
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】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Cup Noodle releases new Tomica “car” collection
Tourists in Kyoto cause chaos at railway crossing near Fushimi Inari Taisha
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
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
The anime cosplay DJ in Tokyo’s crazy Nakagin Capsule Tower apartment【Photos】
Leave a Reply