**Title: Growing Backlash in Japan Over Trump's Use of Anime Characters**
**By: Kurumi Mori, Tokyo Correspondent**
A significant backlash is developing in Japan regarding the use of popular anime and manga characters by U.S. President Donald Trump in his social media posts. The controversy has intensified since March, with many fans expressing their discontent over the president's appropriation of these beloved characters for political purposes.
The situation escalated recently after Trump shared a video on Truth Social in which he depicted himself as Naruto Uzumaki, the main character from the renowned anime and manga series "Naruto." This portrayal has sparked outrage among fans who argue that Trump's political messaging contradicts the core values represented by these characters.
The discontent first surfaced earlier this year when fans noticed that the official White House account on X (formerly Twitter) had released videos that combined footage of U.S. military actions with clips from popular anime series such as "Yu-Gi-Oh!" and "Dragon Ball." Additionally, a post featuring the phrase "Make America Great Again" was superimposed over an image from the Pokémon video game series. These instances prompted a petition, which has since garnered nearly 20,000 signatures, demanding that Trump and the White House respect the integrity of Japanese manga and anime.
The petition highlights concerns that Trump's use of these characters for political gain undermines the values of courage, friendship, and perseverance that they embody. "For many years, these works have inspired audiences around the world," the petition states. "Many fans feel concerned when images from these works appear to be used in political or military contexts that may differ from the intentions of the original creators or rights holders."
In response to the controversy, Pokémon Company International has condemned Trump's use of its imagery, stating that the White House did not have permission to use its content. Spokeswoman Sravanthi Dev emphasized that the company is committed to bringing people together and does not align with any political viewpoint or agenda. "We were not involved in its creation or distribution," she said.
Despite the backlash, there are some fans who view Trump's use of anime characters in a more positive light. A small group has taken to social media to express their amusement, with one user describing the situation as "hilarious" and suggesting that it could enhance Naruto's international recognition. Another fan remarked that they felt proud that Japanese manga has gained such prominence that it has reached the attention of the U.S. president.
As the debate continues, the wider implications of cultural appropriation and the use of fictional characters in political discourse are being scrutinized. The controversy serves as a reminder of the deep emotional connections fans have with anime and manga, and the importance of respecting the creators' original intentions.
The situation remains fluid, with many awaiting further responses from both the White House and other rights holders in the anime and manga industry.