Celebs Who Used Anime References in Political Speeches

It’s become increasingly common to see Japanese animation, or anime, used in political discussions. Politicians and celebrities are now referencing popular anime series to connect with more people, using themes like fighting for what’s right or simply using well-known characters to grab attention. This creates an unusual link between entertainment and public affairs. This overview looks at who is using anime to make their points and shows how the ideas within these stories can have a broad impact, extending far beyond just entertainment.

Gabriel Boric

Gabriel Boric, the President of Chile, became known internationally for openly enjoying ‘Pokemon’ while campaigning. During an official meeting, a Japanese representative gifted him a Squirtle plush, which he happily accepted. President Boric has often spoken about how the ‘Pokemon’ series’ themes of friendship and community align with his goals for bringing Chile together. By embracing these references, he’s successfully connected with young activists nationwide. This use of Japanese pop culture helps build his image and fosters positive international relations.

Manuel Castro

New York City Council Member Manuel Castro recently held a public ceremony to recognize the creator of the popular anime series ‘One Piece.’ He explained how the show deeply resonates with immigrant communities and their feelings of finding a place to belong. Castro pointed out that the journey of the Straw Hat Pirates reflects the strength and determination of people building new lives in the United States. He emphasized that stories like ‘One Piece’ offer a shared message of hope and resistance against injustice. By formally acknowledging the series, Castro celebrated the cultural significance of anime for many New Yorkers.

Emmanuel Macron

During the Tokyo Olympics, French President Emmanuel Macron cleverly used the popularity of the anime series ‘One Piece’ to improve relationships with Japan. He met with the series’ creator and shared a special drawing online to connect with fans worldwide. Macron has often highlighted how important creative industries are, particularly Japanese animation, and its significant impact in France. He sees artistic works like anime as a way to connect people from different cultures and celebrate a shared global identity. By referencing anime, Macron aims to present himself as a forward-thinking and culturally aware leader internationally.

Maxwell Frost

Maxwell Frost, the first member of Gen Z in Congress, frequently draws inspiration from the anime series ‘One Piece’ in his political work. He’s discussed how the show highlights issues of unfair systems and the importance of people working together to create change. Frost points to the strong bonds between the characters as a model for building coalitions in today’s social movements. By referencing the anime, he explains complicated political ideas in a relatable way and fosters a sense of unity. He sees these references as a way to educate others about politics and make government seem less intimidating.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

I’ve noticed how Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez really connects with people, especially during her livestreams. She often brings up shows like ‘Sailor Moon’ and ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ – and it’s not just for fun! She talks about how those series explore themes of women taking charge and people working together, and she relates that to her own fight for what she believes in. It’s really cool to see her use imagery from these shows to explain why she’s pushing for big changes. I think it’s a big reason why so many younger voters like me feel connected to her – she shows us that making a difference takes the same kind of courage you see in our favorite heroes. It’s a powerful way to get her message across.

Samuel L. Jackson

As a huge fan, I’ve always loved how Samuel L. Jackson isn’t afraid to be himself, both on screen and off. It’s awesome that he’s so politically engaged and uses his platform to encourage people to vote – and that he’s not shy about admitting he’s a massive anime fan! I remember being so surprised and delighted when he talked about ‘Afro Samurai’ and ‘Ninja Scroll’ during voter drives. It just feels so him. He really brings that same energy and passion he’s known for to everything, even political ads, and he’s even pointed out how anime’s storytelling can be really powerful when it comes to important topics like justice and doing what’s right. He’s honestly one of a kind – a true blend of entertainment and advocacy.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion, the internationally known artist, connects her love for the anime ‘Naruto’ with her work advocating for mental health and social justice. She frequently mentions the character Rock Lee in her performances and speeches, using him as an example of dedication and overcoming challenges. Megan has explained how the strength of anime characters motivates her in pursuing her political and social aims. She often approaches her activism with the ‘shonen’ mindset – a focus on personal growth and protecting others. By openly referencing anime, she’s helping to show how anime culture can be a source of empowerment and social change.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan often talks about his passion for anime like ‘Naruto’ and ‘Dragon Ball Z’, and how it connects to his work promoting diversity in both entertainment and politics. He points to the stories’ emphasis on mentorship and leaving a positive impact as key lessons. Jordan frequently includes anime-inspired ideas in his projects and uses his platform to show how relatable and powerful these stories are. He feels the themes of determination and inner strength found in anime are vital for anyone working towards social progress, and he emphasizes how these narratives can inspire people to be heroes in their own communities.

Ye

Kanye West frequently mentions the anime film ‘Akira’ and has said it greatly inspires his work and how he thinks about power and technology. He often discussed themes similar to those in ‘Akira’ during his presidential campaign, speaking in philosophical terms about a potentially troubled future. West believes Japanese animation’s artistic quality and storytelling should be a benchmark for all creative fields, and his interest in the genre often surfaces when he talks about the future of humanity.

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams is a strong supporter of improving education and frequently draws inspiration from the anime series ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ when discussing his work and goals. He’s talked about the show’s depth and how it mirrors the problems we face today. Pharrell uses his platform to back politicians who value the arts, and he incorporates anime-style imagery into his campaigns. He believes anime can encourage fresh perspectives and inspire the next generation of creators. He often stresses that combining culture with technology is crucial for addressing the world’s challenges.

Janelle Monáe

As a huge cinema and animation fan, I’ve always been fascinated by how Janelle Monáe blends art and activism. She really takes inspiration from things like ‘Sailor Moon’ and other anime, building a whole public image around freedom and who we are. It’s amazing to see her at rallies talking about a ‘revolution of love’ – it’s like she’s bringing the power of those magical girl stories, where everyone works together, into real life. She consistently uses sci-fi and animation to talk about civil rights, and she believes these stories help us dream of a fairer, more inclusive world. Honestly, her performances and everything she says feel so empowering because she pulls on those classic heroic themes from Japanese animation to lift up voices that often aren’t heard.

Usher

Usher often connects with voters at political rallies by referencing his love for ‘Dragon Ball Z,’ helping him reach younger audiences. He emphasizes the importance of inner strength and making a difference, often using themes of training and self-improvement inspired by anime. Usher believes the enthusiasm of young people can be a powerful force for political change, and he uses these anime references to connect with voters who might not typically be involved in politics.

Lizzo

Lizzo often uses her voice to promote body positivity and encourage people to get involved in politics, frequently mentioning ‘Sailor Moon’ as a big inspiration. She’s performed in outfits inspired by the show and talks about self-love in her speeches, connecting the show’s transformation scenes to her fans’ own journeys of growth and empowerment. By referencing ‘Sailor Moon’, Lizzo makes her messages about inclusivity and justice feel more accessible and energetic. Her work as an advocate is unique because it combines fun pop culture moments with important social commentary.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is a big fan of the movie ‘Spirited Away’ and often uses her large social media platform to encourage people to register to vote and become more politically aware. She frequently mentions Studio Ghibli films when discussing important issues like the environment and the importance of kindness. When advocating for social causes, Grande often highlights the themes of strength and self-discovery found in the work of director Hayao Miyazaki. By referencing anime, she connects with fans around the world and inspires them to get involved in shaping the future. This shared love of anime creates a common ground with her global audience.

Thundercat

Thundercat, the musician, is a big fan of anime, especially ‘Dragon Ball Z,’ and often talks about how it impacts his views on everything from culture to politics. He’s shared how the series shaped his work ethic and helped him think about personal growth. Beyond his music, Thundercat is a supporter of social justice, and he frequently uses images from anime in his advocacy work. He feels the themes of overcoming challenges, so common in animation, really connect with what’s happening in the world today. Ultimately, Thundercat shows how a passion for art can go hand-in-hand with a commitment to making a difference.

John Fetterman

As a movie and anime fan, I’ve noticed something really interesting about Senator Fetterman’s communication style. He’s started incorporating visuals and ideas from ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ – seriously! – to get his points across, especially when calling out his opponents. It’s not just random though; his team is clearly skilled at using internet culture and memes to connect with people online. He often talks about wanting a government that works for everyone, and he’s even used the concept of ‘equivalent exchange’ from the anime as a way to explain what fair policies should look like. It’s a cool mix of down-to-earth values and a really smart understanding of how things work online. Honestly, it’s helped him create a really unique and memorable brand in a pretty noisy political world.

Bernie Sanders

Although Bernie Sanders doesn’t often watch anime himself, his campaign has embraced it to connect with young voters. They’ve used memes and imagery from anime like ‘Akira’ in online events and speeches, portraying his political goals as a forward-looking movement. Seeing Sanders depicted as a hero in a dramatic fight has become common online. This helps simplify his complex policies into easily understood and memorable visuals. This creative use of anime has been key to keeping a strong base of young supporters.

Hillary Clinton

During her 2016 presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton jokingly mentioned the popular game ‘Pokemon Go’ in a speech, suggesting it could be used to encourage people to vote. The comment quickly became a widely shared moment online. While referencing a game, it was clear she was also tapping into the larger cultural impact of the ‘Pokemon’ brand. This was an effort to demonstrate her campaign understood current trends and to connect with younger voters. It’s now often remembered as a prime example of a politician strategically using a franchise rooted in Japanese anime and gaming to reach potential supporters.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk often shares his political opinions and posts memes from anime series like ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ and ‘Death Note’. He’s expressed a strong appreciation for the detailed worlds and thought-provoking themes in these shows. Musk frequently uses these references to explain his ideas about technology and how governments might work in the future. His public statements often connect his business ambitions with a futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired vision. Through this, he’s built a reputation as someone who challenges the status quo and traditional ways of thinking.

Justin Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly recognized the significant cultural impact of anime, mentioning popular series like ‘Naruto’ and ‘One Piece’ in discussions about international relationships. He’s used these references to demonstrate strong connections between countries and the value of creative industries. Trudeau often points to animation as a way to build understanding and cooperation globally, showcasing his leadership as open and internationally focused.

Please share your favorite instance of a public figure mentioning an anime series in the comments.

2025-12-31 21:35