Japanese Artists Reimagine Countries And Their Flags As Anime Characters For 2020 Tokyo Olympics (30 Pics)
While Tokyo is busy preparing for the 2020 Olympic Games, people are already psyched for it. A few Japanese artists have come together to create an unofficial promotion campaign for the Tokyo Olympics, drawing inspiration from a subject they're incredibly passionate about. Anime. They have been reimagining the participating countries as badass anime characters who are ready to go into combat, and the designs are very Japanese. In the best way. Each os the Olympic sports competitor is created with the culture, history, and national identity of the corresponding country in mind, offering a pretty visual harmonious diversity. Which is what the Olympics is all about.
Now, character drawings and concepts are always 'love it or hate it,' but we think that the artists behind these awesome anime drawings did an amazing job. All you have to do is scroll down below and check their drawing ideas out for yourself!
More info: world-flags.org | Twitter
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Mexico
La cultura japonesa se basa en el respeto y el honor, y por lo tanto valoran las demás culturas, en el caso particular de México tienen un gran aprecio por nuestra cultura ancestral y la conocen bien, cosa que deberíamos hacer nosotros porque nos quejamos de la imagen que dan de.nosotros pero no hacemos nada por proyectar algo mejor
Load More Replies...Wow, I like this one! But I would like to see some Aztec iconos.
I was born and raised in the U.S. but my family were originally from Mexico, and boy does this make me feel patriotic for my family's home land. We are such a beautiful, majestic people. BTW, as you can tell from my surname, I love the featured animal on both the Mexican flag AND this illustration.
As a mexican i love this. But i think it would look way more awesome if he used the snake(alive) as a scarf <3 Btw that eagle is stunnig.
"There are six people working on the project, but more creators will join soon," World Flags told Bored Panda. "We've been doing it for about a year now." And even though the crew haven't done every participating country yet, they said the won't stop until everyone who is participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gets their own character.
Philippines
Many ppl are still complaining and/or looking for something else and not that satisfied of the design the artist come up with lol. I get the point abt the weapons etc. but (just my 2 cents) The concept here I think is that the flag of the specific country is infused with the japanese culture and history, since the 2020 olympics will be held in tokyo japan. By immersing their culture to their designs of the participating country's flag, shows the diversity and hope for unity for the representing countries this upcoming 2020 tokyo olympics. No hate, just appreciate. They did a really great job to come up with the whole design, colours and idea for the characters as well. Thank you creators :)
katana>? guns>? fan?// much sense this fire cuz ball PH RING OF FIRE
Why surprised? Due to our country's strategically ideal location we've been involved in multiple battles and invasions over our history. Even now there are still battles in the Southern islands.
Load More Replies...I drew this illustration. Your comments are very happy. :) My twitter →https://twitter.com/mochidukirei
Thank you for drawing this Mochi Dukirei
Load More Replies...He also needs arnis sticks--that's our national sport [but it's actually a weapon]
There's nothing to complain about it or add somey, its already perfect
Load More Replies..."We feel so much respect for all of the countries around the world. They and their symbols (flags) are very important to us," the artists said. "We know we can't treat any of them in a way that would disrespect them and that's what we're constantly trying to do."
UK
Not everyone in Britain walks around dressed as a Lord Admiral, we only do it three or four days a week at most
If I were to become your MP, I'd decree that every man *must* wear the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment uniform at least once a week...
Load More Replies...Skill 1: Stiff Upper Lip Make a disparaging comment about the target's utter lack of decorum, dealing 200 psychic damage. Skill 2: It's Coming Home! Increases morale of self by 75 for 30 seconds, and then lowers morale of self by 100 for 60 seconds. Skill 3: Colonization Aura (Passive) All nearby allied heroes have a sudden urge to sing the British National Anthem and drink tea for no apparent reason. Ultimate Skill: Brexit Threatens to ragequit the game, but for some strange reason is still playing. Skill 2:
If he turned around he would probably look like the album cover of David Bowie's Earthling.
I think it's because 1) They're supposed to be samurai warriors 2) it's more aesthetically appealing and contributes to a more balanced composition 3) it's just really cool!
Load More Replies...We British usually get portrayed as the villain phwa phwa phwa...... 🦹
Load More Replies..."We started this project after recognizing the diversity between all of the people in the world. Also, we believe that illustration is the perfect tool to highlight this. Our motto is 'The whole world is cool!'"
Vietnam
They are reimagined for the Tokyo Olympics, that's why they look so japanese. The artists are well aware we don't dress like this, so why bringing that up? Great work.
He look like he gonna give me a butt load of li xi. Conjure me a lottery win!
Why is Vietnam is the only guy that use talisman "magic"? The other guys have a weapon, and hell, Mexico have an eagle.
I believe it’s because of the star on our flag. The same star is the symbol of Abe no Seimei, the most prominent and “strongest” onmyoji in Japan. Abe no Seimei is highly revered; having Vietnam styled after him is pretty damn cool in my opinion.
Load More Replies..."Japan and Tokyo have already started promoting the Olympics and they're doing a good job. We want to remind that World Flags is not a part of the Olympics. We just wanted to contribute. We believe that art -- and anime in particular -- can truly do wonders when it comes to both celebrating the bond between the Japanese culture and the rest of the world and acknowledging their differences."
Venesuela
no seas desagradecido, a Colombia no le dedicó ni una escupa....
Load More Replies...Very beautiful really. As a Venezuelan, I am very happy for how they represented our country. While there is some other detail that is not very common to see in us (for example the blue eyes XD), the colors and symbols of our culture are very significant. I loved the idea that the samurai is the white horse. And las Hallacas !! The only thing missing was las arepas Xd. Otherwise i love it!
Awesome! thank you for representing us, just correct the name of our country, Venezuela. He reminded me Francisco de Miranda.
Espectacular, Como VENEZOLANA me siento orgullos de mi país y que participe en estos juegos mas a un, es una imagen muy bella.
So beautiful, the white horse transform into a samurai Archer, all the references to our national shild and the little details like the hallacas and the cascade. Amaizing job. Thank you.
South Korea
What does 羽驅千孫 mean? A Hong Konger here who can't make sense out of this Chinese phrase -_- Googling didn't help....
Soaring High and Moving Forward for Thousands and Thousands of Generations
Load More Replies...XXX X X , Dae - Han - Min - Kook! XXX X X , Dae - Han - Min - Kook! You can hear all screaming like this when you are in the soccer game with drumbeating. Nice job!
This guy looks a lot like some of the sociopaths in a couple of the anime show i have seen.
Japan
y'know, just casually taking a stroll in the park with my parasol and SAMURAI SWORD
I love that they made theirs modest, when they could've made it even ore OTT than the others! ^_^
China
Viva China forever!!! But Tintin is still amazing even if he is not from China. If you don 't know who Tintin is please look at my profile picture
Am I the only one Who see the actress from the "great Wall" movie there?
Malaysia
South Africa
As a South African... I completely approve! I could only wish we were this cool.
I clicked on this just to see South Africa. Love it! I would have swapped the katana for a spear though...
As a South African …… This is soooo awesome!!!! Even the necklaces look proudly South African.
I would loved to have seen dreadlocks, and stronger facial features. But cool.
Italy
Not certain on the strong influence of samurai on Roman culture but nice pic...
That's really interesting: we represent Italy as a female, since Italia is a feminine noun. It's really weird to see "her" as a man. I like it though :D
My 7 years old asked if that is a tomato slice and basil leaves on the front gold plaque :)
Finland
As a Finn I like this costume but this character definitely should wear boots. Sandals like that are not very practical in Finland unless it is a warm summer day.
I love this one. I am really happy to see my country represented on a drawing. Impressive.
A hunter wielding a long sword, monster hunter inspired lol. . . cool design.
Sweden
Judging from the amount of clothing worn, those open Swedish toes must be chilly!
All the colder countries have their shoes open!
Load More Replies...Nice outfit, but he could really do with some socks, if it's winter time this outfit is referring to. And considering the layers... I mean, probably. Nice job on the flag integration.
Canada
I was expecting a Mountie look, but am pleased that it went more into the First Nations direction. Well done!
Or a bit more racially ambiguous. Not sure why, but Japanese manga and anime artists often depict Canada as blonde and blue eyed. We are a nation of diverse immigration, and robust indigenous communities, all of which have inter-married and had children who have inter-married, etc... The top character traits in Canada is shades of brown hair, hazel or brown eyes.
Load More Replies...I'm not feeling it... But then Canada is so diverse it's hard to represent. I'm thinking he's going to need warmer footwear.
Yeah he needs mukluks for real. But at least hes not wearing sandals (all the Asian characters are)
Load More Replies...I'm surprised that no references to hockey have been made- and that's coming from a Canadian.
I see a distinct lack of the Maple Syrup/Hockey Stick/Canada Goose as animal sidekick combo (c'mon. You all know that friggin' goose. It'd be a DEADLY sidekick) - I do like how they remembered to incorporate fur (not that it's... y'know... cold here... or... anything) - Thank you artist, also for making us far more handsome and angry-looking than we have any right to be.
I only support a Canada goose if it was dead and he was holding it by the neck. Digusting nasty beasts.
Load More Replies...Spain
The posing alone is very spanish already .. the catalans won't like it though ;)
As a matter of fact, it's possible catalans on the independence side of the debate (more than a 40%, less than a 50%) love this portrayal because it highlights thinks that they feel are "spanish only" and separates them more from the rest of Spain.
Load More Replies...+1 with Macarena. SPANISH IS NOT AN ASSASSIN COUNTRY. If it is, I am only catalan.
Load More Replies...Hay que joderse con los toreritos. Al menos no le han disfrazado se paella o de jamón
Of course it had to have f*cking bullfighting motives. Bullfighting is in decadence in Spain, with new generations being less and less accepting (some polls give a 60% opposition but real numbers probably run around 40%) and the number of "corridas" in a steady decline. But we will be always known for "toros y flamenco". Getting sick of it, really.
Te entiendo, amigo. Yo, como mexicana, estoy HARTA de que solo nos representen con bigotes, sombreros charros, y comiendo "tacos" estilo Taco Bell (esos NO son tacos). Al menos en esta ocasion no nos fue tan mal. De milagro no le puso un sombrero charro.
Load More Replies...Eso es Portugal... Demasiado verde para ser España... a mi no me engañan...
im spanish and i hate this, more and more spaniards every day hate bullfigths, we are sick of this being our most representative thing
I guess they wanted to combine Portugal with Spain. Let me inform that Portugal is an independent country :)
Supposed to look like a matador, so not all the colours will be flag based - also the Spanish flag is just yellow and red, wouldn't be great on its own.
Load More Replies...As a Spanish girl I don't like it, because If you think it the boy is an assassin and I don't feel comfortable of that image to other people
Belgium
Looks really great. Tho I'm from PH, the colours of this art is beautiful and the flag as well. :)
France
I love this one even though I live in another country it truly reflects my French heritage and pride😁
Germany
I like it but a sword would have been better that a katana. ;)
Why do I think that this one is the hottest and bad a*s among the other design.
Every country has their unique swords, I would approve it if every character uses a unique weapon from their countries..
Switzerland
When you're a support type character but also feels the rush to kill some enemies.
Load More Replies...Why does/do Switzerland/Swiss people in anime always have blonde hair? Wish they’d go with brown for a change (would be refreshing). We’re not Germany no.2 :’< And the Jesus cross is a bit too much, haha qwq But apart from that it’s a very nice drawing! (probably designing my own version for Switzerland now Cx).
And yea! The cross is DEFINITELY too thin! Seeing that mistake a lot recently (especially in artworks of Japanese artists). Probably because our cross looks like the first-aid one xD
Load More Replies...I can't tell if he is selling chocolates, preaching religion, or dealing death.
I would agree on the cross that it's too thin, but overall I like it. Anime characters tend to be long and thin, so it's in that regard that I still like it. If the cross could be adapted though then that'd make a great difference.
Omfg WHAT?! First Finland then Switzerland? Omg im so happy! Switzerland get so little attention, i am so happy to see a hot guy representing Switzerland. Qwq The blonde hair just dosent fit cause most Swiss people are brunette and black haired. XD Many blonde hair are just fake.
I still don´t know where the idea that all Germans (for example) are blonde came from... if one couldn´t artificially change the color of his/her hair (something all right), the result would be "surprising" in many countries.
Load More Replies...Pacifist weapon... remember our past... best fighter in the world.... it's for that we are a country named Switzerland....
Argentina
as a person whose great great great (idk how many greats) grandfather may have founded Argentina, i approve!
I think that the original sword-like knife is much better. It's called "facón".
esta bello me encanta se ven vivos los colores x eso amo la cultura japones( asiatica) ellos son toda creatividad
Singapore
1,000,000,000,000,000 likes for you my friend! Love GOT!
Load More Replies...That is straight up Sephiroth. Silver long flowy-fab hair? Check. Uber long sword? Check. Broody contemplative look? Check.
Norway
Again, I would have used a beautiful Viking era sword and some Viking elements.
Thailand
It could be done with krabi krabong swords and more real thai elements, but cool anyway...
Did the Thai use chakrums? I would have used that weapon for India.
Where'e the Thai? Shouldn't he be wearing a neckThai? Maybe a bow-Thai?
Indonesia
Harry Potter with his trademark square glasses and red hair
Load More Replies...Cool, the reason why the character is a shinto monk i think is because indonesia is a religious country, with 6 recognized religion by the nation. I still don't know why indonesian character wearing glasses though.
Cool! I think my country's flag will be boring to be an anime character because it only has 2 colors. But it turned out to be very creative.
Cool! Looks very scholar, but hiding great power behind the monsuke.
Brazil
I thought the caractere spouse to be something more like capoeira, once Brazil has its own style of marcial arts, but this one is just fine. Very good work!
Netherlands
There is no orange in the flag of the Netherlands
Load More Replies...As a Dutch citizen: I am sorry but this representation truly sucks-ball! Even the colors of our national flag are badly presented, the color red isn't the larger part of our flag... :-( With all the Dutch international stereotypes available: tulips, wooden shoes, bicycles, CANNABIS, windmills, dykes, Frau Antje, the bloody color of Orange etc. etc..... I am quite disappointed of the result.
The red part is larger here for his ninja suit. It isn’t that bad
Load More Replies...DelfsBlauw porcelain armour pieces, wooden shoes (Klomps) A lion Crest and a long ribbon (belt or scarf) in the orange color. Make it a pirate. That would be a dutch flag made anime.
Seems like a no nonsense guy who chose his armour for freedom of movement. I like it. Could do with an orange sash or something.
A bored looking blonde guy... Yep that's about right. Would have been much better if he was wearing wooden shoes whilst riding an orange bike and eating a stroopwafel though!!
India
🔥 aaawesome... but is he some wrestler samurai or what...they gave him no weapon.
The cow was included i see , as the horns 😏😏. Good observation of current situation in india.
No weapon needed as it shows our simplicity and fierce look together...this looks great😊😊😊
Russia
I mean, instead of that dagger je should have a bottle OV vodka
Load More Replies...Russia is "woman". She must be look like this: tales_of_o...95890d.jpg
They could have made him a fire breather (like the character dustfinger in ink-heart) using a bottle of vodka as accelerant. That would have been really cool!
Denmark
Sorry, but nothing that reminds me here of denmark. The white towel should be the cross from the flag? The swiss version looks more like denmark.
All the depictions are based on flags, but the Danish flag is red and white, not brown. Are we sure this isn't mislabeled?
I would also say that this is a mistake.
Load More Replies...As a Dane am I disappointed by this vision. Doesn't say Denmark nor does it remind me of our flag Dannebrog
Fun fact: The Danish flag, which is called Dannebrog, is the worlds oldest national flag.
Load More Replies...I wonder if this may have been inspired by the male costume for the Danish folk dance which is, admittedly, rather drab? Of course, relying on that alone makes for a completely insipid portrayal of a 1000+ year-old ancient nation which spans both vikings and H. C. Andersen. Never in a million years would I relate this image to my nation, sorry….
why is it that only sweden and denmark gets swords with proper sword guards
I can see the flag in it... But the red... It's just not the bright red known in the Danish flag.
USA
Come on! He's got the boots for cryin' out loud!
Load More Replies...Tbh it makes sense that he looks younger considering how young America is compared to other countries
It's very young America is 245 the USA was taken in 1776 and the others are 200,000,000 to 600,000,000
Load More Replies...Agreed!!! Let's be more positive ppl! The artist is amazing and did a wonderful job on all of these!
Load More Replies...We don't see ourselves as others see us. Thank you very much for the honest portrayal of us. It's nice to see how others see us. Ya did good. Thank you.
its sad when you realize this is a pretty tame version of what the world thinks of your country.
Load More Replies...And beer, I forgot beer. As well as an Eagle and maybe dead kids in the background.
Load More Replies...The drawing is pretty spot on for the us,.cant tell if it is a man or woman..a he/ she/they/ non binary/ cis/ lesbian
It's a young male kid obviously. Young country, young character.
Load More Replies...I think the two things that make this feel shockingly unlike what Americans expected is 1) The face is far too delicate for an American, youth or not and 2) The clothing reeks of monarchy
too delicate for an American?? Lmaooo what does that every mean???? Hahaha
Load More Replies...I was expecting much worse. Where's the soda & gun. (I was born in USA. These are legit observations.)
Quit whining and appreciate the design. I love America btw, from Philippines.
Load More Replies...Australia
Hmmmm.....didn't know much about Australia then..... pretty bland........ and there are a great many of us that are... NOT... Chris Hemsworth blonde.....
Boring. Feels like Australia was a quick draw at the end after he realized he forgot.
It seems very simple, Australia is so much more than simple tho. I like this piece of art but I feel like it doesn’t do the country justice.
In a real fashion faux pas, New Zealand showed up wearing exact same thing
New Zealand's flag doesn't have the big star on the left, so it would at least be *that* much different. ;)
Load More Replies...Sort of....but it should be white or yellow and green.
Load More Replies...come on... it's hard to do Australia as we have a fair amount of people from almost every country... I have something like 12 major ethnicities in my DNA AND in my appearance. They just had to kinda pick one, and let's face it - it's the commonly known stereotype, thanks to Russel, Mel, Hoges, Sam, Travis, Chris and Liam. They coulda had Hugh Jackman... I'd have loved a subtle Wolverine tinge to it!
Uae
You know what that means, right?...big shoes!
Load More Replies...The pants are fine but let's talk about the socks and sandals :(
Load More Replies...These are all really good, but honestly, I'd prefer their outfits were inspired by the respective country's traditional clothing. Would make it more interesting. Regardless of politics.
I agree, this way you could show more countries that did not make the list.
Load More Replies...They said they haven't done every participating country yet and will continue their work until Tokyo Olympic 2020. It's on the paragraph under the 1st picture (currently SA) :)
Load More Replies...These are amazing! Do away with the standard cutesy Olympic mascots and use these! To those asking "Why is there not ___ represented?": This is a work in progress, and the site lists all of the countries participating, even if they haven't finalized the character for them yet. This is in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, so you are seeing just the beginning of the series!
The website has profiles for over 80 countries so far. If someone is wondering where their country is, they should check it out there. They have full character bios, a manga and a YouTube introduction video. https://world-flags.org/
Load More Replies...VAQUERO culture and fashion belong to northern Mexican people. Americans appropriated that lifestyle, but vaquero life is part of Mexican culture.
Yeah, but with FGO (Fate/Grand Order) taste inside
Load More Replies...A little sad that there is no Czech Republic... With a high sock in the sandals, with the Beer belly and the sword which was made at home from a components from old "Skoda Rapid" car 😂😂😂
Here ya go! https://world-flags.org/oceania/aus.html
Load More Replies...These are all really good, but honestly, I'd prefer their outfits were inspired by the respective country's traditional clothing. Would make it more interesting. Regardless of politics.
I agree, this way you could show more countries that did not make the list.
Load More Replies...They said they haven't done every participating country yet and will continue their work until Tokyo Olympic 2020. It's on the paragraph under the 1st picture (currently SA) :)
Load More Replies...These are amazing! Do away with the standard cutesy Olympic mascots and use these! To those asking "Why is there not ___ represented?": This is a work in progress, and the site lists all of the countries participating, even if they haven't finalized the character for them yet. This is in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, so you are seeing just the beginning of the series!
The website has profiles for over 80 countries so far. If someone is wondering where their country is, they should check it out there. They have full character bios, a manga and a YouTube introduction video. https://world-flags.org/
Load More Replies...VAQUERO culture and fashion belong to northern Mexican people. Americans appropriated that lifestyle, but vaquero life is part of Mexican culture.
Yeah, but with FGO (Fate/Grand Order) taste inside
Load More Replies...A little sad that there is no Czech Republic... With a high sock in the sandals, with the Beer belly and the sword which was made at home from a components from old "Skoda Rapid" car 😂😂😂
Here ya go! https://world-flags.org/oceania/aus.html
Load More Replies...
