Anime, the distinct animation style that originated in Japan decades ago, used to be considered a niche genre and interest. But it’s exploded in popularity in the United States in recent years, especially among Gen Z — 42% of the generation say they watch anime weekly, while a quarter of millennials say the same, according to Polygon research. “Naruto: Shippuden,” “Cowboy Bebop” and “My Hero Academia” are just a few of the anime titles that are available on streaming services like Netflix.

Riding the wave of popularity, theme restaurants have opened up around the country, including in New Jersey. Rayaki opened its first location in Cherry Hill in 2017 and has since expanded to Edison and Glassboro and parts of the tri-state area like Philadelphia. A new location just opened in Sicklerville at the end of April. (Many other Japanese restaurants in the state, like Kinjo in Newark, have incorporated some anime décor in their establishments.)

General manager Ian Low told the Courier Post in 2017, that he started the business because he wanted to have a restaurant that offered Japanese ramen, barbecue and bubble tea all in one place — and “put everything together with an anime theme.” Rayaki management did not respond to multiple attempts for comment on this story.

I’ve never considered myself an anime fan (though I do admit I enjoyed “Pokémon” and “Sailor Moon” growing up). But being the general entertainment enthusiast that I am, I’m fascinated by the animation style and the culture around it and I couldn’t help but check out the Edison location to see what it was all about.

Unsurprisingly, the anime-inspired murals adorning the walls are hard to miss, especially a large one featuring Naruto Uzumaki on the left side of the restaurant. But perhaps the most eye-catching mural was on the other side of the restaurant behind one of the larger booths, which included various characters from popular anime series like “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” and “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.”

There was also a vibrant “Sailor Moon” mural that the titular heroine and her magical friends, though I was slightly disappointed it didn’t include my favorite character, Luna, a talking cat that serves as her sidekick and advisor throughout the series.

Based on photos I’ve seen of the other Rayaki locations, the murals are different at each restaurant, which could serve as a fun adventure for hardcore anime enthusiasts.

Now, let’s get to the food. The way it works at Rayaki is you walk into the restaurant, pick a table, and you can select and check the items you want on a piece of paper given to you. The categories are split into different sections including appetizers, robatayki, bao down, curry platters, ramen and rice platters. Non-alcoholic beverages like bubble tea, sides and desserts can be found on the other side of the paper. Once you’ve selected everything you want, the food is brought out to you as it’s ready.

I ordered a few starter items including the grilled shrimp bao buns ($7.50), the Japanese tofu ($2.50) and eggplant miso skewers ($2.25) and the rayaki fries ($8.25) which is topped with minced cha shu (marinated pork), spicy mayo, garlic oil, fried onions, masago and scallions. The fries were my favorite dish at the restaurant for a comfort bomb of savory cheesy and meat flavors. Even after I got my main meals, I found myself going back to the fries.

As for the noodles, I tried the chicken ramen ($14.75) and the salmon ramen ($14.95) which was served with bean sprout, the appropriately named narutomaki (fish cake with a swirl), scallions, light soy sauce and chicken soup base, and topped with a seasoned egg. The ramen was tasty, but I will admit that I’ve had better tasting ramen — if you’re searching for better bowls, try Yaraku Ramen in Edison or Menya Ramen House in Metuchen, or Batten Ramen up north in Fort Lee.

Also, if you’re going to be an anime restaurant, why not lean into the theme full force and name some of the dishes after anime characters or dishes from some of the shows? I mean, the opportunity to name a bowl after the miso chashu ramen Naruto loves from Ramen Ichiraku (the fictional ramen shop in the show he frequently visits) is right there.

Still, Rayaki is a true haven for true anime lovers who want to enjoy a bowl of ramen and other affordable Japanese cuisine while watching anime. The restaurant sells merchandise like manga books, figurines and merch like t-shirts and hats. There was also a TV hung up on the wall that played anime series (“One Piece” was on when I was there) in the background for patrons who want to enjoy their meal while watching their favorite anime show.

The novel experience is worth it alone for those who want to feel like they’re eating with their favorite anime characters.

If you want to visit Rayaki and see the anime themed spot for yourself, the Edison location is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. except for on Sunday when it opens at 12 p.m., while the other locations have similar hours.

More Asian food coverage

Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley and Instagram.