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Japanese anime doesn't just showcase Japanese characters; it embraces diversity. There have been instances where Vietnamese characters were introduced, surprising and delighting audiences.
While anime is a leading art form in Japan, it doesn't overlook diversity. Several characters have been crafted as Vietnamese, sparking surprise and fascination among audiences.
Yoshimura Thị Mai
Mai is a newly introduced female warrior in the anime Assault Lily Bouquet. Set in a future where the world is invaded by monsters, humans have created a weapon called CHARM, combining science and magic. CHARM is most effective when wielded by young girls, leading to the emergence of female warriors known as 'Lily.'
Mai, a Vietnamese character, possesses the ability to move incredibly fast, even on water. Additionally, she stands out for her vibrant personality, trustworthiness, and a special fondness for the Vietnamese dish, bún chả.
Phạm Thị Trâm
The Asterisk War introduces many female characters, and the appearance of Phạm Thị Trâm surprised Vietnamese viewers. Trâm, a former student of Thế Long 7 Academy, holds the position of a commentator. Despite her limited appearances in the The Asterisk War series, Trâm remains memorable and beloved for her charming appearance and impressive abilities.
Karl Fei-Ong
Karl is a character in the famous Blood! series, with an extremely attractive and mysterious background. In his human form, Karl is a young, handsome man and the respected principal of an all-girls school. He maintains a calm, elegant demeanor, often seen wearing luxurious attire.
However, alongside this, Karl also has the form of a vampire, with an age spanning hundreds of years. Considered an antagonist in Blood!, Karl is paradoxically a beloved character for his appearance, personality, and lineage.
Additionally, some other characters in the Blood! series wear elegant white ao dai, like the bespectacled girl Minh - Saya's new friend when she travels to Vietnam in search of her twin sister Diva.
Coquelicot
Crafted by the creator of the legendary Bleach series, Sakura Wars follows warriors on a mission to eliminate supernatural forces threatening humanity, all while disguised as members of a theatrical troupe. In the series, Coquelicot, a Vietnamese character, captures significant attention from the audience.
Coquelicot, an orphan, later joins the military with a role in training animals and practicing magic. She harbors a deep love for animals, especially those of the cat family, treating them as her own while maintaining a caring yet strict demeanor when necessary. With a warm and kind personality, Coquelicot's greatest fear is being alone and abandoned.
Hoàng Thị Mai
Soul Eater unfolds in a special school where students become warriors fighting against monsters. Alongside this, the school has a class called NOT with standard education. Hoàng Thị Mai is one of NOT's students, but her academic prowess defies the ordinary.
Despite her 'bookish' appearance, Mai is considered a prodigy with extensive knowledge. Growing up early, she understands the school better than anyone, often assisting lower-class students with pocket money, part-time jobs, or dormitory matters. Mai is well-informed about school events, earning the respect of most people. However, Hoàng Thị Mai possesses outstanding abilities and gradually becomes a highly valued warrior.
Sources: NHK, CrunchyRoll
