Japanese artists give Wales its own anime samurai for the Tokyo Olympics
A group of Japanese artists recreating the nations of the world in samurai form for the Tokyo Olympics have also given Wales its own anime warrior.
The World Flags project includes a UK samurai warrior, but also a standalone Welsh warrior called Gigs.
Gigs is armed with a longbow and “although he is stubborn” he also “tends to dream”.
“A longbowman with a super-range range which is said to be about 5 km when wearing a flag armor,” the website says. “His armour is made from the same material as Excalibur has discovered that it was actually the same material as Flag Armor.”
The project creator Kamaya Yamamoto said that the project was an attempt to ensure that an audience around the world got to know the unqiue culture of Japan.
He said that the characters were inspired by each country’s flag and culture.
“People will only be able to enjoy the Olympics online,” Kamaya Yamamoto told the BBC. “So hopefully our designs will provide a bit of entertainment and relief for all those tired of Covid-19.”
“We hope this can be a way for people to learn about other countries,” said Kozo Yamada, another artist on the project. “That’s what the Olympics are about.”
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Heh! Japan knows that Cymru is its own nation!
Also the one for Britain/England is a fop called William whose hobby is Baking scones and whose favourite food is a sandwich. Whereas ours is a supreme archer who plays the harp tells stories of Arthur (Japan knows he’s ours) and likes Laver bread. We got the better one.
The comment for the UK made me spit my tea out, Hope for the best, prepare for the worst? 🙂
Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli is a huge fan of Wales and even learned some Welsh language when he was here. He made Howl’s Moving Castle, based on a Diana Wynn Jones story and his Laputa, Castle In The Sky has more than a taste of Welsh mining village about it.
Remember the reception our team got in Japan where they stuck dragons all over ambulances, buses, fire engines and even police vans. They honour our friendship.
They won a lot of friends not just here but throughout the world with the way they handled the Rugby World Cup — not forgetting their team’s excellent performance; and the behaviour of their supporters was uplifting in itself.
Cymru is the real Britain/Prydein. The UK isn’t Brittonic; it’s Norman.
“England” never existed; it’s just an extension of the Duchy of Normandy. Englaland, on the other hand, existed as a State until 1066 when it was destroyed by the Duchy of Normandy.
Gwych, rwan mae angen tîm i’n ein hunain, fynd efo ef.
Yes Pawl, there are the flags of 202 nations on display in Tokyo……. Y ddraig Goch should be amongst them and outside the UN building as well.
Japan probably recognises Wales more as its own unique culture more than most European countries. They have a ton of references to Wales, from a few Ghibli films being based in Wales such as Howls moving castle and the Anime Vinland Saga having a section in Wales. Shame most other countries we are just “Brit*sh”
Japanese people always come across as some of the most humble and respectful in the world. I’ve never met one yet who I didn’t think was a genuinely nice person. They get a bit of a bad rap but mostly that’s historical cr@p which should be long forgotten, certainly in this part of the world anyway.
You can apply that sentiment across thd board then.
At least Cyrmu has one ally in the world – it’s brilliant to know the Japanese like us – a great country!
As President of the St David’s Welsh Society of Japan, I am thrilled to see Wales so appreciated. Historically Wales and Japan have evolved a truly deep relationship as we share so many common passions. Rugby, singing, and a group work ethic etc. We are delighted that 26 Welsh Athletes are competing at the Tokyo Olympics as part of Team GB. Brilliant creative artwork Thank you, Diolch Ursula. Here is mine for these Olympics and a message from the St David’s Society
Many thanks to Japan. Don’t tell Hart, he’ll have a heart attack!
Does hart have a heart?
We can think about how well the WRU represented Wales while at the Rugby World Cup and how that can have a lasting impact. Being a good ambassador matters.
Wow! What an honour. The Japanese love Wales (and I don’t blame them either), it’s a beautiful rendition. Got a high-res version to print and frame.
i find it funny that they made a Welsh, England and Ireland a samurai but not Scotland
they also included Principality of Sealand and not Scotland I slightly feel sorry for them