While anime is often associated with Japanese culture, many iconic characters actually hail from various parts of the world. These figures, originating from countries like Germany, England, and Austria, as well as even outer space, have left an indelible impression that rivals that of their Japanese counterparts.
These characters often embody the cultures they represent, intricately woven into narratives involving warfare, colonial legacies, or even advanced extraterrestrial realms. Others find their places in anime worlds where national boundaries are fluid, yet their heritage contributes to their character development and motivations.
In this article, we highlight seven unforgettable anime characters who, whether by birth, background, or intention of their creators, are distinctly non-Japanese.
7 Ciel Phantomhive
Black Butler
Ciel Phantomhive, a 13-year-old English nobleman, is a captivating character who compromises his soul to a demon to exact vengeance. His allure stems not only from his tragic background but also from the nuanced depiction of British society during the Victorian era.
Ciel resides in an expansive manor near London, adheres to proper tea etiquette, and manages the Phantomhive company—an empire dealing in confections and toys that borders on the sinister. Additionally, he serves as the relentless “Watchdog”for the Queen of England, enforcing her will on the grim realities hidden beneath the empire’s facade.
In true Victorian fashion, he is often clad in period-appropriate attire, communicates primarily in English, and confronts a diverse array of adversaries, including cults and grim reapers. The series firmly establishes Ciel’s British identity, from heritage to mindset.
6 Alucard
Hellsing
Alucard stands as the central antihero of Hellsing, undeniably non-Japanese as he embodies Count Dracula from Eastern European folklore. Within the series, he is recontextualized as a vampire employed by the Hellsing Organization, a clandestine group dedicated to countering supernatural dangers threatening the Crown.
What distinguishes Alucard is not merely his vampiric nature, but Hellsing’s innovative transformation of a renowned European literary icon into an anime character while preserving his Eastern European heritage.
His name is a clever inversion, referencing Bram Stoker’s original creation. The OVA even illustrates his painful history in Wallachia, Romania, affirming his origins rooted in the infamous Vlad the Impaler.
Operating from London, armed with dual pistols inscribed with Latin verses, Alucard grapples with foes such as Nazis and rival supernatural beings. His immense power and Western mannerisms underline the cultural foundation of his character.
5 Eren Yeager
Attack on Titan
At first glance, one might assume Eren Yeager is Japanese since Attack on Titan enjoys immense popularity in Japan. However, a closer examination of the series’ lore reveals a wholly European-inspired background.
The narrative is steeped in Germanic nomenclature and architectural features, with Eren’s surname, Yeager (translating to “hunter”in German).The characters largely possess names derived from German, French, or English roots.
Eren hails from Paradis Island, resembling a dystopian approximation of Europe rather than Japan. From its brick roads to Gothic churches, the environment is emblematic of an ancient European era.
The themes of government oppression and world politics in Attack on Titan draw heavily from actual historical contexts concerning colonialism, fascism, and nationalism, further rooting the series in 20th-century European history.
4 Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden
The narrative of Violet Evergarden is steeped in European influences, with the protagonist herself embodying this heritage. She is a veteran from a fictional European nation, grappling with the emotional aftermath of a severe conflict while navigating beautifully rendered towns inspired by Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
Her name, “Violet, ” resonates with Western roots, and her demeanor is anything but typical for a Japanese character. She frequently writes in cursive, dons blue Victorian dresses, and navigates cobblestone streets via train to deliver transformative letters.
The world of Violet Evergarden showcases meticulous attention to detail. From currency to café menus, the atmosphere strongly evokes early 20th-century Europe. Violet’s upbringing as a child soldier mirrors a Germanic military framework in both its discipline and ideology.
Polite but emotionally reserved, she initially employs formal European etiquette to engage with others, making her role as an Auto Memory Doll not just a job but an exploration of Western literary themes and emotional landscapes.
3 Dio Brando
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Dio Brando, a character from 19th-century Manchester, England, is a villain who embodies traits of ambition and malevolence, manifesting a charismatic evilness that captivates viewers. His transformation into a vampire propels the narrative of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure into a multi-generational confrontation between British descendants and their sinister nemesis.
In the series’ first arc, Phantom Blood, Dio exhibits quintessential British traits: proper English dialogue, a passion for fine wine, and the ownership of a sprawling gothic mansion brimming with intrigue.
Even as the storyline transitions to present-day settings in Stardust Crusaders, Dio remains an iconic figure living in a castle that evokes imagery of imperial British rule. Notably, classical Western music and opera bolster his grandly twisted persona.
Despite his dominance in the series, Dio’s character consistently defies Japanese norms, retaining a distinctly British identity reflected in his accent and mannerisms.
2 Edward Elric
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Edward Elric serves as a State Alchemist in Amestris, a fictional nation that mirrors pre-World War II Germany. The depiction of his world is steeped in European systems, reflecting influences from actual historical events.
Amestris operates under a militaristic paradigm, exhibiting elements such as a parliament, a Führer, and regimented uniforms. The characters engage in formal communication and explore scientific concepts rooted in Western traditions of alchemy.
Ed’s persona is driven by intelligence and ambition; a young prodigy who endured personal sacrifice to revive his mother, his techniques draw from authentic alchemical texts and Western mysticism.
The names of various locations and conflicts represented in the series resonate with historical realities, such as those surrounding the Ishvalan War, reflecting themes of genocide and colonization and linking Edward’s journey firmly to European narrative traditions.
1 Goku
Dragon Ball Z
Despite becoming synonymous with anime as a whole, Goku’s character isn’t intrinsically Japanese. Instead, he originates from Chinese folklore, specifically based on Sun Wukong, the Monkey King featured in the literary classic Journey to the West. Elements of Goku’s character—like the power pole (Ruyi Jingu Bang) and the flying cloud (Kinto’un)—are derivations from this rich mythology.
The name “Son Goku” itself is a Japanese iteration of Sun Wukong. While creator Akira Toriyama modernized this character by integrating martial arts and science fiction elements, the essence of Goku remains distinctly Chinese.
Throughout the Dragon Ball saga, Goku evolves from a boy with a monkey tail into an extraordinary Saiyan warrior, paralleling a universal quest for strength and enlightenment that resonates beyond cultural borders.
As Dragon Ball Z garnered global acclaim, Goku emerged as the quintessential face of anime worldwide, even though he was never designed to represent Japan—he is, at his core, a transcendent figure whose origins lie in a foreign legend that became an international phenomenon.
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