
Japan’s infatuation with Natalia Poklonskaya, Crimea’s newly appointed and unusually photogenic attorney general, is still going strong. In the week since we first reported on it, fan art based on Eastern Europe’s comeliest stateswoman has continued to proliferate.
But how do Poklonskaya, and for that matter her anime-loving daughter, feel about the unique sort of attention she’s been getting?
In some ways, it isn’t so shocking that anime-style artists have made the 33-year-old Poklonskaya their muse. After all, Japanese society prizes earnestness, and whether you’re talking about school and work uniforms or personal clothing, Japan always likes a snappy dresser.
So perhaps this bout of artistic expression was inevitable. Still, it’s got to be a little unusual for Poklonskaya. After all, does she even know what anime is, let alone like it?
Apparently the press was just as curious as we were, as the following question came up in an interview Poklonskaya gave.
The divorcee replied that while she doesn’t watch Japanese animation herself, her nine-year-old daughter does, and couldn’t be happier that the same country that makes the cartoons she enjoys is now enshrining her mother in the medium’s style.
“My daughter looks at these pictures every day,” Poklonskaya explained in comments given at another time than shown in the video above. “She happily tells me, ‘Mom, you’re becoming an anime heroine in Japan,’ which of course is very exciting for her. As for myself, though, I’m too busy to really pay much attention to the drawings.”
The attorney general also answered a reporter’s question as to whether she’s met with any of the Japanese artists who have made her their subject, replying good naturedly that she had not, and indeed most fan art depicts her right side, much like her most-viewed video appearances.
Despite her lack of personal interest, though, Poklonskaya doesn’t mind being the subject of so many sketches. “Public figures and people in the government are often drawn, and this cannot be avoided,” she said matter-of-factly.
It’s good to know she’s OK with it, since it doesn’t look like the anime Poklonskaya trend is going to be slowing down anytime soon.
Sources: Russia no Koe
Top image: YouTube, Wikipedia (modified by RocketNews24)
Insert images: Wikipedia, YouTube






Crimean attorney general gets Wikipedia page overflowing with fan art
Amazing anime-style artist mom transforms daughter’s character designs into gorgeous illustration
Japanese mom’s sketchbook of amazing anime character designs from 50 years ago amazes daughter
Adorable Japanese cat uses owner’s finger as pacifier, soothes Japanese Internet’s heart 【Video】
Survey finds more than 70 percent of Japanese children have an online friend
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Let’s go open a Lego Japan lucky bag…o
The pros and cons of using Fluffy Foam Soy Sauce【Taste test】
7 reasons why you should visit Aomori Prefecture
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Live-action Attack on Titan musical reveals in-costume photos of full cast【Photos】
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Harry Potter Cafe opening in Tokyo and the menu is nothing short of spellbinding【Photos】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Beautiful, heartwarming anime short is also a commercial for miso 【Video】
Capcom announces another female character for Street Fighter V, Japanese Internet calls her ugly
Inuyasha sequel anime Yashahime’s preview video is here, with a glimpse at Sango and Miroku’s son
Do Japanese people think all those anime characters REALLY have blue, pink, and green hair?
New Sailor Moon anime’s character artwork and voice cast revealed – Guess who’s back!
New Laputa amulet actually responds when you incant the anime’s magic spells
Spy x Family anime scene-stealer Anya turns into seven different adorable mochi sweets【Photos】
Japanese mom’s plan to stop daughter from becoming an anime otaku draws criticism online
The anime girl English teacher textbook character that stole Japan’s heart has gotten a promotion
Little sister anime star grows up, becomes spokesmodel for Japan’s teen voter education campaign
Leave a Reply