This thesis is an investigation into the cross-cultural appropriation of manga and anime by fans in Australia. I investigate the way in which fans embark on ‘identity’ projects through manga and anime to construct a space where issues of gender politics, identity and culture are explored. I argue that a key reason why many Western fans and scholars perceive manga and anime as ‘different’ is its ‘Japaneseness’. The two key problems addressed throughout the thesis are : how can we analyse the significance of the Japanese origins and context of manga and anime, and would the ‘identity projects’ that fans construct be possible without an appreciation of manga and anime’s 'Japaneseness?.' These questions are explored in terms of a number of key forms within manga and anime including cyberpunk, bishonen(beautiful boys), otaku(fans) and anime forms that have had their ‘Japaneseness’ softened. I discuss the way in which these manga and anime forms offer different spaces for fans, scholars and cultural industries to contest, rework and reiterate the cultural value of manga and anime. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)