In a heartwarming gesture, Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, took to expressing his deep appreciation to the Japanese automotive giant, Toyota, for its significant investments in Brazil. His chosen method of gratitude was quite unique – he uploaded an image of himself adorned in traditional Japanese attire, with a backdrop featuring beloved anime characters, paying homage to Japan’s cultural exports.
The characters gracing Alckmin’s image were no strangers to anime fans: Goku from Dragon Ball Z, Sakura Kinomoto from Cardcaptor Sakura, young Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto, Pegasus Seiya from Saint Seiya, and the iconic Pikachu from Pokémon.
Their presence in the image was not just a random selection; these series have enjoyed immense popularity in Brazil, akin to the fervor witnessed during the ’90s anime boom in North America.
Brazil’s Vice President Honors Toyota with Anime Tribute
Saint Seiya holds a special place in Brazilian hearts, as it marked the beginning of a widespread anime craze in the country. Its success laid the foundation for the airing of other mainstream anime like Dragon Ball Z and Pokémon, solidifying Brazil’s status as a significant hub for anime fans.
Brazil's Vice President shared this "Thank You, Japan!" image to thank Toyota for making large investments in his country.
He stands over characters from Dragon Ball, Card Captor Sakura, Naruto, Saint Seiya, and Pokémon. (Unfortunately, the kanji on his kimono are backwards.) https://t.co/LLsq0SDWvy pic.twitter.com/bmZ71u7mXd— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) March 5, 2024
This rich history of anime fandom in Brazil continues to flourish, with new generations embracing the diverse offerings of Japanese animation.
However, amidst the celebration of anime diversity, some fans couldn’t help but notice the absence of Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece, another globally acclaimed series. Online discussions buzzed with speculation about this omission, given the international appeal and widespread popularity of the swashbuckling pirate saga. It was a curious absence in an otherwise well-received tribute.
Alckmin’s gesture not only underscored the strong economic ties between Brazil and Japan but also highlighted the cultural exchange between the two nations.
Anime, with its universal appeal, serves as a bridge connecting people across borders, transcending language and cultural barriers. Through his “Thank You” message, Alckmin not only expressed gratitude but also celebrated the enduring bond forged through shared appreciation of art and entertainment.
