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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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.
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."
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."
Venesuela
South Korea
Japan
China
South Africa
Italy
Not certain on the strong influence of samurai on Roman culture but nice pic...
Sweden
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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Spain
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
Singapore
Norway
Indonesia
Brazil
Netherlands
India
🔥 aaawesome... but is he some wrestler samurai or what...they gave him no weapon.
Russia
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.
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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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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/
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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
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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
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Egypt is not in the list although we are participating in the Olympics2020\2021 my disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined
How surprising is the fact that this was made to honor Olympic games, but Greece is not being represented (yet)? Shame...
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.
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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).
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
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!
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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) :((
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.
Human nature is so that someone accidentally reinvents hetalia ever so occasionally
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..
It s reaIly good, I like all pictures, and I would like to see my country (Slovakia).
This whole list is ridiculous. WHITEN every country/ethnicity in the world. And you manga otaku see nothing wrong with it!
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.
Venesuela? With and S? No one even cared to look for the right spelling?? Lol
Fantástico el trabajó de los artistas al representar las diversas banderas de los participantes de las olimpiadas
Why do I find these manga characters more attractive than the boys in my class...
Love all of them! Can't wait to see what the Aussie Guy looks like!!
This is literally a ripoff of Hetalia. Like can we not. Thankkksssss UwU
This is literally a ripoff of hetalia. Can we not. Thankkssss. UwU
These are all awesome and I wish I could draw this good but there were countries I kinda wished I could see... like Australia
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!!!
Aren't these just typical anime characters with a flag colour theme? I'm not seeing what's so interesting about these.
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.
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!
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.
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."
I've never really cared much for the Olympics but throw anime into it and I'll like anything lol
Sorry I don't like sports... downvoted for disliking sports ooook
Load More Replies... 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".
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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... 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... Egypt is not in the list although we are participating in the Olympics2020\2021 my disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined
How surprising is the fact that this was made to honor Olympic games, but Greece is not being represented (yet)? Shame...
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.
Load More Replies... 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).
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
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!
Load More Replies... 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) :((
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.
Human nature is so that someone accidentally reinvents hetalia ever so occasionally
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..
It s reaIly good, I like all pictures, and I would like to see my country (Slovakia).
This whole list is ridiculous. WHITEN every country/ethnicity in the world. And you manga otaku see nothing wrong with it!
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.
Venesuela? With and S? No one even cared to look for the right spelling?? Lol
Fantástico el trabajó de los artistas al representar las diversas banderas de los participantes de las olimpiadas
Why do I find these manga characters more attractive than the boys in my class...
Love all of them! Can't wait to see what the Aussie Guy looks like!!
This is literally a ripoff of Hetalia. Like can we not. Thankkksssss UwU
This is literally a ripoff of hetalia. Can we not. Thankkssss. UwU
These are all awesome and I wish I could draw this good but there were countries I kinda wished I could see... like Australia
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!!!
Aren't these just typical anime characters with a flag colour theme? I'm not seeing what's so interesting about these.
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.
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!
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.
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."
I've never really cared much for the Olympics but throw anime into it and I'll like anything lol
Sorry I don't like sports... downvoted for disliking sports ooook
Load More Replies... 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... 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...