Anime That Changed Character Ethnicities for Western Audiences

For years, anime has been changed when brought to Western countries – a process called localization. To appeal to American and European viewers, many series were altered quite a bit. This often meant giving characters new names, changing their origins to make them seem Western, and removing cultural details or traditions that might not be familiar. This list highlights several anime that made these kinds of changes to characters and settings for their releases in the West.

‘Pokémon’ (1997–Present)

When ‘Pokémon’ was translated into English, nearly all the character names were changed to sound more familiar to Western viewers. For example, Satoshi became Ash Ketchum, and Kasumi became Misty. The show also removed many details specific to Japanese culture, like traditional foods, and replaced them with things more common in America. These changes were meant to make the characters and setting feel relatable to an American audience and downplay the series’ Japanese roots.

‘Sailor Moon’ (1992–1997)

As a critic, I’ve always been fascinated by how shows are adapted for different audiences, and this series is a prime example. Originally, it followed a group of Japanese middle schoolers in Tokyo, but for the English dub, they made a significant change: the characters were given Western names – think Serena instead of, well, a Japanese name – and their cultural background was largely erased. They even swapped out Japanese locations and references for Western ones. It was a clear attempt to make the magical girl genre more appealing to young American girls, based on the belief that viewers would connect with characters who felt more like them, starting with their names.

‘Cardcaptor Sakura’ (1998–2000)

As a big fan, it was a little disappointing to see how much the show changed when it came to the West. They really leaned into the action stuff and, honestly, simplified things a lot. Our main character, Sakura, felt…less Japanese, I guess? Her name and how she talked were changed, and some of her friends were completely reimagined as American students. A lot of the cool Japanese culture that made the original so special was just gone. I get they were trying to reach more kids, but it felt like they lost some of what made the show unique in the process.

‘Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters’ (2000–2004)

When this series was adapted for Western audiences, nearly all the character names were changed to remove any connection to their Japanese roots. For example, Katsuya Jonouchi became Joey Wheeler, and Anzu Mazaki was renamed Téa Gardner. These changes created the impression of an American cast of characters instead of a group of Japanese students. To complete the transition, Japanese text on cards and signs was also removed, effectively setting the show in a typical American city.

‘One Piece’ (1999–Present)

When this series was first dubbed into English, many character names and backstories were changed to appeal more to Western audiences. The dialogue was also rewritten to remove uniquely Japanese phrases and cultural details. This localized version aimed to create a pirate world that felt like a general fantasy setting, rather than being tied to a specific culture. However, many fans observed that these changes often blurred the original characters’ distinct ethnic backgrounds. These alterations were especially noticeable in the version shown on North American television.

‘Speed Racer’ (1967–1968)

This groundbreaking anime was among the first to be heavily adapted for American audiences. The show’s original Japanese elements – including the family name (Mifune became Racer) and setting – were changed to feel more familiar to Western viewers. The main character, Go Mifune, was rebranded as Speed Racer. These changes were so successful that many people who first watched the show didn’t even know it came from Japan. The series essentially set the standard for how anime would be localized and presented to Western audiences for years to come.

‘Robotech’ (1985)

This show took three separate Japanese anime series and blended them into one continuous story specifically for audiences in North America. To appeal to Western viewers, the characters’ names and ethnicities were changed to create a completely new, unified cast. The dialogue was also rewritten to match the style of classic American science fiction. Many viewers didn’t realize the characters they were watching originally came from three different Japanese shows. This series played a significant role in introducing the mecha genre to fans in the West.

‘Battle of the Planets’ (1978–1980)

When this popular Japanese show was brought to Western audiences, a new robot character was added to help smooth over edits made to the original footage. To disguise the show’s Japanese origins, the creators were given American names like Mark and Jason. Scenes with Japanese cultural details or mature content were removed or changed. These changes successfully transformed the team into relatable American space heroes, and the show was positioned as a rival to existing Western sci-fi programs.

‘Tokyo Mew Mew’ (2002–2003)

When this anime series was released in Western countries, it was updated with new names and characters designed to appeal to a Western audience. For example, the main character, Ichigo Momomiya, was renamed Zoey Hanson, and her friends received similar makeovers. The changes were made to make the characters feel like everyday American teenagers living in a Western city, and many original Japanese cultural references were removed or altered to better suit Western viewers. The goal was to make the show popular with a wider audience in North America.

‘Digimon Adventure’ (1999–2000)

When this series was translated into English, the characters were given Western first and last names to appeal to a broader audience. For example, Taichi Yagami became Tai Kamiya, and Yamato Ishida was known as Matt Ishida. The English version also included jokes and slang that weren’t in the original Japanese show, helping viewers around the world connect with the characters and contributing to the show’s international success.

‘Initial D’ (1998–2014)

When this series was adapted for Western audiences, some changes were made that sparked debate. The Japanese names of the racers were swapped for more familiar Western nicknames – Takumi Fujiwara became ‘Tak’ and Itsuki became ‘Iggy.’ The original Japanese soundtrack was also replaced with Western music, aiming to connect with a wider audience and position the show within Western car culture. However, many fans felt these changes diminished the series’ distinctive Japanese roots.

‘Shin Chan’ (1992–Present)

When this show was first translated for international audiences, major changes were made to the characters and their stories. The main character, Shinnosuke Nohara, became known as Shin, and his family’s relationships were completely reimagined to fit Western culture. The script was filled with jokes and references that Western viewers would understand, but weren’t present in the original Japanese version. This transformed a lighthearted comedy about a Japanese family into an animated show geared towards adults in Western countries. Instead of simply being the backdrop, Japanese culture was often used as the source of the jokes.

‘Samurai Pizza Cats’ (1990–1991)

This series underwent such a significant localization process that it was practically remade for Western audiences. Characters received new, Westernized names – like Speedy Cerviche and Polly Esther – and the entire script was rewritten because the original Japanese version wasn’t available. The result was a show that felt more like a Western parody than a faithful adaptation of the Japanese anime, with characters and their world completely reimagined for American viewers.

‘Ronin Warriors’ (1988–1989)

When this series was translated for English-speaking audiences, major changes were made to the characters. Ryo Sanada’s name was changed to Ryo of the Wildfire, and other characters received Western names like Sage and Rowen. The conversations were rewritten to feel more like a typical Western superhero team. The English version also reduced or removed many of the original Japanese religious and cultural elements, making it easier to promote the show with popular Western action toys.

‘Shaman King’ (2001–2002)

When this series was first translated for Western audiences, some character names were changed – for example, Manta Oyamada became Morty – and other characters received English names. Specific Japanese locations and cultural references were also removed to make the setting more general. These changes were intended to make the show’s supernatural elements easier for American children to understand and to present the story as a worldwide competition instead of one based on Japanese beliefs.

‘Beyblade’ (2001–2003)

To make the series more appealing to audiences worldwide, the characters were given Western names – for example, Takao Kinomiya became Tyson Granger, and Kai Hiwatari’s background was changed to fit a Western setting while keeping his name. The story also presented the tournaments as international events to minimize the focus on its Japanese roots. By emphasizing the action and competition, the localization team aimed to attract a wide range of viewers. This approach proved successful, turning the series into a major toy franchise in Western markets.

‘Medabots’ (1999–2000)

When this show came to North America, the characters were given new, Western names and backgrounds. While Ikki Tenryo became simply Ikki, most of his friends and enemies also had their names changed. The show’s setting was reimagined as a typical futuristic city, removing any specific references to Japanese culture. The writers also updated the script to include humor and personality traits that would appeal to Western audiences, making the robot fights feel more like a Western sports competition.

‘Fighting Foodons’ (2001–2002)

To appeal to American audiences, this show underwent significant changes. Character names were altered – Zen became Chase, and his sister was renamed Kayla. Traditional Japanese food and cooking were replaced with more familiar Western dishes. The team aimed to create a lighthearted, funny show for kids, which meant removing most of the original Japanese cultural elements, especially those related to food and cooking competitions.

‘Mon Colle Knights’ (2000)

For the English version of this series, the characters originally known as Mondo and Rockna had their names changed. This was done to make them sound more appealing and familiar to Western audiences. The script was also updated with more jokes and faster-paced action. The localization team wanted to tap into the Western trend of collecting monsters, so they made the characters and their world more universally relatable, avoiding strong cultural ties.

‘Megaman NT Warrior’ (2002–2006)

For the release in Western countries, the main character Netto Hikari was changed to Lan Hikari, and his friends received new, Westernized names. This was done to make the futuristic world feel more like a Western city. The show’s unique digital creatures, called NetNavi, were also adapted to use computer terms familiar to American audiences at the time. The series was promoted as a fast-paced, action-packed show aimed at boys in Western markets. As a result, many details about everyday life in Japan that were present in the original version were left out.

‘Duel Masters’ (2002–2003)

The English dub of this series is known for its witty and self-aware script. Character names were changed to sound more familiar to Western audiences – for example, Shobu became Shobu and another character was renamed Knight. The dialogue playfully makes fun of common anime clichés, aiming to entertain viewers in Western countries. The story’s setting isn’t very detailed, serving mostly as a backdrop for the card game battles. This creative approach essentially transforms the series into a parody of its genre for a Western audience.

‘Dinosaur King’ (2007–2008)

The characters in this show were renamed with Western names like Max, Rex, and Zoe, changing their original Japanese backgrounds to fit a worldwide toy collection. The show presented the main characters as a diverse, international team of explorers. They removed many cultural details to make the series appeal to children in Western countries, which helped it become popular with young dinosaur fans.

‘Astro Boy’ (1963–1966)

When this groundbreaking anime was first brought to America, changes were made to appeal to Western audiences. The character Tobio was renamed Toby, and many other characters received English names to mask the show’s Japanese roots. The setting was often called Metro City to create a general city vibe. These changes were required to get the show aired on American TV and ultimately influenced how Japanese animation was adapted in the West for many years.

‘Kimba the White Lion’ (1965–1966)

When the show was released in North America, the main character Leo was changed to Kimba. This was done to give the character a name that sounded more distinctive and interesting to Western audiences. The names and personalities of other jungle animals were also altered for English-speaking viewers. As part of this adaptation, elements of Japanese nature and spirituality were removed, resulting in a story that felt more like a typical Western animal adventure.

‘Gigantor’ (1963–1966)

For the English-language version, the main character Shotaro Kaneda became Jimmy Sparks, and his robot was renamed Gigantor to appeal more to American viewers. The story’s location was also changed from after-war Japan to a general, futuristic setting. These adjustments were intended to transform the show into a typical action series for Western kids, and the changes successfully rebranded it for a new audience.

‘Teknoman’ (1992–1993)

This show was adapted from a Japanese space drama for Western audiences. They changed the character names – the main character became Nick Carter to sound more like an American action hero – and streamlined the story. The dialogue and plot were reworked to focus on sci-fi action, and Japanese cultural elements were replaced with Western military themes. This made it possible to sell the series as a completely original Western science fiction show.

‘Eagle Riders’ (1996–1997)

This version of the well-known Japanese series was adapted for Western audiences with updated character names and a lighter tone. For example, the character Ken was renamed Hunter Harris to appeal to a modern Western audience. The story was also changed to remove some of the more intense or mature themes, presenting the team as a group of American experts. This adaptation was intended to attract a new generation of fans in Western markets.

‘Superbook’ (1981–1982)

This series started in Japan as a way to tell Bible stories. When it came to the West, the main character, originally named Sho Azusa, was changed to Christopher Peeper. Other characters also received new, Western names to make the show more relatable to American audiences. It was created through a partnership between a Japanese animation studio and a Christian organization in the West. This careful adaptation made the show feel like it was originally made in the United States.

‘The Flying House’ (1982–1983)

Similar to its companion series, this show was adapted for Western audiences with a new cast and setting. Japanese characters were given Western names and depicted as living American lifestyles. The script was rewritten to reflect Western perspectives on history and religion, making the show popular for use in schools and religious organizations in Western countries. Its original Japanese background was typically not highlighted in advertising or marketing.

‘The Vision of Escaflowne’ (1996)

When this show was originally broadcast on Western television, it underwent significant changes. Editors prioritized the male characters, reducing the role of the main character, Hitomi, and minimizing her Japanese background. Scenes were cut or moved around to make the show resemble a typical Western action-adventure story, aiming to appeal to a male audience. This Western version was quite different from how the show was originally presented in Japan.

‘Dinozaurs’ (2000)

For the English release of the show, the main character Kaito was changed to Rick and his backstory was made simpler to appeal to Western audiences. The series was also heavily edited to resemble Western action figure commercials, which meant a lot of the original Japanese cultural details were removed. The story was then presented as a worldwide fight between robotic dinosaurs.

‘Rave Master’ (2001–2002)

When this series was dubbed into English, many character names were changed, and the dialogue was made more lighthearted. While the character Haru kept his name, others received Western names or nicknames. The English script also added more jokes and removed some of the original Japanese cultural details. This was done to appeal to Western teenage audiences by presenting the show as a fun, adventurous story – a common approach for similar anime series being released in the West.

‘Viewtiful Joe’ (2004–2005)

This anime is based on a video game and was specifically adapted for American audiences, heavily drawing on American movie culture. The characters were reimagined with Western traits to fit a superhero parody, and the setting was designed to resemble an American city filled with Hollywood references. The goal was to create a viewing experience similar to watching a Western comic book come to life, largely overshadowing the show’s original Japanese roots.

‘Zatch Bell!’ (2003–2006)

To make this series more appealing to audiences in North America and Europe, several changes were made. The main character, originally named Kiyomaro, was shortened to Kiyo. Other characters also received new, more Western-friendly names, like Sherry and Brago. The show’s setting was made more general, removing specific references to Japanese schools and cities. Finally, the script was updated with jokes and expressions familiar to Western children, which helped the show succeed in those markets.

Please share which of these anime localizations surprised you the most in the comments.

2026-01-11 02:50