German Influence on Japanese Culture

The relationship between Japan and is marked by a long history of cultural, scientific and military exchange. This connection has profoundly influenced many aspects of Japanese culture, including popular media such as anime and music. In this article, we will explore how German language and culture have left their mark on Japanese culture, with a particular focus on the presence of German words in Japanese anime, games and music.

The Presence of German in Anime

The choice of German titles in Japanese anime is a phenomenon that goes beyond simple aesthetics. These titles often carry symbolic meanings and evoke certain themes or atmospheres that are difficult to capture in Japanese or English. Let's explore some notable examples and the reasons behind these choices.

• "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "Seele": Although the main title of this iconic anime is not in German, many within the series, such as "Seele" (meaning "soul"), are German. The choice of these contributes to the dark and philosophical atmosphere of the series, suggesting depth and mystery.
• "Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) and Die Flügel der Freiheit: The series uses German like "Die Flügel der Freiheit" (Wings of Freedom) to reinforce the feeling of fighting for freedom against oppressors. The link with the German language helps to create a subconscious connection with Europe, which inspires the setting of the series.
• "Hellsing" and "Die Kreuzritter": In this anime, elements such as "Die Kreuzritter" (The Knights of the Cross) reinforce the gothic and religious atmosphere, resonating with the European tradition of crusades and knights.
• "Elfen Lied": The title of this anime is a direct reference to German culture, meaning "Song of the Elves". The use of German here suggests a connection with dark fairy tales and elements of tragedy, which is in keeping with the series' narrative.
• Schwarzesmarken: Translated as "Black Marks", this title carries a dark and threatening connotation, which aligns well with the tense, militaristic atmosphere of the anime.
• MÄR: Märchen Awakens Romance: In this anime, "Märchen" is the German word for "fairy tale". The use of the term evokes the rich tradition of German fairy tales, such as those of the Brothers Grimm, which is appropriate for a series that mixes fantasy and adventure.
• Weiß KreuzTranslated as "White Cross", this German title is used to evoke the duality of good and evil, with the white cross symbolizing purity in contrast to the dark and complex themes of the series.
• Kämpfer: Meaning "Fighter" in German, a title that directly reflects the theme of the anime, centered on battles and combats, where the characters must fight for their lives in a mysterious competition.

Why do we have German elements in anime?

Here are some comments on the main reasons why we have German elements in anime, games and manga:

Sound and Aesthetics

• Hajime Isayama: The author of Attack on Titan (Attack on Titan) mentioned that he chose German names, like "Eren Jaeger," and other within the series because they sounded strong and imposing. The robust sound of German, with its marked phonetics, contributes to creating an atmosphere that resonates with the epic and desperate tone of the series.

2. European ambience

• Yoko Taro: In the case of the game series NieR, which includes anime elements in its adaptations, Yoko Taro chose German names and to reflect the European setting of his fictional worlds. In NieR: AutomataFor example, like "YoRHa" were inspired by this tradition of using German to evoke a sense of European history and culture.

3. Association with Mystery and Power

• Gen Urobuchi: Known for works such as Fate/Zero e Puella Magi Madoka MagicaUrobuchi frequently uses names and in German to evoke a sense of mysticism and power. For example, in Fate/ZeroThe use of German for invocations and spells aligns with the tradition of associating German with Western alchemy and magic.

5. Exclusivity and differentiation

• Kazuki Takahashi: The creator of Yu-Gi-Oh! you use German words and concepts in some parts of your series, especially in the saga Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, to introduce elements that stood out culturally.

The relationship between Japan and

The relationship between Japan and began to consolidate at the end of the 19th century, during the Meiji Era (1868-1912), a period of rapid modernization and westernization of Japan. Japan, emerging from centuries of isolation under the Tokugawa Shogunate, was eager to become a modern and competitive power on the global stage. In this context, Japan looked to the West for models for its own transformation, and emerged as one of the main sources of inspiration.

• Scientific and educational influence, especially after its unification in 1871, was seen as an example of efficiency, discipline and scientific progress. Many Japanese students and professionals were sent to to study, mainly in the fields of medicine, engineering, law and philosophy. Western medicine in Japan, for example, was heavily based on the German model, with the adoption of medical practices and theories developed in .
• Law and istration: The Japanese legal system was also influenced by the German model. When Japan sought to reform its system of government, German constitutional law served as the basis for the creation of the Meiji Constitution of 1889, which established a system of constitutional monarchy in Japan.
• Culture and Philosophy: German philosophy, especially the works of thinkers such as Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger, has been studied and respected in Japan. Their ideas have influenced not only Japanese academia, but also literature and critical thinking in Japan.

The Military Alliance during the Second World War

The relationship between Japan and reached a critical point during the Second World War, when the two countries, together with Italy, formed the Axis, a military and political alliance. This alliance was motivated by common interests, but also by a shared vision of imperialist expansion.

• Tripartite Pact of 1940The Tripartite Pact, signed in September 1940, formalized the alliance between Japan, and Italy. This pact promised mutual assistance if any of the signatories were attacked by a power that was not involved in the war (such as the United States). The alliance was seen as a deterrent against US intervention in Europe and Asia.
• Technological and Military Exchange: During the war, there was a significant exchange of military technology between Japan and . provided Japan with advanced technology in areas such as aviation, submarines and armaments. Although the exchange was limited by geography and the war itself, the technical cooperation had a lasting impact.
• Propaganda and IdeologyThe alliance also led to an exchange of ideologies. Nazi and Imperial Japan shared a vision of the world based on territorial expansion and national supremacy. Japanese war propaganda often referred to the alliance with to legitimize its own military campaigns in Asia.

The Aftermath: Reconstruction and Reassessment

Both Japan and had to deal with the legacy of their actions during the war and this was ed on to the population until they both became peaceful countries. In the years following the war, Japan and West focused on rebuilding their devastated economies.

The Japanese economic miracle and the German economic miracle (Wirtschaftswunder) during the 1950s and 1960s were marked by rapid industrialization and economic growth. During this period, trade relations between the two countries intensified.