What does Billy Ellis have to do with Sailor Moon and Attack on Titan? Find out how his love for anime is reflected in his music and style
In a fascinating crossroad of cultures, the beloved American singer Billie Eilish delves into the popular love of anime, a passion not only in her music, but also in special moments during her journey. Recently, during a stop in Japan, Eilish had the honor of receiving special gifts from two manga giants, Naoko Takeuchi and Hajime Isayama, of Sailor Moon and Attack on Titan, respectively.
Appearing on a recent episode of Japanese TV show Newscaster: Joho 7 Days, Billie shared some special memories that would be of great benefit to any manga fan. Takeuchi presented him with a signed and illustrated Salor Moon art book covering over three decades of creative work. Isayama, for his part, didn’t hold back and presented the artist with an original painting in an Attack on Titan style, complete with military uniforms and the series’ trademark grappling hook.
A love for anime that is reflected in every note
It’s no secret that Billie Eilish finds anime an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Their latest album, released to great success on May 17, includes the single “Chihiro,” inspired by Studio Ghibli’s Holy Spirit. Not only did the song resonate with fans for its musical prowess, but for how it captured the emotional and visual content of the film, Billie highlighted it as “one of her favorites” in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Beyond the music, Elish’s wardrobe also reflects her affinity for the genre. In the year In 2021, she gained attention for her costume inspired by Attack on Titan, and earlier in 2022, Firepower creator Atushi Ohkubo commented on how she designed Billy with one of her characters, Tamaki, in a surprise and admirable way. This kind of interplay highlights how the worlds of pop and anime can be combined in creative and meaningful ways.
A global event that transcends borders
The case of Billie Eilish is a clear example of how pop culture and anime not only influence each other, but also foster a community of fans that transcends any language or geographic barriers. Among the cosplayers is Megan T Stallion, who recently impersonated Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaizen.
With every musical note and wardrobe choice, Billie Eilish not only pays homage to her beloved series, but also invites her fans to explore the rich and varied realms of anime and manga with her. In doing so, he strengthens the bridge between his personal experiences and his artistic expression, demonstrating the unity and universal power of art.
A fusion of two cultures
The fusion between anime, manga, and American pop culture is a growing trend not only in music, but also in other areas of entertainment. Films like Alita: Battle Angel and Ghost in the Shell are examples of film adaptations that have brought manga and anime narratives to Hollywood’s big screens, appealing to a wider and more diverse audience. These adaptations, often produced with big budgets, try to stay faithful to the source material while trying to cater to the tastes of Western audiences.
Additionally, the influence of anime and manga seeps into fashion and design. Influential clothing brands such as Super and Gucci have released collections inspired by anime characters and styles, showing how these aesthetic pieces have permeated high fashion and streetwear. These collaborations not only celebrate the rich aesthetic of anime, but also demonstrate that anime and manga continue to be influential forces in global pop culture by opening a dialogue between cultures through fashion.