Meaning
What does Gijinka mean?
Gijinka, also referred to as Moe Anthropomorphism is a popular trend among online artists, Otakus and Weeb communities, similar to other fads like Ahegao, Gesugao, or Yaoi.
It revolves around the practice of depicting non-human subjects, such as animals, objects or even abstract concepts as a humanoid. A popular example for “Gijinka” is Earth Chan, although there are countless uses and interpretations of the idea.
“Gijinka” artists may bring to human likeness characters like our favorite Pokémon beasts, natural phenomenon, or abstract ideas like death himself.
Origin
What's the origin of Gijinka?
The term “Gijinka” originates from Japan and can be translated as “humanization.” It first gained popularity within the anime community in the early 2000s, with artists creating their own interpretations of beloved non-human characters. These humanoid versions possessed the essence and characteristics of their original counterparts, but with a cute and stylish twist. One of the earliest examples of “Gijinka” was the creation of Toy, who shared the images of an anthropomorphic Apple iMac model online in 1998. The trend continued in 2003, as the “Gijinka” illustration of Windows ME was uploaded to Futaba Channel.
“Gijinka” can be seen as a fusion of creativity and fan appreciation. Artists take inspiration from their favorite characters and reimagine them as fellow humans. With social media platforms like DeviantArt and TikTok, the “Gijinka” trend quickly spread beyond Japan’s borders, captivating fans worldwide. It shows that no matter where you are from, the universal language of turning creatures into fashion-forward humans is one that everyone can understand!
Spread & Usage
How did Gijinka spread?
Thanks to the power of the internet, ”Gijinka” has become a global phenomenon by the end of the 2000s. From popular anime series like Pokémon and Digimon to video games like Animal Crossing, there is no shortage of characters that have received the “Gijinka” treatment. Artists from all over the world now participate in the “Gijinka” community, showcasing their creative talent and sharing their artistic interpretations on various platforms.
The spread of ”Gijinka” has also led to the emergence of “Gijinka” competitions at conventions and online. Cosplayers and artists come together to showcase their unique takes on “Gijinka” designs, competing for the title of the best-humanized character. It’s a fantastic display of passion, creativity, and an opportunity for fans to celebrate their love for their favorite characters in a whole new light.
So, whether you’re a fan of anime, video games, or just love the idea of bringing fictional creatures to life, “Gijinka” has something for everyone. It’s a vibrant and imaginative trend that allows us to explore new possibilities and see our beloved characters in fresh and exciting ways.
External resources
- Toy Box Arts – iMac Girl
- Wikipedia – Moe anthropomorphism
- DeviantArt – Pokedex
- Urban Dictionary – Gijinka