Julia's Role in the Anime's Western Influences and References
Julia's Role in the Anime World: How Western Influences and References Shape the Characters We Know and Love
Anime has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its vibrant colors, compelling storylines, and unique characters. While many may attribute the success of anime to its Japanese roots, there is no denying the significant role that Western influences and references play in shaping the anime world. And, one character in particular stands out as the perfect example of this cross-cultural exchange – Julia.
For those who may not be familiar with Julia, she is a character from the beloved anime Cowboy Bebop. She is a sultry and mysterious woman, often seen playing the jazz tune "Blue" on her harmonica. But what sets her apart from other characters in anime is her Western appearance and demeanor.
Blonde hair
Blue eyes
Tall and slender figure
A strong and confident personality
These characteristics are not commonly seen in traditional anime characters, who often have a more typical Japanese appearance. So, how did Julia end up breaking this mold and becoming one of the most iconic characters in the anime world?
The answer lies in the influences and references that shaped her character. The creators of Cowboy Bebop, Shinichiro Watanabe and Toshihiro Kawamoto, wanted to pay homage to Western culture and the popular genre of film noir in their anime. Thus, Julia's appearance and personality were heavily inspired by the iconic femme fatales of film noir, such as Betty Grable and Veronica Lake. This not only added depth to her character but also helped to establish the gritty and dark tone of the anime.
But Julia's Western influences are not limited to just her appearance. Her name itself is a nod to the famous jazz singer, Julie London. Jazz music has strong Western roots, and its inclusion in the anime's soundtrack further adds to the overall Western atmosphere of Cowboy Bebop. This fusion of Eastern and Western elements is what makes Julia such a unique and memorable character.
Julia's character not only showcases the impact of Western influences in anime but also highlights how these influences can bring a sense of universality to the medium. Julia's familiarity to Western audiences makes her relatable and appealing, while still maintaining the essence of anime. This cross-cultural exchange in anime is what makes it so appealing to audiences all over the world.
In conclusion,
Julia's role in the anime world goes beyond just being a character in Cowboy Bebop. She represents the fusion of Eastern and Western influences, showcasing the universality of anime and its ability to appeal to a diverse audience. And, with the increasing popularity of anime globally, we can expect to see more characters like Julia, who bring a unique blend of cultures and references to our screens.
So, the next time you watch an anime, keep an eye out for those Western influences and references that add depth and diversity to the characters we know and love.
References:
https://www.tofugu.com/japan/anime-influenced-by-western-things/
https://screenrant.com/cowboy-bebop-references/
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2012-03-05
Image source: https://www.wallpaperup.com/578402/Cowboy_Bebop_ranking_Red_jackets_vehicles_Female_charactersSmoking_Lyrics_C_Video_girl.jpg