The Quiet Passing of a Monarch: King Harald's Legacy in Japanese Pop Culture As Norway mourned the passing of its 89 year old monarch, King Harald, few noticed a quiet connection between him and Japan's vibrant pop culture scene.
For over three decades, King Harald was not only Norway's ceremonial head of state but also a devoted patron of anime and manga.
A notable example of his dedication is the extensive collection of rare manga volumes he gifted to the Royal Library in Oslo.