The Land by the Vistula on Japanese Screens

 

When we think of Japanese pop culture, we envision colorful anime, intricate manga, and video games that meld fantastic universes with complex stories. Rarely, however, do we contemplate how Poland, a country thousands of kilometers away from the Japanese Islands, might find its reflection in this vibrant mosaic of creativity. It may come as a surprise that Polish motifs, history, and characters have not only found their place in the works of Japanese creators but have also become an integral part of some of these creations. From subtle references to major themes, Poland marks its presence in manga, anime, and Japanese games.

 

These references can, on one hand, be seen as a mark of respect for Polish history, culture, and significant figures whose impact has crossed local boundaries to inspire and enrich the global cultural heritage. On the other hand, they allow us a glimpse into how the Japanese view our country and what stereotypes about Poles emerge in the Land of the Rising Sun. Let's not kid ourselves – Poland is not a country about which the average Japanese person has extensive knowledge, so often these stereotypes will be the main prism through which Poland is perceived there, and references to it in manga and anime may for many be the only source of information about our country, thus shaping its image. Not always in the way we would like, but that’s just how it is.

 

In the following article, I will share some of the most interesting examples of how Poland has appeared in recent decades on Japanese anime screens, game monitors, and manga pages. So – 25 Polish accents in manga and anime:

 

 

Poland in History and Politics

Poland, with its rich history and political transformations, often serves as fertile ground for the plots of Japanese works. From depictions of significant historical events to fictional creations of states and military units inspired by Poland, creators from the Land of the Rising Sun have frequently drawn from European history to enrich their stories with additional depth and realism.

 

 

▫ Hetalia: Axis Powers #1 (Hidekaz Himaruya, 2006)

This light political satire in manga and anime form takes an unusual approach to presenting the nations of the world by giving them human personas. Poland, illustrated as the character Feliks Łukasiewicz, embodies many stereotypes associated with Poland. He is depicted as extremely lively, somewhat eccentric, with a tendency to act impulsively, which may reflect the perception of Poles as a nation full of passion and spontaneity. Moreover, this character's form of independence and stubbornness could be a nod to Poland's historical struggle for sovereignty and national identity.

 

 

▫ Code Geass #1 (Sunrise, 2006)

This anime, set in a dystopian world where superpowers battle for dominance, also weaves in threads related to Poland. The United States of Poland is a fictional state in the world of "Code Geass," representing an alternative history in which Poland plays a significant role on the international stage.

 

 

▫ Code Geass #2

Early in the series, a British army unit named "Kaczynski Unit" appears, which is a clear gesture towards Polish politics, though not everyone may be pleased with such a choice. Other Polish names also appear - the twelfth fighter of the elite combat group of the British army (Knights of the Round Table) is a woman named Monika Kruszewski. Among the bandits who attacked the protagonist, there is also someone named Korczak.

 

 

 

▫ Jormungand (Keitarō Takahashi, 2012)

Based on the manga by Keitarō Takahashi, this series focuses on the story of Koko Hekmatyar, a young arms dealer who leads a group of mercenaries. The series examines the complex and often morally ambiguous aspects of arms trading, armed conflicts, and the consequences of global politics. Though not a main element of the plot, Poland occasionally appears as a geopolitical backdrop to the events.

 

 

▫ Hellsing (The Dawn) (Kouta Hirano, 2001)

The prequel to the popular "Hellsing" series takes viewers back to World War II, where part of the action occurs during the Warsaw Uprising. This manga and OVA series present Poland at a crucial historical moment, highlighting the heroism and tragedy associated with this event. Poland is only a backdrop for other, fantastical events of the series, but it is portrayed as a country whose inhabitants show extraordinary courage and determination in the fight for freedom. The creators' choice to set part of their story against the backdrop of the Warsaw Uprising emphasizes the importance and resonance that this event has in global historical consciousness.

 

 

Polish Fictional Characters

 

Polish names and characters in Japanese pop culture most often appear in the context of broader narratives, giving them depth and authenticity. By incorporating such elements, creators offer international audiences a slice of Polishness, which can be both a point of interest and an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Polish cultural heritage.

 

 

▫ Ao no Exorcist (Kazue Kato, 2009) In this anime, set in a world where exorcists battle demons, the Polish language makes an appearance. In the twentieth episode, towards the end of the second minute, we see a handwritten note saying "Nie popuszczę takiego, powiązanego z Szatanem" (I will not let go of someone, related to Satan). It might be more Polish-esque than Polish, but it is there nonetheless.

 

 

▫ Golden Kamuy (Satoru Noda, 2014)

In this series, set in Japan in the early 20th century, we find a character named Wolf who has Polish roots. Wolf is half Ainu, half Polish, making for a unique narrative element that reflects the complex history and ethnic diversity that can exist even on the most remote frontiers. It also holds special significance for those more deeply versed in the history of Polish researchers on the island of Hokkaido, where the Ainu people live (also referred to in our literature as Ainu). In brief: Bronisław Piłsudski (brother of Józef Piłsudski) studied the culture of the Ainu and significantly contributed to the understanding of this people's customs. Today, his work is continued by Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.

 

 

▫ Black Lagoon (Rei Hiroe, 2002)

The anime "Black Lagoon" immerses the viewer in a brutal world of mercenaries, pirates, and criminals, where violence and moral ambiguity rule everyday life. In this intense narrative, one of the main characters, Revy – also known as "Two Hands" for her shooting skills – at one point in the series uses a Polish PM-63 Rak submachine gun. The choice of this particular weapon is not accidental; the PM-63 Rak was used by the Polish military during the Cold War and is a recognizable symbol of Polish military production. In "Black Lagoon", the use of a weapon with Polish roots by one of the most uncompromising characters emphasizes her effectiveness, while also highlighting the creators' meticulousness in selecting realistic armament for their characters. That such a detail as the type of weapon can be used to add additional depth and authenticity to a character shows how elements of Polish history and technology can be woven into anime, often in subtle yet significant ways.

 

 

▫ Tekken 7 (Bandai Namco Entertainment, 2015)

Lidia Sobieska, introduced as a playable character in "Tekken 7", brings a piece of Polish culture to the series. As the Polish Prime Minister, she is a combination of political power and physical strength. Her fighting style, based on Shotokan karate, is a nod to one of the world's most renowned martial arts, reflected in her dynamic and precise combinations of strikes. Characteristic of her character are also costumes and animations that refer to Polish national symbols, such as the white-and-red color scheme, further emphasizing her origin. In creating her, the game's developers took care to include authenticity, incorporating phrases in Polish in the dialogues.

 

 

▫ Master Keaton (Naoki Urasawa, 1988)

In this series, mixing adventure and crime elements, there are mentions of the Polish mafia. This is an example of how the image of Poland and Poles can vary depending on the narrative context, influencing the perception of the country and its inhabitants by an international audience. Mentions of the Polish mafia in "Master Keaton" introduce viewers to the dark world of Polish crime, emphasizing that such issues are universal and not limited exclusively to stereotypical places such as Italy or Russia.

 

 

 

Characters from Polish History

 

In Japanese pop culture, characters from Polish history often reflect respect for Poland's cultural and scientific heritage. These characters, though sometimes reinterpreted through the creative visions of artists, present Poland's contribution to art, science, and culture.

 

 

▫ Mari and Gali

In this educational anime series, science is presented in an accessible and humorous way, and a character inspired by Marie Skłodowska-Curie appears as a science icon. Her presence in the anime not only honors her enormous contributions to the fields of physics and chemistry but also highlights the international recognition of the Polish Nobel laureate.

 

 

▫ ClassicaLoid

In this original anime, where classical music is filtered through a surreal and often humorous imagination, historical composer characters such as Fryderyk Chopin and Tekla Bądarzewska-Baranowska come to life in extraordinary ways. Chopin, known for his romantic compositions, is portrayed as a deeply emotional and melancholic character, reflecting the soul of his music. Bądarzewska-Baranowska, though less known internationally, is recognized for authoring one of the most frequently played piano pieces of the 19th century, attesting to the broad impact of Polish music on the world.

 

 

▫ Piano no Mori (Makoto Isshiki, first published in 1998)

This anime focuses on passion and rivalry in the world of classical music, specifically piano. Through the perspective of two young pianists, the series showcases both the challenges and the beauty of striving for musical perfection. The Warsaw Chopin Competition is not only an important event in the career paths of the characters but also a symbol of prestige and the high standard that aspiring musicians strive to achieve. Through this story, the Warsaw Chopin Competition is honored as one of the world's most important music scenes, with Poland being celebrated as a country that nurtures and promotes this heritage on a global scale. This is yet another anime that, through the music of Chopin, connects Poland with classical music, with piano concerts (especially Chopin's) being an inseparable element of the country's image by the Vistula River. This, in fact, is a trend observed more broadly in the pop culture of Japan, China, Korea – not only in anime but also in films, TV series, and more broadly – in media commentary.

 

 

▫ Knights of Sidonia (Tsutomu Nihei, 2009)

The anime "Knights of Sidonia", also known as "Sidonia no Kishi", transports viewers to a distant future where humanity fights for survival in space against mysterious forces called Gauna. In this universe, paying homage to Stanisław Lem by naming a planetary system after him is not just a subtle nod to one of the most influential science fiction authors but also a testament to his enduring legacy and significance in culture. Lem, known for his profound reflections on the nature of humanity, technology, and the possibilities of the future, has influenced generations of creators and thinkers.

 

 

Susume, Karolina

This is a short animation about Karolina Styczyńska, the first foreign female professional shogi player. Produced by Studio Colorido in 2018, it was directed and scripted by Mateusz Urbanowicz, making the project unique in the context of Polish accents in Japanese animation. The story tells of a young Polish woman who travels to Japan to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional shogi player. The anime explores themes of determination, passion, and breaking cultural barriers, presenting elements related to both Poland and Japan. It's a unique blend of biography and sport, showcasing Karolina's inspiring journey to achieve her goal in a world of shogi dominated by the Japanese.

 

 

 

Poland in Alternative History

 

Poland, often depicted in a historical context, also finds its place in entirely fictional worlds, where it serves as inspiration for creators of fantastical universes and alternative versions of history.

 

 

Mobile Fighter G Gundam

In the universe of "G Gundam", which is part of the larger Gundam franchise, there exists a fictional state named Neo-Poland. As part of a futuristic world where countries compete against each other using giant robots called Gundams, Neo-Poland introduces a Polish element to the international cultural mosaic characteristic of the series. The Gundam representing Neo-Poland is named "Noble Gundam" and is styled after European knight armor, which may be a tribute to Poland's knightly traditions. The pilot of the Neo-Polish Gundam is Chelsea Walesa.

 

 

Eureka Seven

In this anime series, Warsaw is depicted as a site of scientific experiments. Although the city is only a backdrop for the main events of the series, its portrayal can influence viewers' perception of Poland within the context of fictional narratives. Warsaw is presented as a grim but intriguing city in the dystopian world of the series. Instead of showcasing typical, colorful images of Poland's capital, the anime uses Warsaw as a setting for dark scientific activities, giving it an aura of mystery and potential danger. This depiction may impact the imagination of viewers, suggesting that Poland, like other countries, grapples with ethical dilemmas related to scientific and technological progress.

 

 

Code Geass: Akito the Exiled

In this spin-off of the main anime "Code Geass", the placement of the Europa United garrison in Warsaw is quite significant to the plot, indicating Poland's important role in the alternative history of Europe presented in the series. Warsaw, being the capital of Poland, is shown as a strategic military and political point in Europe, highlighting its geopolitical significance even in the fictional universe of "Code Geass". The depiction of Warsaw as the center of operations for the Europa United garrison may suggest that the city and country play a key role in European defense and politics, becoming a symbol of international unity and cooperation against common threats. Interestingly, especially in the context of the current political situation in Europe and Poland's role in it.

 

 

The Sky Crawlers

In "The Sky Crawlers", an animated film by Mamoru Oshii, Warsaw and Krakow play a significant role in setting the background for the ongoing conflict between corporations using immortal pilots to wage wars as a form of entertainment for the masses. The inclusion of these two Polish cities is not random; they symbolize the history of Poland, a country that has experienced destruction and rebuilding throughout its tumultuous history. By using Warsaw and Krakow as backdrops, "The Sky Crawlers" references real historical events, adding an additional layer of meaning to the narrative. Here we have a reminder of history, especially from the time of World War II, when Polish cities were destroyed – a motif often recalled in Japanese works. Essentially, the (suffering of Poland during World War II) and the pianistic motif, especially related to Chopin, are the two main and most frequently appearing motifs of Poland in Japanese (and Korean and Chinese) pop culture works.

 

 

Psycho-Pass (2012), Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy (2006), and Cowboy Bebop (1998)

These anime are connected by one, albeit significant, "symbol" associated with a certain stereotype of Poles, which, although weaker now than 30 years ago, still appears. This symbol is rectified spirit. Rectified spirit, known for its high alcohol content, is a well-recognized product in Poland, where it is used both for consumption purposes and as a base for the production of alcoholic beverages, including traditional liqueurs.

 

In "Psycho-Pass", a dystopian series about a society monitored by an advanced psychological assessment system, the use of rectified spirit may underscore themes related to escaping reality, seeking oblivion, or as a form of rebellion against oppressive norms.

 

"Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy", being a series about goddesses living among humans, might utilize the theme of rectified spirit to highlight cultural differences between divine beings and humans, or as a comedic element in the interactions between characters.

 

In "Cowboy Bebop", a series that blends science fiction with elements of Western, jazz, and noir, rectified spirit is used to build atmosphere in bars or during meetings between characters, adding authenticity to the depicted world where a mix of cultures and traditions is a common sight.

 

 

 

Inspirations of Polish Themes or Persons

 

In anime and manga, characters and elements directly referencing Poland and Poles often appear, reflecting the creators' interest in this country as well as its history and culture. These references can take various forms, from historical figures to military objects.

 

 

Girls und Panzer

In this series, combining military motifs with school elements, a Polish 7TP tank appears, used by one of the teams in competitions between schools. Its presence in the anime highlights the importance of military history and technological innovations of Poland, as well as its contribution to the development of armored vehicles.

 

 

 

Zeno: Kagirinaki Ai ni

Zenon Żebrowski, a character inspired by a real missionary, is depicted in the series as a symbol of sacrifice and humanitarian activity. Presenting his story within the context of anime allows viewers to get closer to figures related to Poland, who had an impact on history and culture beyond the country's borders.

 

 

Le Chevalier d'Eon

Maria Leszczyńska, the French queen of Polish origin, appears in the anime as a historical figure, allowing for the exploration of Polish-French dynastic ties and Poland's influence on European history. Her character in the anime is an example of how Polish roots are present and appreciated in various historical contexts.

 

 

FLCL (Fooly Cooly)

The story follows the fortunes of Naota Nandaba, a twelve-year-old boy living in the fictional Japanese city of Mabase, who longs to escape the monotony of his everyday life. His tranquil existence is turned upside down when he meets Haruko Haruhara, a mysterious and eccentric girl who literally crashes into his life on a Vespa scooter, hitting him on the head with her bass guitar. This event triggers a series of supernatural occurrences, including the emergence of various objects and beings from his head. What does this have to do with Poland? Well, a Fiat 126p, known in Poland as "Maluch," appears in the series. This car, an icon of Polish roads during the PRL era, is featured in the series as part of its surreal and pop culture-filled world. While not a main theme of the series, this vehicle is one of many elements that highlight the eclectic and surprising nature of "FLCL," blending different cultures and eras.

 

 

Trinary

Gabriela Lotaryńska is a character in the anime that may refer to Polish history or culture through her name and the narrative context. Although the details of her story might be fictional, the very idea of including a character with Polish roots attests to the recognition of Poland as an important element in the global cultural mosaic.

 

Youjo Senki

In "Youjo Senki" (Saga of Tanya the Evil), a character inspired by Rittmeister Witold Pilecki appears, though he is not named directly. In "Youjo Senki", which is an alternative history of Europe during World War I with elements of magic and fantasy, the main character Tanya Degurechaff faces various opponents on the battlefield. In one of the episodes, it is mentioned that a soldier she fought was Polish. From the description, we know he was inspired by a real person from Polish history - Witold Pilecki, a Polish cavalry officer and national hero who voluntarily got imprisoned in Auschwitz to organize a resistance movement and later escaped to inform the Allies about the Holocaust.

 

 

These examples show that Poland and Poles are present in Japanese pop culture in many different ways, allowing for a better understanding and appreciation of Polish contributions to history, science, and culture on the international stage.

 

 

 

Wrap up– What Does an Anime Fan See When Looking at Poland?

 

Through the prism of various anime series, from historical dramas to futuristic stories, we see how Polish motifs, characters, and historical events are woven into the rich tapestry of Japanese narrative. These references, although sometimes subtle, testify to a certain reach of Polish culture and history, as well as their impact on creators from the distant Land of the Rising Sun.

 

The portrayal of Poland in Japanese manga and anime is not just a curiosity for Polish viewers, but also an opportunity to reflect on how our country and its heritage are perceived by Japanese creators and audiences. The examples of Polish themes adapted by various anime and how they are presented speak volumes about how anime fans may perceive the Vistula country.

 

Of course, we have the most common references to classical music (piano) and, in particular, Chopin, who is loved not only by Japan but also by the entire East Asia and who is a frequent subject of films, manga, and anime from Japan, as well as from China and Korea.

 

Another frequently appearing theme is World War II in Poland and how Poland suffered (destroyed Warsaw often appears in anime) during the war with the Nazis. We have references both to the fight against the occupier, to the German death camps, but also to an older image by 200~300 years – the flamboyant, valiant, and impulsive Polish nobleman.

 

The most stereotypical Polish export product cannot be missing either. For what connects such anime as "Cowboy Bebop", "Psycho-Pass", or "Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy"? Of course, Polish rectified spirit. It could not be otherwise.

 

 

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