Can you recommend some of the best Japanese graphic novels for beginners?

Sure. 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint - Exupéry (it has a Japanese translation and is very popular there). It has simple language and a profound story that's easy to understand. Another good one is 'My Neighbor Totoro' which is based on the beloved Studio Ghibli film. The storybook version has a charming narrative and is a great introduction to Japanese storytelling.

Sure. 'Fruits Basket' is a great choice for beginners. It has a simple yet engaging story that is easy to follow. The art style is also very appealing. Another one is 'Kimi ni Todoke'. The slow - burn romance and the relatable characters make it a good starting point.

Another good one is 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones (which was also made into a very popular anime by Hayao Miyazaki). Although the author is not Japanese, the anime adaptation has a strong Japanese influence. The story of Sophie, a young girl who is turned into an old woman and ends up in Howl's magical moving castle, is full of charm and magic, and can be a good starting point for those new to Japanese - influenced fantasy.

For beginners, 'Kiki's Delivery Service' in novel form can be a great start. It's a simple yet charming story about a young witch starting her own delivery business. The magic in it is not overly complicated and it gives a warm feeling of a small - town magical world. Another good option is 'The Cat Returns' novel. It has some light - hearted magic with talking cats and a magical world that is easy to get into.

For beginners, 'Sakura Wars' is quite accessible. It combines elements of strategy and visual novel storytelling. The story is set in a steampunk - like world and is full of action and interesting characters. 'Utawarerumono' is also a great pick. It has a fantasy - based story with elements of politics, war, and romance, but it's presented in a way that newbies can easily get into.

'A Bride for the Samurai' by Vickie Hinze is another option. It presents a fictional story set in Japanese historical times. It has elements of romance, family, and Japanese traditions, which can help beginners get a taste of Japanese history in an accessible and enjoyable way.

I would recommend 'The Devotion of Suspect X' to beginners. The story is about a murder and how a brilliant mathematician gets involved. It's written in a way that is accessible even if you're new to Japanese crime novels. 'Out' is also a good start. It shows the lives of ordinary women who get caught up in a criminal situation. And 'Snow Country' can be considered too. It has elements of mystery which can draw in new readers.

For beginners, 'The Tale of Genji' is a great start. Despite being written long ago, it gives a comprehensive view of early Japanese court culture. It has been translated many times, so it's accessible. Another good one is 'Botchan'. It's a simple and humorous story that shows the values and social norms in Meiji - era Japan. And 'Kitchen' is also suitable. It's a relatively short and easy - to - read novel that still contains a lot of Japanese cultural elements.

Sure. 'New Kid' is a great choice for beginners. Its story is easy to follow and the art is very accessible. It's about a kid's experience in a new school, which is a common and relatable topic.

Sure. 'Lumberjanes' would be a great choice for beginners. It has a simple and engaging story about a group of girls at a summer camp having adventures. The art is colorful and easy to follow. Another good one is 'Paper Girls'. It has an exciting time - travel plot that can draw in new readers easily.