The following post aims to flesh out Japan’s character, proving that he is not as flat, “emotionless”, and uninteresting as some fan characterizations have portrayed him to be.
Instead, like Himaruya does with many characters in the series, Japan’s character is full of unique binaries and complexes; the character has a struggle and/or conflict, and, over the course of the series, that character learns to overcome them, or, at the very least, mitigate them better. Point is, the character develops and grows over time, criteria which forms the roots for a solid and enjoyable characterization.
That said, let’s go over them.
1) Misconception: He’s always in isolation and prefers it.
Source: Hetarchive, Netherlands and Isolationist Japan + Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 16.
While Japan’s characterization may have initially focused on his isolated state (e.g., before he opened himself to Western influence), his struggle entails learning how to work with others and form intimate friendships. Several examples from the manga have shown just how selfless, considerate, and kind Japan can be. It makes for a great contrast with his previous isolated self, where he refused to meet with other nations.
What truly makes this struggle so interesting is that even though he preferred isolation at the time, Japan was lonely. An earlier strip shows him having an unexplained ability to telepathically communicate with other nations.
Ex: He establishes communication with Chibitalia in a dream. Note that this occurs far before they ever met in person (which was during WW2). It is unclear whether Italy remembers this encounter with Japan, as the matter has not been touched on since.
Source: Hetarchive, Little Ita’s Dream.
The only hint is from a strip in World Stars, although it doesn’t mention the connection explicitly.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 15.
Nonetheless, as Japan breaks his isolated state, new habits develop.
Ex: He gets into tourism and enjoys visiting other nations to experience their culture. He even breaks the fourth wall and gives tips to the reader – a lot of these tips came from Himaruya’s own firsthand experience of being a tourist.
Source: Hetarchive, World Stars Chapter 23.
Ex: During the Industrial Revolution, Japan travels all the way to England to help teach him his way of making ceramics.
Ex: He often visits America. He even stayed there long enough to be considered a roommate at one point.
Source: Hetarchive, Volume 4.
2) Misconception: He’s emotionless
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, different cultural rules of display make Japan appear “emotionless” for lack of a better word. He’s not as expressive in displaying his emotions, and unlike Western countries, physical contact - as simple as hugging – is a challenge for him, as it was something he had to get used to.
Ex: When he first meets Italy, he becomes uncomfortable and awkward when the latter hugs him. Yet, he still enjoys their friendship (e.g., they bake together, spend their New Year’s Eve…etc).
Source: Hetarchive, World Stars Chapter 15.
Ex: He also has a very strong friendship with England and travelled there to visit the former’s new butler café.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 133.
Ex: When duty obligates him to betray China in WW2, notice how Japan apologizes beforehand. His eyes glaze over as he’s forced to harm the man who raised him. Others have perceived this glazed look as Japan being merciless; however, placed in the context of him asking for forgiveness before the act, I interpret it as him disassociating to avoid feeling pain.
Source: Hetarchive, The Story about the early days of China and Japan.
3) Misconception: He doesn’t have any character quirks.
This is also false. Japan has quirks, most of which have to do with him enjoying cute things.
Ex: He offers to give Germany’s dog a bath and gets carried away…
Source: Hetarchive, Volume 5.
Ex: His reaction when he spots England and America wearing cat ears is also pretty telling to his weakness for all things cute.
Source: Hetarchive, Volume 5.
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