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!
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"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.
"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
"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."
South Korea
Italy
Not certain on the strong influence of samurai on Roman culture but nice pic...
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.
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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)
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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.
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As a citizen of Canada, I found Canada looks like an arrogant scoundrel.
Eep! The bear skin 😍 And the maple leaf looks like a maple syrup ice-lolly! 😍
I love the furs and the fact that he's an archer boy. Reminds me of Gil from FGO
I love the furs and the fact that he's an archer boy! He kinda looks like Gil from FGO.
Nice arrow - the end reminds me of the maple candies we would get from the sugar shacks in spring!
Not my favourite but at least its not as bad as the American one.
Was wondering where they got the blonde look from, but you're right as it could be Justin Bieber.
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Gah, this is really looks like a true horser bud.But there's a one thing ya missed. Better looking when he'll be with our traditional forester hat.Give'r to him!
Love the cultural inclusion of the native gear without being appropriative!!
Maple leaves for the arrow's flights. I think I'm hugging myself internally. I love it!!!
Quivers are made of frozen maple syrup (or beer)...yeah the hockey stick turns into a bow, and pucks into grenades or spinning ninja stars
Now I know what to wear if I ever get invited to the Met Gala and they re-do the "camp" theme from this year.
These are ANIME drawings done by a Japanese ANIME artist. Anime characters are mostly drawn with fair complexions. Anime does not care about your western identity politics.
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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. ;)
Switzerland
Norway
India
🔥 aaawesome... but is he some wrestler samurai or what...they gave him no weapon.
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.
USA
Note: this post originally had 32 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
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.
Australia
On the other hand, it's done for the Olympics in JAPAN so the concept is mixing japanese traditional clothing with details inspired by each country's identity, so... yeah.
I know the concept. But see, it got a bit monotonous after a while. Just this. Still, the art is good.
Yeah, but the anime style is pretty Japanese all on its own.
Sheila Parkins love
NO the Dutch version is highly dissatisfying :-(
I was scrolling down to the Netherlands hoping for some wooden shoes, hahaha. I agree with you, now it's just the colors of their flags, I was also expecting something inspired on traditional clothes.
yes, it was the perfect opportunity to research both national attire and physical distinctions between all these countries
I agree. The first few designs were so creative with the colors and props but still stayed true to the flag. Afterward, the designs just became robes/armor with the flag stamped on them, along with a pretty plain weapon. I just think that the designs themselves had so much more potential (e.g. turning India's wheel into a shield, giving Singapore a weapon based off the moon on his flag, etc).
Maybe. But almost EVERY country that hosts the Olympics seems to do some take on the attending countries' traditional outfits. I like that Japan went for something different and decided to do styles based on Japanese traditional clothing. Now, that does make it a little harder to be entirely original for each one, and you do get some monotony, but at least they're attempting to NOT be like every other country who hosts the Olympics. EDITED: I just realized these are not official illustrations, just a group of artists' work. I'm really disappointed. They're so cool they totally should be official.
I partially agree. I think the basic style of the clothing should say something about the country. Traditional can be a good way of doing that sometimes, and in particular I think America and Brazil as cowboys would have been better, but for instance I actually thought Canada's worked perfectly and so did Germany's even though both were in more of a Japanese anime style, and although Argentina has never had knights, I think the Argentinian one as a knight would have reflected something beautiful about Argentina's culture. It's worth noting too that not all countries really HAVE a traditional dress - South Africa is in such severe flux right now that you can't really describe ANYTHING as a South African tradition, and Indonesia is a patch work of different ethnic groups and cultures with basically nothing in common that were hastily stitched together to hunt pirates. Overall, I think these were a little too formulaic and could have done with some bolder and more expressive choices.
Huh, you really thought so? I'm Canadian and didn't care too much for Canada's design. It felt too much like maple leaves just stamped on everything. Though, I liked the touch with the furs on it, that was pretty cool.
Truuuue, that would be even more awesome!!
Roger that. Would be great to see the female samurai = Onna-bugeisha -version too, as women Olympics atheleths are as mesmerising as men. That willpower!
But the point the artist was trying to make was it is in Japan these are Japanese illustrations based on the flags. Not the cultures
Fair point. But it would've been better, I think, to work in a little more of each culture's unique things into the designs.
I don't care what YOU would prefer... that's autors thing to decide and I'm glad he chose this style as its his... take it or leave it.. sorry for bursting out but these things really piss me off like..wtf don't tell autor what he should do with his art its his
Ummmm - pay attention, please. The Olympics are in Japan. That is what makes these depictions so brilliant. Also, I do not think they are political; The characteristics are recognizable to everyone around the World.
nobody keeps you from makeing some yourself
that´d have been a better idea, but idk, is just the artist way of seeing all other countries, but in Japan shoes, i liked my own country one, specially for 1 detail i saw (i loved everything though)
David Leon -
They infused the hanbok in the korean one but ok
But, then it really wouldn't be anime, would it? I like the Eastern style given to all the costumes.
Someone discovered Hetalia: Axis Powers XDDD
Love Hetalia!!
So do I XDDDD
I can actually imagine these as like the costumes for the Hetalians during the Olympics (only for show, of course, you'd barely be able to walk in those robes).
Tbh I prefer Hetalia rather than this. England is my favourite boi.
Sammy Vaage follower
I love dat Animeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!! Canada best boi
I'd like to know why there's no Ireland?
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) :)
That's good to hear. One might otherwise have raised an eyebrow! :-)
Danny Pross ?
Don't worry Ireland, we will also get our avatars - said Poland.
There is an Irish one. The author has just decided himself which ones are the best, even those the Spanish hate theirs. The Irish one is one if the best.
They definitely did Ireland. I saw it in another article. Google it. The one i saw didn't have U.S. so I looked for another article. They want to do one for all 200 participating countries.
"World Flags" https://world-flags.org/europeanunion/ireland.html
Many countries missing at this point. And many ethnicities.
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/
VAQUERO culture and fashion belong to northern Mexican people. Americans appropriated that lifestyle, but vaquero life is part of Mexican culture.
So, like Axis Powers Hetalia?
Yeah, but with FGO (Fate/Grand Order) taste inside
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 😂😂😂
Give them time, they have another year to finish!
Where's Australia?
Here ya go! https://world-flags.org/oceania/aus.html
Reminds me of Scandinavia and the world comics
Is it weird that I'm inspired to make characters based off of these guys? They're so well done!
Where tf is Sri Lanka?
Pngtreemor...1c-png.jpg
I hope morocco also draw his anime character
Egypt is not in the list although we are participating in the Olympics2020\2021 my disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined
Mohamed Hanfy yes
No Greece? The originators of the Olympics!?
Maria Tsevdos love
How surprising is the fact that this was made to honor Olympic games, but Greece is not being represented (yet)? Shame...
Yes, we demand Greece!
VAQUERO culture (know as cowboy in usa) is part of northern Mexican people. American appropriated VAQUERO culture. COWBOY culture ain't American.
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.
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).
Very beautiful work. Are you going to draw Israel too?
I guess new Zealand isn't invited
Damion McKinnon easy
They have another year; they’re going to get to them all!
THESE ARE SO COOL. SORRY I'M SHOUTING. JUST VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE CONCEPT.
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
Axis powers Hetaitalia.
These are really cute, wanna see more!
They are beautiful and inspired , but why somes countries missing and especialy Greece where the Olympic Games came from.
They are doing them as they can; they’ll be finished all of them by next year!
No women??
These are interesting, but there should be women too
aw man no dominican republic 😔
Where's Australia at they do Indonesia but not Australia 😑
Where is Ethiopia 🇪🇹
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 🖕🖕
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) :((
DOPE! Now do one with ladies!
Where tf is Sri Lanka
No turkey :(
Why is America one of the worst..... Lol could have been much better with a eagle or something like mexico. That one was cool!
non for Nigeria I was looking forward to it
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.
Czech Republik please
Human nature is so that someone accidentally reinvents hetalia ever so occasionally
No_imnotcrazy love
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..
o z what
Indonesias is sOoOooOo bad, as Indonesian i dont like it
Ito Uf love
Those flags look sexy
Sword Art Online follower
...hetalia.
Rochu _denchii lol
why theres no fucking chile