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Japanese artists give Wales its own anime samurai for the Tokyo Olympics

23 Jul 2021 2 minute read
Wales’ anime Samurai, Gigs. Picture by World Flags.

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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Chris
Chris
2 years ago

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.

Last edited 2 years ago by Chris
Mark
Mark
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

The comment for the UK made me spit my tea out, Hope for the best, prepare for the worst? 🙂

Kerry Davies
Kerry Davies
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

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.

Wrexhamian
Wrexhamian
2 years ago
Reply to  Kerry Davies

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.

Christopher
Christopher
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

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.

Pawl
Pawl
2 years ago

Gwych, rwan mae angen tîm i’n ein hunain, fynd efo ef.

Quornby
Quornby
2 years ago
Reply to  Pawl

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.

Notta Bott
Notta Bott
2 years ago

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”

Alan Reilly
Alan Reilly
2 years ago

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.

Mac Reading
Mac Reading
2 years ago
Reply to  Alan Reilly

You can apply that sentiment across thd board then.

Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
2 years ago

At least Cyrmu has one ally in the world – it’s brilliant to know the Japanese like us – a great country!

Ursula bartlett
2 years ago

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

St_David_S_Greeting_For_Olympics_21_-_anime_e.gif
Quornby
Quornby
2 years ago

Many thanks to Japan. Don’t tell Hart, he’ll have a heart attack!

Chris
Chris
2 years ago
Reply to  Quornby

Does hart have a heart?

George
George
2 years ago

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.

Brian
Brian
2 years ago

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.

Last edited 2 years ago by Brian
Rebecca
Rebecca
2 years ago

i find it funny that they made a Welsh, England and Ireland a samurai but not Scotland

Last edited 2 years ago by Rebecca
Rebecca
Rebecca
2 years ago
Reply to  Rebecca

they also included Principality of Sealand and not Scotland I slightly feel sorry for them

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