Best Anime Characters That Aren’t Japanese

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Although anime is deeply entrenched in Japanese culture, it’s not only Japanese characters who make a lasting impression. These iconic figures hail from various parts of the world, including Germany, England, Austria, and even beyond our planet, yet they’ve etched memories just as profound and unforgettable as their Japanese counterparts.

As a fan, I’ve noticed that some characters mirror the cultures they originate from, weaving tales of war, colonial empires, or fantastical alien realms into their narratives. On the other hand, there are those who dwell in anime universes where nationality is not strictly defined, yet their heritage significantly influences their identity and what they stand for in their battles.

Here, we’ve compiled a roster of seven anime characters whose nationality isn’t Japanese, be it due to their birthplace, backstory, or the creative decision of their developers.

7.
Ciel

Black Butler

13-year-old Ciel Phantomhive, an English noble, barters his soul with a demon in pursuit of vengeance. What sets Ciel apart isn’t only his tragic history or haughty aristocratic demeanor; it’s the intriguing portrayal of Victorian-era British imperial society that his character encapsulates.

Ciel resides in an expansive English mansion situated on the outskirts of London, adheres to proper tea etiquette, and manages Phantomhive Industries, a powerful confectionery and toy corporation with a sinister reputation. However, his real role is even more ominous; he functions as the Queen of England’s secret enforcer, tasked with tackling the empire’s hidden evils by any means possible.

In this show, he consistently dons clothing reminiscent of 19th-century Europe, fluently speaks English, and encounters adversaries that span from cults to grim reapers. The narrative leaves no doubt that Ciel’s identity is deeply rooted in British culture, both in his bloodline and his outlook on life.

6.
Alucard

Hellsing

In the series Hellsing, Alucard is clearly not Japanese; instead, he’s based on the legendary Count Dracula from Eastern European tales. In this adaptation, Alucard functions as a vampire employed by the Hellsing Organization, a covert British group dedicated to eradicating supernatural dangers that could potentially threaten the monarchy.

What makes Alucard distinct is not merely his status as a vampire; rather, it lies in how Hellsing creatively adapts one of Europe’s most renowned literary characters into an original anime form, preserving his Eastern European heritage at the same time.

It’s clear who he is: Alucard is actually Dracula spelled backward, a clever reference to Bram Stoker’s initial novel. In the OVA, his past is depicted with him being impaled by stakes in Wallachia, Romania, which strongly implies that he originated from Vlad the Impaler.

He bases his operations from London, carries a pair of pistols adorned with Latin inscriptions, and confronts Nazis, clergy, and other vampires. His power is almost divine, teetering on the edge of godhood, yet his speech, behavior, and allusions to the Crusades and ancient European conflicts firmly tie him to Western culture.

5.
Eren Yeager

Attack On Titan

It might initially seem that Eren Yeager is Japanese, considering the immense popularity of Attack on Titan in Japan. However, upon closer examination of the storyline, you’ll find that his cultural roots are not rooted in Japan at all.

The story unfolds in a realm featuring Germanic place names, European-style structures, and military garb reminiscent of early 20th-century Prussia. The protagonist, Eren, whose last name “Yeager” translates to “hunter” in German, is one of many characters bearing Germanic, French, or English names in this show.

As a gamer, I hail from Paradis Island, an eerie reflection of a dystopian Europe rather than the Land of the Rising Sun. The cobblestone roads and horse-drawn carriages, the Gothic cathedrals and fortified cities – everything echoes the Old World’s charm.

Beyond mere visual appeal, the Marleyan regime, the oppressive nature of Eldia, and global politics portrayed in Attack on Titan draw substantial inspiration from historical realities like colonialism, fascism, and nationalism – phenomena deeply connected to 20th-century Europe.

4.
Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden is a narrative steeped in the atmosphere of Europe, and this essence permeates through every cell of its central character. She’s a former soldier hailing from a fictitious European nation healing from a catastrophic war, whose tale of discovering human feelings unfolds amidst idyllic towns mirroring those found in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

The name “Violet” is undeniably of Western origin, as opposed to the typical character from Japanese literature. Unlike them, she writes using cursive script, dons blue dresses reminiscent of Victorian times, and travels by train through urban landscapes adorned with cobblestones, all while carrying letters that significantly impact people’s lives.

In Violet Evergarden, the world creation is incredibly detailed. The continent where the story unfolds isn’t based on Japan; instead, it draws inspiration from early 1900s Europe for its currency, architecture, café menus, and even the military system that shaped Violet herself, which carries a distinctly Germanic rigor and philosophy.

Her manners are overly polite, she initially keeps her emotions hidden, and frequently employs formal European etiquette when speaking to others. When she starts working as an Auto Memory Doll, it’s more than just a job; it becomes a reflection of a society molded by Western literary and emotional customs.

Her narrative can only be set in a time following the European war, which isn’t merely atmospheric detail. Instead, it fundamentally shapes who she is.

3.
Dio Brando

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Dio Brando originated from 19th-century Manchester, England, a detail consistently emphasized in the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime. He is cunning, greedy for power, and exudes an enticing brand of wickedness that makes one enjoy loathing him. This villain wears arrogance as if it were a regal crown.

As he transforms into a vampire, his actions set off a multi-century conflict involving the Joestar lineage and their paranormal adversary, which can be likened to an ongoing family feud between British lineages and their mysterious foe. In Phantom Blood, Dio exhibits impeccable English manners, indulges in wine as if he were royalty, and conducts his operations from a grand, secret-laden gothic mansion.

In the series Stardust Crusaders, though it’s set in contemporary locations worldwide, Dio continues to reside in an Egyptian castle, much like a stubborn colonial British nobleman unwilling to expire or depart. The show employs Western classical music such as “Ode to Joy” and opera to emphasize Dio’s over-the-top wickedness and dramatic flair.

It’s intriguing that despite being the most renowned villain in JoJo, his character doesn’t seem even slightly Japanese. He embodies Englishness fully, from his accent in the dubbed version to his unique pronunciation of “Za Warudo.” This has become a popular meme and serves as evidence of how dissimilar he is from the typical anime protagonists, rooted in Japanese culture.

2.
Edward Elric

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the protagonist, Edward Elric, hails from Amestris, a fictional nation that appears to mirror pre-World War II Europe. Although the series doesn’t directly state it, many aspects of Edward’s world seem heavily influenced by European systems and structures.

In simpler terms, Amestris is a nation that emphasizes military might, governed by both a parliament and a leader similar to a Führer, with a government composed of individuals dressed in military attire. The characters in this world tend to converse in formal speech, don European-style military outfits, and their scientific advancements are based on alchemy and chemistry reminiscent of Western traditions.

Ed is naturally blonde, quick-tempered, and exceptionally intelligent, a child prodigy who made the extreme sacrifice of losing an arm and leg in an attempt to bring back his mother. His methods are grounded in authentic alchemical texts and symbols stemming from Latin and Hermetic backgrounds.

The names of places such as Central, Resembool, and Dublith, along with the portrayal of the Ishvalan conflict (which bears striking resemblances to ethnic cleansing and colonial wars), seem to have been influenced more by events that occurred in 20th-century Europe rather than Japan.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, even though someone from Japan might have sketched out Ed, narrative-wise and culturally, he’s about as far removed from the Land of the Rising Sun as you can get!

1.
Goku

Dragon Ball Z

It’s often overlooked that Son Goku isn’t of Japanese origin; he’s so deeply ingrained in anime culture that he seems virtually indistinguishable from it. However, his roots actually stem not from Japan, but from China.

He’s modeled after Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, who appears in the ancient Chinese novel Journey to the West. Many aspects of Goku’s character can be traced back to this Chinese mythology, including his staff (Ruyi Jingu Bang) and his ability to ride on a cloud (Kinto’un).

The name “Son Goku” is actually a Japanese pronunciation of the character Sun Wukong. While Toriyama reimagined the legend by combining elements from martial arts films, science fiction, and superheroes, its roots are undeniably Chinese.

In Dragon Ball, Goku transforms from a boy with a monkey tail to a powerful Saiyan fighter. Yet, the core of his origins remains evident – he’s an alien, brought up in a strange land, forever seeking power and wisdom.

As Dragon Ball Z gained international fame, Goku emerged as the symbol of anime everywhere. However, it’s important to note that Goku was not originally intended to be Japanese; instead, he transformed into a legendary figure beloved across the globe.

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2025-06-06 02:10