Why isn’t Mario Japanese?
Mario, the iconic character created by Shigeru Miyamoto, is one of the most recognizable figures in the world of gaming. Yet, despite being a product of a Japanese video game company, Nintendo, Mario’s ethnicity and nationality have long been a subject of curiosity. In this article, we’ll delve into the history and evolution of Mario’s character, exploring the reasons why he isn’t Japanese.
Direct Answer
To put it simply, Mario’s nationality is Italian. In an interview with IGN, Shigeru Miyamoto revealed that he decided to make Mario an Italian plumber from New York. The decision was inspired by Mario’s mustache, which was reminiscent of Italian culture. [1] Miyamoto has never officially declared Mario a Japanese character, and his ethnicity is generally understood to be Italian.
The Evolution of Mario’s Character
Mario’s origins date back to the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, where he was initially called "Jumpman" due to his ability to jump and climb ladders. [2] At that time, Mario was simply a mustachioed protagonist without a clear nationality. However, as the series progressed, Miyamoto and his team began to flesh out Mario’s character.
In the 1983 game Mario Bros., Mario was explicitly stated to be an Italian plumber, complete with a Italian-inspired costume and accent. [3] This was likely influenced by Miyamoto’s own experiences growing up in Japan, where he was fascinated by Western culture and cuisine. [4]
Japanese Influences
While Mario is not Japanese, Nintendo, the company behind the Mario franchise, is undoubtedly Japanese. [5] Miyamoto, a Japanese national, is widely credited with creating the character, and many of the game’s elements, including the mushroom power-ups and Warp Pipes, have distinct Japanese influences. [6]
In fact, some have argued that Mario’s Japanese creators incorporated subtle cultural references into the character, making him a fusion of Japanese and Italian influences. [7] For example, Mario’s iconic red hat is similar to the traditional Japanese conical hat called a "Hadashi," while his blue overalls resemble traditional Japanese work attire. [8]
Conversational Language
Despite being a non-Japanese character, Mario’s dialogue has been a subject of curiosity among gamers. In the Super Mario Bros. movie, Mario’s iconic phrase, "It’s-a me, Mario!" is spoken in a distinctly Italian-American accent, while in later games, Mario’s voice is often depicted as neutral, with no clear accent or nationality. [9]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Daisy a princess of Japan?
A: No, Daisy is the princess of Sarasaland, a fictional kingdom in the Mario franchise. She is not affiliated with Japan.
Q: Is Wario a plumber?
A: Yes, Wario, Mario’s rival, is a plumber. He is often depicted as a crude, greedy version of Mario.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mario’s nationality is Italian, and his character was designed with a mix of Japanese and Western influences. While Nintendo, the company behind Mario, is Japanese, Mario himself is not a Japanese character. His creation is a testament to the company’s ability to blend different cultures and create unique, memorable characters.