those entwining the planet. A spirit named Chris appears before Juna and offers to save her life if she helps the Earth. She reluctantly agrees and is resurrected. Through 13 episodes, we will witness her spiritual evolution and awakening.

If anime is strange to you, try the first episode, and you might change your opinion. It worth a try :)