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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
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Mexico
"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.
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#2
Philippines
"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."
#3
UK
Gareth Graham 6 years ago
Not everyone in Britain walks around dressed as a Lord Admiral, we only do it three or four days a week at most
"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!'"
"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."
#5
Venesuela
Ximena Aldana 6 years ago
no seas desagradecido, a Colombia no le dedicó ni una escupa....
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Daniela Martinez 6 years ago
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!
Thailys de Valcárcel 6 years ago
Awesome! thank you for representing us, just correct the name of our country, Venezuela. He reminded me Francisco de Miranda.
Cecilia Aponte 6 years ago
Espectacular, Como VENEZOLANA me siento orgullos de mi país y que participe en estos juegos mas a un, es una imagen muy bella.
Rafael Fernandez Villegas 6 years ago
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.
Alexander Guevara 6 years ago
el cabello me imagino que representa a la cola del caballo, bellisimo gracias a los japoneses
Johana Linares 6 years ago
I am about to share this with 2,000+ people, I hope you guys can fix the spelling real soon. Thanks
Orvenis Medina 6 years ago (edited)
El amo Bonito se vistió con los colores de mi país, esta genial los detalles, me encantan las hallacas en el cinturón, felicitaciones a los artistas GRACIAS por representarnos tan hermosamente.
Andry Gabriel Arévalo Reyes 6 years ago
las hallacas son para un jutsu secreto o le sube +10 de hp?
Valentina Tepedino 6 years ago
The Samurai represents the horse, I guess.
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Chaly Thailys Freites De V 6 years ago
I love it, he looks like Francisco de Miranda. I love the colours, symbols and the representation of the Angel fall.
Gisela Mayworm 6 years ago
Venezuela... thanks for acknowledging Venezuela. Perhaps, you are right to change the “Z” for the “s” because “silence or shut off” of those people that do not acknowledge the tragedy ongoing inside Venezuela homeland.
Elvia Gordils 6 years ago
Excelente me encanta muy lindo les quedo perfecto solo cambiar la S por Z Venezuela
Dulce Salas 6 years ago
espectacular les que do... muchas gracias se lucieron con este samurai
Angel Villarroel 6 years ago
VENEZZZZZZZUELA CON ZZZZZZZZZZZ PTM! les quedó genial pero como se les pasa algo así...
Gitane Villarroel 6 years ago
Venezuela........ avec "Z".....Venezuela con "Z", Venezuela with " Z"
Richard Torres Hernandez 6 years ago
Really thank you to take your time to expressing we value, it's important to us really thank. I apologise for my bad english but thanks
Olga Martín 6 years ago
Me encantó el detalle de lo que opino yo, es una representación del salto Angel
Carlos Medero 6 years ago
Wonder why all of them somewhat resemble the people in those countries but the Venezuelan one has blue eyes. That's like the most uncommon eye color in Venezuela. Really cool, though.
Daniel Roa 6 years ago
He represents our Liberator Simón Bolivar white horse.
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Ana Susana Ricaurte 6 years ago (edited)
Venezuela se escribe de esta manera: VENEZUELA. EN MI PAIS, ES VERDAD QUE COMEMOS HALLACAS Y BOLLITOS PERO MAS QUE TODO EN LAS FIESTAS NAVIDADEÑAS, PERO UNO DE LOS PLATOS QUE NOS CARACTERIZA SON LAS FAMOSAS AREPAS CONOCIDAS EN LA ACTUALIDAD CASI A NIVEL MUNDIAL, PUEDEN SER RELLENAS DE QUESO, CARNE MECHADA, AGUACATES, MIXTAS Y LA FAMOSA REINA PEPIADA. SOMOS AMANTES DE UN BUEN PABELLON, REALIZADO CON CARAOTAS NEGRAS, CARNE MECHADA, ARROZ BLANCO, TAJADAS O PLATANOS MADUROS FRITOS, LE PUEDEN COLOCAR QUESITO RALLADO Y REBANADAS DE AGUACATES, SE ME OLVIDABA A MUCHOS NOS GUSTA COLOCARLE AZUCAR A LAS CARAOTAS Y NO OLVIDAR AL ING. LUIS CABALLERO MEJIAS, CREADOR DE LA HARINA DE MAIZ VENEZOLANA, LA CUAL CONSTITUYO UN GRAN ALIVIO PARA LAS MUJERES VENEZOLANAS YA QUE VINO A ALIVIARLES PARTE DE LAS LABORES QUE REALIZABAN PARA LA ELABORACIÓN DE LAS TRADICIONALES AREPAS
#6
South Korea
#7
Japan
#8
China
#10
South Africa
#11
Italy
David Townsend 6 years ago
Not certain on the strong influence of samurai on Roman culture but nice pic...
#13
Sweden
#15
Spain
#17
France
Word Weaver 6 years ago
I love this one even though I live in another country it truly reflects my French heritage and pride😁
#18
Germany
Hans_not_the_real_Hans 6 years ago
I like it but a sword would have been better that a katana. ;)
#19
Switzerland
#24
Indonesia
#27
India
SukhveEr SIngh 6 years ago
🔥 aaawesome... but is he some wrestler samurai or what...they gave him no weapon.
#29
Denmark
Hans_not_the_real_Hans 6 years ago
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.
#30
USA
#31
Australia
Monty Is Fiennes 6 years ago
Hmmmm.....didn't know much about Australia then..... pretty bland........ and there are a great many of us that are... NOT... Chris Hemsworth blonde.....
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Daria B 6 years ago
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.
Luis Milian 6 years ago
I agree, this way you could show more countries that did not make the list.
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Silver 6 years ago
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) :)
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Troux 6 years ago
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!
Justin Clarke 4 years ago
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...
Miyuki Nohara 6 years ago
VAQUERO culture and fashion belong to northern Mexican people. Americans appropriated that lifestyle, but vaquero life is part of Mexican culture.
Salma Nuha Azizah 4 years ago
Yeah, but with FGO (Fate/Grand Order) taste inside
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Lenka Smetanová 6 years ago
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 😂😂😂
Justin Clarke 4 years ago
Here ya go! https://world-flags.org/oceania/aus.html
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Mohamed Hanfy 5 years ago
Egypt is not in the list although we are participating in the Olympics2020\2021 my disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined
Kalypso David 6 years ago
How surprising is the fact that this was made to honor Olympic games, but Greece is not being represented (yet)? Shame...
Miyuki Nohara 6 years ago
VAQUERO culture (know as cowboy in usa) is part of northern Mexican people. American appropriated VAQUERO culture. COWBOY culture ain't American.
Up All Night 6 years ago
It's not appropriation, it's PRACTICAL USE. How else they are supposed to herd cattle?! Also, it's originated on the Iberian Peninsula, not Mexico. Spanish equestrian tradition can be traced back to Arabic rule in Spain, horse riding equipment are ultimately Eurasian. And don't get me started on the cattle herding.
Load More Replies...
Fixin'Ta 6 years ago (edited)
I wish there was room here for ALL the countries' representations. I'd like to see New Zealand's (they'd definitely need to be wearing jandals -- and I mean, perfect, since the term "jandal" came from "Japanese sandals"), and Ireland's, and some of those teeny-tiny countries no one pays much attention to (sadly).
Alice Laughs 6 years ago
THESE ARE SO COOL. SORRY I'M SHOUTING. JUST VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE CONCEPT.
miaow 6 years ago
Now I want all of these anime-flag characters together in an anime sequel!! I would def watch !! That would be so so cool <3
goodmorning 6 years ago
They are beautiful and inspired , but why somes countries missing and especialy Greece where the Olympic Games came from.
HalfShelli 6 years ago
They are doing them as they can; they’ll be finished all of them by next year!
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yeshey samdrup 4 years ago
Wow such disrespect to those county which they didn't make for. If you are gonna make should have made for every country. F**k you 🖕🖕
Saba Seyedahmadian 4 years ago
They are so beautiful but I couldn’t find my country... because of sanctions?!! We the people are so lonely and heartbroken here!! We Iranian people love peace and humanity (you shouldn’t judge us by our dictator government) :((
Linda Perry 4 years ago
Love it!! These are amazing and so creative. It would have been so cool to have one athlete from each country dress in this costume. Or have them all come out after all the countries under the Olympic flag. haha - anyway - hats off to this creativity.
No_imnotcrazy 5 years ago
Human nature is so that someone accidentally reinvents hetalia ever so occasionally
o z 5 years ago
Umm.. usually there isn't Israel.. but this time i really hoped they'll have one :< this kind of art is my favorite :< i guess Finland is similar. Amazing art..
Maria Mesiac Matlakova 6 years ago
It s reaIly good, I like all pictures, and I would like to see my country (Slovakia).
Bobby Clemente 6 years ago
This whole list is ridiculous. WHITEN every country/ethnicity in the world. And you manga otaku see nothing wrong with it!
Ernest Chew 6 years ago (edited)
With all the negative comments (lack of understanding their directions and objective of their project, and appreciating their initiative and good will, and the difficulties of designing, illustrating and colouring more than 100 of these pictures), I would not be surprised if the artists stopped their project before Olympic even begin.
Andrés E. Gómez V. 6 years ago
Venesuela? With and S? No one even cared to look for the right spelling?? Lol
Fabian Rodriguez 6 years ago
Fantástico el trabajó de los artistas al representar las diversas banderas de los participantes de las olimpiadas
Sujin Kang 6 years ago
Why do I find these manga characters more attractive than the boys in my class...
Tora Wookiee Macaw 6 years ago
Love all of them! Can't wait to see what the Aussie Guy looks like!!
Space Conspiracy 6 years ago
This is literally a ripoff of Hetalia. Like can we not. Thankkksssss UwU
Space Conspiracy 6 years ago
This is literally a ripoff of hetalia. Can we not. Thankkssss. UwU
Whereamiphobia 6 years ago
These are all awesome and I wish I could draw this good but there were countries I kinda wished I could see... like Australia
Heidi Matsumoto 6 years ago
I love the samurai inspired outfits for each country. It'd be freaking cool if each country could have a cosplayer and wear these during Olympics!!! Hahah!!!
Death Metal Kitty 6 years ago
Aren't these just typical anime characters with a flag colour theme? I'm not seeing what's so interesting about these.
Huyền-Châu Lê 6 years ago
As a citizen of Canada, I found Canada looks like an arrogant scoundrel. Also, I don't think Canada is totally White. Should have been mix-race. And as a Vietnamese, I found Vietnam looks nothing Vietnamese. One more thing, this is kinda sexist, don't you think? No female here, all male. Why? Beside from those issues, great arts as usual.
Karen Kitchen 6 years ago
I help make cosplay costumes. While these would be a challenge, the end results would be AMAZING!! I love the details of history interwoven in the art. Thank you for sharing!
Wyndmere 6 years ago (edited)
Anime might be Japanese, but you have drawn every country’s rep as Their culture; not our own. There is nothing Japanese about my ancestral culture. — You are a good artist, for how you have shown the way you wish to represent each country. Samurai is very much “your” forte. Unless it is traditional with anime portrayals, perhaps you could balance the size ratios of the feet and heads with the body sizes.
bill marsano 6 years ago
This is a pastiche of mechanically styled illustration and soulless, witless cliches. Far too many people indulge in this stuff, then send it to BoredPanda to be presented with a fill-in-the-blanks title like "I Draw --- as If They Were _____ Today."
knittin' kitten 6 years ago
I've never really cared much for the Olympics but throw anime into it and I'll like anything lol
knittin' kitten 6 years ago
Sorry I don't like sports... downvoted for disliking sports ooook
Load More Replies... Daria B 6 years ago
Or maybe east Asians don't really all look like the stereotype wants them to? True, it's difficult to tell the difference between Caucasians and east Asians in a SIMPLIFIED anime style, but that doesn't make them all "white people".
Load More Replies...
Daria B 6 years ago
1st - they're not white. Those are pallets of combinations of brown, red, yellow and other colours to help you give the impression they're alive and human. 2nd - they are not "skinned", don't be so gore. O_o (I know you meant to make an adjective from "skin", many do so, but see, it sounds very ugly. Sincerely, a linguistics major.) 3rd - in anime there is not an "always" looking this or that way. The industry is too big for only one stereotype. The stereotypes themselves are so numerous they became, ironically, very various, and additionally there are just as many artists with unique styles and amongst these there are artists whose styles get so well accepted they create new stereotypes.
Load More Replies... Daria B 6 years ago
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.
Luis Milian 6 years ago
I agree, this way you could show more countries that did not make the list.
Load More Replies... Silver 6 years ago
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... Troux 6 years ago
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!
Justin Clarke 4 years ago
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... Miyuki Nohara 6 years ago
VAQUERO culture and fashion belong to northern Mexican people. Americans appropriated that lifestyle, but vaquero life is part of Mexican culture.
Salma Nuha Azizah 4 years ago
Yeah, but with FGO (Fate/Grand Order) taste inside
Load More Replies... Lenka Smetanová 6 years ago
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 😂😂😂
Justin Clarke 4 years ago
Here ya go! https://world-flags.org/oceania/aus.html
Load More Replies... Mohamed Hanfy 5 years ago
Egypt is not in the list although we are participating in the Olympics2020\2021 my disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined
Kalypso David 6 years ago
How surprising is the fact that this was made to honor Olympic games, but Greece is not being represented (yet)? Shame...
Miyuki Nohara 6 years ago
VAQUERO culture (know as cowboy in usa) is part of northern Mexican people. American appropriated VAQUERO culture. COWBOY culture ain't American.
Up All Night 6 years ago
It's not appropriation, it's PRACTICAL USE. How else they are supposed to herd cattle?! Also, it's originated on the Iberian Peninsula, not Mexico. Spanish equestrian tradition can be traced back to Arabic rule in Spain, horse riding equipment are ultimately Eurasian. And don't get me started on the cattle herding.
Load More Replies... Fixin'Ta 6 years ago (edited)
I wish there was room here for ALL the countries' representations. I'd like to see New Zealand's (they'd definitely need to be wearing jandals -- and I mean, perfect, since the term "jandal" came from "Japanese sandals"), and Ireland's, and some of those teeny-tiny countries no one pays much attention to (sadly).
Alice Laughs 6 years ago
THESE ARE SO COOL. SORRY I'M SHOUTING. JUST VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE CONCEPT.
miaow 6 years ago
Now I want all of these anime-flag characters together in an anime sequel!! I would def watch !! That would be so so cool <3
goodmorning 6 years ago
They are beautiful and inspired , but why somes countries missing and especialy Greece where the Olympic Games came from.
HalfShelli 6 years ago
They are doing them as they can; they’ll be finished all of them by next year!
Load More Replies... yeshey samdrup 4 years ago
Wow such disrespect to those county which they didn't make for. If you are gonna make should have made for every country. F**k you 🖕🖕
Saba Seyedahmadian 4 years ago
They are so beautiful but I couldn’t find my country... because of sanctions?!! We the people are so lonely and heartbroken here!! We Iranian people love peace and humanity (you shouldn’t judge us by our dictator government) :((
Linda Perry 4 years ago
Love it!! These are amazing and so creative. It would have been so cool to have one athlete from each country dress in this costume. Or have them all come out after all the countries under the Olympic flag. haha - anyway - hats off to this creativity.
No_imnotcrazy 5 years ago
Human nature is so that someone accidentally reinvents hetalia ever so occasionally
o z 5 years ago
Umm.. usually there isn't Israel.. but this time i really hoped they'll have one :< this kind of art is my favorite :< i guess Finland is similar. Amazing art..
Maria Mesiac Matlakova 6 years ago
It s reaIly good, I like all pictures, and I would like to see my country (Slovakia).
Bobby Clemente 6 years ago
This whole list is ridiculous. WHITEN every country/ethnicity in the world. And you manga otaku see nothing wrong with it!
Ernest Chew 6 years ago (edited)
With all the negative comments (lack of understanding their directions and objective of their project, and appreciating their initiative and good will, and the difficulties of designing, illustrating and colouring more than 100 of these pictures), I would not be surprised if the artists stopped their project before Olympic even begin.
Andrés E. Gómez V. 6 years ago
Venesuela? With and S? No one even cared to look for the right spelling?? Lol
Fabian Rodriguez 6 years ago
Fantástico el trabajó de los artistas al representar las diversas banderas de los participantes de las olimpiadas
Sujin Kang 6 years ago
Why do I find these manga characters more attractive than the boys in my class...
Tora Wookiee Macaw 6 years ago
Love all of them! Can't wait to see what the Aussie Guy looks like!!
Space Conspiracy 6 years ago
This is literally a ripoff of Hetalia. Like can we not. Thankkksssss UwU
Space Conspiracy 6 years ago
This is literally a ripoff of hetalia. Can we not. Thankkssss. UwU
Whereamiphobia 6 years ago
These are all awesome and I wish I could draw this good but there were countries I kinda wished I could see... like Australia
Heidi Matsumoto 6 years ago
I love the samurai inspired outfits for each country. It'd be freaking cool if each country could have a cosplayer and wear these during Olympics!!! Hahah!!!
Death Metal Kitty 6 years ago
Aren't these just typical anime characters with a flag colour theme? I'm not seeing what's so interesting about these.
Huyền-Châu Lê 6 years ago
As a citizen of Canada, I found Canada looks like an arrogant scoundrel. Also, I don't think Canada is totally White. Should have been mix-race. And as a Vietnamese, I found Vietnam looks nothing Vietnamese. One more thing, this is kinda sexist, don't you think? No female here, all male. Why? Beside from those issues, great arts as usual.
Karen Kitchen 6 years ago
I help make cosplay costumes. While these would be a challenge, the end results would be AMAZING!! I love the details of history interwoven in the art. Thank you for sharing!
Wyndmere 6 years ago (edited)
Anime might be Japanese, but you have drawn every country’s rep as Their culture; not our own. There is nothing Japanese about my ancestral culture. — You are a good artist, for how you have shown the way you wish to represent each country. Samurai is very much “your” forte. Unless it is traditional with anime portrayals, perhaps you could balance the size ratios of the feet and heads with the body sizes.
bill marsano 6 years ago
This is a pastiche of mechanically styled illustration and soulless, witless cliches. Far too many people indulge in this stuff, then send it to BoredPanda to be presented with a fill-in-the-blanks title like "I Draw --- as If They Were _____ Today."
knittin' kitten 6 years ago
I've never really cared much for the Olympics but throw anime into it and I'll like anything lol
knittin' kitten 6 years ago
Sorry I don't like sports... downvoted for disliking sports ooook
Load More Replies... Daria B 6 years ago
Or maybe east Asians don't really all look like the stereotype wants them to? True, it's difficult to tell the difference between Caucasians and east Asians in a SIMPLIFIED anime style, but that doesn't make them all "white people".
Load More Replies... Daria B 6 years ago
1st - they're not white. Those are pallets of combinations of brown, red, yellow and other colours to help you give the impression they're alive and human. 2nd - they are not "skinned", don't be so gore. O_o (I know you meant to make an adjective from "skin", many do so, but see, it sounds very ugly. Sincerely, a linguistics major.) 3rd - in anime there is not an "always" looking this or that way. The industry is too big for only one stereotype. The stereotypes themselves are so numerous they became, ironically, very various, and additionally there are just as many artists with unique styles and amongst these there are artists whose styles get so well accepted they create new stereotypes.
Load More Replies...
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