French president Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Japan may have been centred on geopolitics, but it was his anime-related experiences that caught the attention of netizens all over the world.
Macron visited Japan this week to strengthen strategic, economic, and defense ties with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Some of the key discussion points included a joint call for a ceasefire in the West Asia war, bolstering supply chains for critical minerals, strengthening AI, and a new roadmap for defense and security.
The most viral highlight came at the end of a joint press conference with PM Takaichi in Tokyo. Making for an unexpected break from protocol, the two leaders struck the iconic “Kamehameha” pose from Dragon Ball — a gesture that instantly won the hearts of fans worldwide. The pose, gestured by the character Goku, involves channeling energy between the hands before releasing it in a powerful blast.
What might have been a fleeting moment instantly turned into a social media buzz. Images and clips of Macron and Takaichi striking the pose flooded social media, with many hailing it as “peak diplomacy”.
A day before the Dragon Ball act, Macron received a rare and meaningful gift from Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. The legendary filmmaker presented him with a signed animation cel from the 1992 film Porco Rosso — a collector’s edition made more special with a hand-drawn sketch.
The event sparked a flurry of comments on social media, with many users recalling the significance of the film’s theme. Porco Rosso centres on a pilot who rejects fascism, often putting emphasis on the quote, “I’d rather be a pig than a fascist.” Some wondered whether this was a deliberate yet subtle message regarding the current state of international affairs.
Macron has long expressed admiration for Japanese manga and anime, and has previously engaged with several creators and industry figures.
During his trip, Macron highlighted that France is the world's second-largest consumer of manga. His cultural interactions were seen as a strategic way to strengthen ties between Japan and France, particularly regarding the support and protection of the creative industry.
