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World Cup: Japan Exits at Round of 32; 'Frieren' Manga Offers Encouragement with 'Warriors' Art

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The official manga account for "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" released a new illustration after Japan's World Cup exit.
  • The artwork features the protagonist Frieren with the quote, "Those who have worked hard are all warriors."
  • This gesture offered comfort to fans and players, with many praising the Japanese team's effort against Brazil.

Following Japan's elimination from the 2026 World Cup after a 2-1 loss to Brazil, the official manga account for "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" shared a new illustration to offer support. The artwork, created by the manga's original author Kanehito Yamada and illustrator Tsukasa Abe, quickly gained traction on social media platforms worldwide.

Great job! Those who have worked hard are all warriors.

— Frieren (via manga illustration)The message accompanying the artwork shared after Japan's World Cup match.

The illustration depicts the elven mage protagonist, Frieren, wearing an apron and intently cooking a giant hamburger steak. Accompanying the image is a heartwarming message in Japanese: "Great job! Those who have worked hard are all warriors." This sentiment resonated deeply with fans and the Japanese public, who were reflecting on the national team's performance.

The quote, "Those who have worked hard are all warriors," originates from chapter 26 of the manga. It was spoken by the dwarf warrior Eisen, a former comrade of Frieren's in the battle against the Demon King. Eisen explained that preparing an oversized hamburger steak is a hometown custom used to reward warriors who have strived diligently. When Frieren noted they weren't "warriors," Eisen responded with this now-iconic phrase.

It was great that they could compete with Brazil like that.

— NetizenComment on social media reacting to Japan's performance against Brazil.

The post garnered significant attention, with many netizens praising it as a warm and gentle encouragement for the Japanese players who fought valiantly. Comments included "It was great that they could compete with Brazil like that," "Salute to the Blue Samurai who fought until the very end!" and "You are all true warriors, thank you for giving us dreams."

Salute to the Blue Samurai who fought until the very end!

— NetizenPraising the Japanese national team's effort in the World Cup match.

Some users drew comparisons to other national teams, with one comment noting, "Compared to other Asian countries' national teams, the treatment of South Korea after losing is quite miserable." The illustration and its message served as a poignant reminder of perseverance and the value of effort, offering solace to those disappointed by the World Cup outcome.

You are all true warriors, thank you for giving us dreams.

— NetizenExpressing gratitude and admiration for the Japanese team's participation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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