Pescatore means fisherman so I wonder what Hima wanted to say. Pesca (peach)? Pesce (fish)? Was the translation wrong? (I know you didn’t translate it) Anyway, even if the images you put weren’t part part of the song originally they seem spot on! And also make the post more visually appealing (this goes for the other songs you posted as well)

Pescatore is a pasta
with seafood ingredients.

Thank you so much! I just
can’t help but notice how some songs are cut-and- paste from material in the manga (obviously—they’re character songs). The references are either super obscure or obvious. While “Let’s Look Behind
the Rainbow” is supposed to be generic in that the listener is experiencing the
song as a tourist, I found that there were a lot of parallels to early
chapters of World Stars, where Italy acts as Germany’s tour guide [x] [x] [x].

There may be a double
meaning to the song too…

The sea has been used as
a metaphor for time before [x].

I interpreted the lyrics of the listener
losing something in the sea [of time] as a reference to the unconfirmed
assumption that Germany lost his early childhood memories as Holy Rome.

Sure thing, and thank you very much for your kind words! I’ll save a more in-depth post for Austria’s old and new characterization for later…

Just a small note here: If you’re writing a story on any aph character, my mischaracterization guides aren’t where you’re going to get all the details. They’re quick snapshots!

The mods of Hetarchive have belaboured over creating incredibly extensive and thorough wiki pages with sources for you to refer to…use them!

Note:
Unlike other posts in the song-talia series, the follow panels used are for fun. The song is originally intended for non-specificity, but there are similar elements in the manga that I’ll be drawing from. I also makes links that
haven’t been confirmed in canon. Lyrics taken from [x].

Ciao! Ciao! Ciao! Ciao!
Ciao! Ciao! Ciao! Ciao☆

Hey~ I know a special place, Come with me, and let’s see it together
Hey~ But before that, we’ll make ourselves
some cappuccino so we can have a good time!

Look over here a little bit more (my heart is
beating from your embarrassed look)

Let’s do this forever (I wonder if the sky will
clear up soon)

Let’s
look behind the rainbow! Your smile brings miracles
And drives away the clouds and the wind

Bathing in the sunlight of the cloudless sky
we break into a run on the white sandy beach
Let’s find that shining moment together, the two
of us

Hey~ Let’s go have some magnificent pescatore and gelato!
That’s right! Lasagna is really
good too! And so is ravioli! We’ll have the most wonderful time, as
long as we’re together

Come over
here a little closer (you look beautiful with that bashful smile too)

It’s a secret between us two (Hey, I want to know
more)

A mirage on the horizon, where the sea is dyed in summer colors
Our hearts and bodies burst with emotions

While basking in the breeze of summer, we bathe
in the white gushing waves

Let’s find that shining moment together, the two
of us

“Eh? You dropped something important into
the sea?”
“We have to find it!”
“Ah… if I recover it, would you cook some
pasta for me?”

(Aah~ I wonder if I can find it? I hope I can
find it. I should look everywhere…

Aah~ I’ve found it! The thing important to you!
I’m holding it in my hands now…)

I clutch onto a piece of your smile, I’ll be
able to return it to your hands
Then even your tears would be blown away

Let’s look behind the rainbow! Let’s go see it
together, holding hands!
The two of us, to a brand new world

What lies on the other side of the rainbow? A
gateway to a dream that no one has seen

Even the sea and the sky all shine brightly
But above all, the most important thing is right
in front of us now
Everything I do with you, is a sparkling
treasure.

Ciao!

What this post aims to
do is examine the ways in which the nations are impacted by the chronicity of
the wars they’ve endured as well as the coping mechanisms that they employ to bear
these hardships. Aside from the predictability of physical pain and illness,
there is a disturbing sense of normalization and domesticity in how the nations
negotiate their lifestyles in war. It’s
maladaptive.

That said, let’s go over
some examples.

Physical Pain and Illness:

The most obvious impact
of war and political struggles—both
domestic and international—is the physical strain that it puts on a nation’s body.

Ex: During the Second World War, Germany and Italy are both taken as
prisoners of war. Germany compares the pain of torture to a mosquito bite, as
his daily life is far more painful.

Ex: England falls ill on several occasions following major political conflicts
(e.g., the American Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, World War II) [x].

Ex: China complains of body aches, stemming from political infighting
in his country [x] [x].

Sense of Helplessness:

Of course, smaller
powers are rendered vulnerable and pliable to the discretion of larger powers.

Ex: Belgium and Luxembourg discuss their inability to protect themselves
during both World Wars [x].

Ex: The conditions that Russian soldiers experienced were so bad that
Russia becomes ecstatic when Germany takes him as a prisoner of war. He
compares the German POW camps to heaven.

Ex: England’s normalized being captured by
the Axis and pre-preemptively brought a spare change of clothes [x].

Suspicion and Hostility:

War is a breeding ground
for distrust and betrayal. As such, the nations must always be ready to fight
for their lives, even in seemingly innocuous circumstances.

Ex: When the two first
meet in World War I, Germany second guesses himself several times on whether
Italy poses a threat to him.

Ex: Russia shares his tea
ration with England. While skeptical at first, England accepts. The sweetness
of the tea initially causes England to conclude that Russia poisoned him. What
matters here is the fact that England rationalized this outcome as a legitimate
possibility…[x].

Domesticity, Normalization, and Adaptation:

As horrible and gruesome
as war may be, there are still moments where the nations are able to enjoy
themselves and share a good laugh. The problem, then, is that having had
experienced countless wars, the nations bring the domestic into the world of
war—i.e., war becomes their home and the private
and public sphere divide becomes muddled.

Ex: England drinks tea in
the middle of the battlefield. Trivial as this may appear, on a latent level,
he’s attempting to include a routine and sense of normalcy in an environment
that is otherwise chaotic and unpredictable.

Ex: After infiltrating
America’s war camp, Prussia teases Germany for his impression of an American.

Ex:Having just occupied
Rome, America asks the terrified Italy Brothers if they could make him
authentic Italian cuisine [x].

The casualness in the way
America speaks is disturbing considering that from his perspective, taking over
another country is normal. It’s not
something that should produce fear but rather should be accepted as is. He
doesn’t consider the Italy Brothers to be his personal enemies. The personal is not political in this case.

Relief:

The best nations that
illustrate the burdens of war are those who have passed on. Rome and Germania
visit Earth together and upon reflecting on their lives, they reach a similar
conclusion: death gave them a sense of liberation.

They’re no
longer bound by their bosses’ orders and aren’t forced to participate in wars
they have no interest in being involved in [x].

Does it bother you that Russia and Germany are always made out to be the villains?

Yes and no. A good villain is a good villain to me so long as you characterize and develop them well. In fact, a difficult and rare trope to pull off but something that I’ve always loved is when an author is able to portray America as the villain despite his claim of being a hero. Now that’s interesting!

The series is based on stereotypes, bad and
good, although we could do without some. At the very least, this subject is
touched on in Volume 5.

Q & A

If anything, this could also indicate how removed England
was from the effect that his taxation had on his colonies. Great addition,
thank you for sharing! [x].

It seems like Canada is America’s adopted
introvert.

Yes and no. Early on, it
was more of a resentful push-and-tug relationship. Their relationship in the
present lines up more with what you’re saying!

Sorry, I have to make
this distinction because you still see people bitterly posting on trope
websites that the two remain primarily resentful of each other, which isn’t
true! [x].

Is North Italy really a virgin? If he’s not,
why does the fandom believe so? I mean I know he used the “I’m a
virgin” lie to get out being harmed, as for some reason they sympathize
for virgins, but the dude has a black book full of women he has dated, he still
dates and flirts with girls. Given how old he is, doesn’t it make more sense
for them to have lost it at some point in time? Maybe n teen years. Oh, that
time he ran home for sexual needs during war. So y proclaim it canon if 1 is
not sure

(Not sure why this
really matters lol but…)

It’s messy because you’re
leaping through several time periods here. They don’t occur simultaneously.

WW1–He plays the
sympathy card and states that he’s a virgin to prevent Germany from shooting
him. This also could have just been a spur of the moment thing he said to avoid being harmed.

We also know from this
character chart that Italy officially becomes an adult in the 20^th
century [x].

The third comic you
referenced is from Comic Diary 2. It
takes place in WW2. Italy cites that fight or flight instincts in war create an
urge in men to reproduce, hence the greater occurrence of sexual intercourse
between men since no women are available. As you mentioned, he leaves to
presumably have sex [x].

The second strip you
mentioned is from volume 2 and seems to take place in WW2. It doesn’t actually confirm whether he’s had sexual
intercourse with these women but rather that he’s met them over the years from
his time spent in war (i.e., “battles). He could have, but it’s not made explicit.

Presently, there’s a
strip where Italy uses a sexual innuendo in front of an attractive girl at an
anime convention [x].

Overall, my guess is
that he probably was a virgin during WW1 having just become an adult but lost
it sometime during or before WW2.

Why does no nation (other than his family) look
behind Russia’s cruelty and see he’s very lonely? (While Russia has done very
questionable things in the past…)

It’s easy to say that from an outsider’s perspective. Even
though Russia wasn’t psychologically aware of the depth and extent of his
cruelty, he was still an abuser. Loneliness isn’t exactly going to make those
whom he tortured instantly want to be friends with him. They’re big enough to
empathize and feel some compassion from him, but none of that will negate the
terrible experiences they endured in his household. I don’t blame them [x].

It’ll take a long time to heal (as we saw with China and
Japan), but I do believe it’s possible that their relationship will
improve in the future.

I’m too disturbed by the fact that Germany
can’t drink beer legally because he’s underage. he’s 20. he became an adult a
few years ago. he literally killed a man in his sleep, but he can’t drink beer
yet / he’s just too mature for his age??? he’s still a bby boy???? he can still
grow a little at this age??? he’s so young???

He’s 20 physiologically but not chronologically and became
an adult decades ago. Drinking ages also vary from country to country.

I know there are a few occasions where nations
physiologically young are barred from drinking (Deleted strip:

America’s Brewster F2A Buffalo), but for
the most part, it doesn’t seem to matter [x].

If a nation ages, it’s usually a mesh between their
chronological age, and political, social, and economic developments.

This post will explore how openly and inclusively concepts of
love and sexual attraction are depicted in the manga. While the nations don’t
have canonically assigned sexual orientations—of course, with the exception of Sweden—
it’s the fact that there is a representation of diversity within the series
that matters. Obviously, the term ‘Sexualities’ in the title is used very loosely
for lack of a better word.

In no way will these be all examples included in the manga, but this
should provide a good scope for understanding how Hetalia approaches human sexuality
and the capacity to love.

England:

England is once described by France as being aroused by anything [x].

Germany:

In the infamous Buon San Valentino strips, a series of
mishaps occur where Germany misinterprets his relationship with Italy to be a
romantic one and proposes to him (~~really???~~).
Regardless of the misunderstanding, what matters is that Germany was okay with
the idea of entering a same-sex relationship [x]. Not only that, but he had totally committed himself to it.

France:

In a volume 2 character note, France is said to go for “guys
and girls of all types”, including non-humans “as long as they’re beautiful.”

In the 2007 April Fools’ event, we also learn that he may
have a preference for “macho men.”

Italy Brothers:

Both are notorious for being girl-lovers, without a
question. It’s part of the Italian stereotype [x] [x].

On the other hand…

Italy admits to Germany in Buon San Valentino that his first
love was a guy, presumably referring to Holy Rome [x].

In a Volume 2 character note, it’s left open-ended on
whether Romano has a taste for men.

Bonus:

Spain quasi-proposes to Romano when gay marriage is legalized in his country [x].

Sweden:

Sweden remains as the only aph character to possess a canon
sexuality. He’s homosexual, but only feels this way toward Finland. It’s
one-sided, as Finland doesn’t reciprocate this sentiment [x].

Taiwan:

Strips have suggested that Taiwan may be attracted to women.

In the Christmas 2011 event, she’s unable to concentrate due
to the exposure of other female nations’ cleavage.

In the Halloween 2013-2014 event, she checks out other
female nations.

Don’t be sorry!

I don’t have headcanons because I don’t want to exclude or limit the scope of how others interpret the characters. While the nations don’t have any explicit canon sexual orientation that they identify as (Sweden is the only exception), one thing that I’ve always liked about the series is how inclusive its conception of love and attraction is, even in its early years.

Example and reference post coming up tonight!

Q & A

I think I read somewhere that Belarus can see
ghosts? Do you know if this is true.

I don’t have a direct English translation to link you to, but it is
revealed that she can see ghosts in “Desktop Buddies” [x].

This is
the anon from earlier asking about your askbox status. I’ll send the ask now
then. So I was wondering if the canon human names that Himaruya’s picked out
for the countries have any historic relation, significance, or connotation to
be kept in mind? I believe that Hima in the past has explained some of his
reasoning to an extent, but a lot of it I think he’s left up for debate so I
was wondering if you could provide a list of plausible reasoning for their
canon names. Thanks!

The human names were deleted, so some people don’t take them as canon. Many speculate that this was because the names and surnames were not well-researched on Himaruya’s part (which is true).

Hetarchive has an entire page dedicated to extracting the possible historical references and/or significance from each of the names [x].

Although the nyos were later given names, they’re not official or canon. Himaruya stated that fans could name them however they please [x].

I love your post on
micronations and states. I’m hoping hima will put Mexico and Texas in there. I
know mexico was mentioned once. I just am hoping Texas will be
official-official since Texas used to be a country and hima saying nations
continue living if the become territory’s.

Thank you!

The strip where Mexico was mentioned is from Comic Diary 2. America speaks of the Alamo grudge [x].

As for statetalia? While state personifications exist for other nations, they don’t [officially] for America.

On the other hand, Himaruya does create a dialogue and panel in which the American states hypothetically existed [x].

I think I saw somewhere that Prussia asked
Italy on a date once- is that true?

Yup! It’s from Prussia’s Drama CD, titled “The CD of the Awesome Me,” [x].

Hi Ella! Can nations teleport? (France
disappeared after talking to Joan so I was wondering) Or maybe he just ran away…

Hello! They can transport; however, distance and the ability to travel on foot conventionally seems to be a major factor (e.g., Finland can’t transport to Seychelles and vice-versa during the 2010 Christmas Event).

*After talking to Lisa, Jeanne’s presumable reincarnate*

It’s not confirmed, but that could be the reason why France disappeared so quickly. Either that, or he was just being dramatic for flare.

Do you know some moments that Italy may looks naive, but he knows more
then he looks?

Italy’s not canonically naïve.
Yes, I’m aware that the comic gag is that he’s a “Hetare” but even in the
original webcomic, he’s not clueless at all. In fact, he constantly worries
about how he’s perceived by his allies in terms of his worth and ability to
contribute to the alliance [x].

Overall, he’s incredibly
intelligent and perceptive. He puts on a front of cheerfulness but is keenly
aware of what’s going on around him. Most of the time he brushes it off and
chooses not to focus on it.

You see this more when he refers to corruption in his nation’s
politics [x].

MORE WHOLESOME AMERICA PLEASE

Your wish is my command [x].

Why are Austria and Switzerland suddenly so
distant from each other? Okay their relationship was cut because of their boss,
but after that, why are they like cold towards each other like ex lovers or
something?

As far as I’m concerned, it’s
literally just that reason. There isn’t much of a romantic overtone (they were kids). It was more like a very tight partnership or camaraderie. I say this because Switzerland has flashbacks of the times he spent with Austria when he experiences similar moments of fondness with Lichtenstein.

He’s still bitter over the loss, having been discarded and mistreated by someone he trusted. Please remember that nations follow their bosses orders, so it’s not like Austria had any malicious intent [x].

Okay, just a quick question. Do you remember
that strip where Romano wanted his room of hopes and dreams cleaned? There was
a roman emperor looking statue on the front. Maybe he wanted to rule the empire
once? I’m feeling curious y’know.

That’s an interesting thought. My personal take on it is that it represents Romano’s failed hopes to live up to his grandfather’s legacy and inheritance [x].

You see this complex with him when he’s younger too [x].

Veneziano isn’t exclusive to failing up to this legacy either. Germany actually overestimates him when they first encounter each other in WW1 (Volume 1, Prologue).

Which character do you think is least accurate
to the country they are based upon?

Poland 100%

Best Hetalia Quotes

America:

“Hey England, I will choose liberty after all. I’m no longer
your child or your baby brother. From now on I’m independent,” [x].

[Speaking to Canada]—

“Aren’t you the one who’s been all England this and England
that lately? …You’ve been obliging England and eating nothing but marmalade,
even though you actually like maple syrup more, right? Your will’s like a
fluffy feather,” [x].

“I guess it’s because laughing off the negative as something
positive is my style,” [x].

Canada:

“J-Jackasses…saying whatever they want…yeah, okay, fine, I’m
Mr. Blandy Bland! Dammit!—Argh, today I’m going to show-em! But what argument can I make—?” [x].

To a sick and bedridden England following the American Revolution—

“Please don’t say such sad things Mister England…I’m…I’m not
as strong as America and I don’t think I can make much money. I might be
useless, but is there anything I can do to help..?” [x]

(About America)—

“It’s true that we’ve been together since we were born, and
I do think we’re more than brothers. But the paths we’ve taken are completely different
and most importantly, our personalities are polar opposites…” [x].

China:

“War has really changed Japan, aru…Japan is not Japan
anymore, aru…I don’t like it, aru…” [x].

“Time goes so quickly when you are having fun…I’ve lived for
several thousand years and yet…really, the good things are over in the blink of
an eye…” [x]

England:

After becoming young America’s guardian—

“So, somehow I managed to kick France out and become this
boy’s big brother. But since that means I’m his guardian, it’s also a big
responsibility for me…I’ll have to give him more than he’s ever been given,
always keep him safe…I’ll have to work hard. He’ll have many obstacles and hard
times ahead. Hard trying times. And even this wide and bountiful land must give
him his share of misery. Now It’ll be the two of us. He and I. We’ll support
each other. That’s how we’ll live,” [x].

During the American Revolution—

“Eh…it couldn’t be…? Does this mean you’re all turning
against me? Why is it turning out like this? [Have I handled things so poorly
that I have nothing but enemies now!?]” [x].

“I will teach you a good word; ‘Discretion.’ Have you ever
heard of it? Seeing you reminds me of my old timid self. Make sure to fix that
before we meet again,” [x].

France:

“If you can’t be stylish everyday, isn’t life just cloudy skies?” [x].

Talking about his immortality to one of his citizens—

“If you’d like to put it into words, it’d be like a ship!
The Government is the mast, the citizens are the wind and they are swimming on
the sea of time—or so
it was said. If the mast is standing straight and a good wind is blowing, the ship
goes forward. But well, of course, there’s also the possibility of the ship
suddenly getting stranded!

As long as there is
someone who can fix the ship, you can keep on using it forever, right?” [x].

Talking about Jeanne d’Arc to someone he believes is her reincarnate—

“Yes, her execution was on May 30, 1431. The
king abandoned her and no one lent a hand to save her in her final moments. Her
patriotic volition was unbound. She gave everything for the sake of her
country. It’s sad to see that those who have patriotic volition like hers tend
to meet tragic ends…

That’s enough history! Now it’s time for me to share
something about myself. It’s a thought I always keep in mind. I believe that
anyone who’s been toyed with by history is always reborn. They’re born under
normal circumstances. They laugh, they play…and even fall in love just like
anyone else.

In their next life, they live out a happy and peaceful life
somewhere in this world. That’s what I truly think. When I first saw you, I
thought God was pulling a cruel trick on me…but I see you’re living a happy
life. It seems like my wish has been granted.”

—Volume 4, A Bientôt! (Until We Meet Again).

Russia:

During the Bloody Sunday Revolt—

“I finally made this nation stronger and more prestigious
than others by myself… I worked so hard. Why is it that nothing goes right…? Why
do they always end up hating me? Everyone says it’s my fault, my fault. I’ve
endured it for centuries. Why can’t everyone just get along nicely with each other…? [x].

Lithuania asks him about a dream that he wishes to come true—

“Living in a warm place…surrounded by sunflowers,” [x].

Germany:

“Geez! I don’t know if you meant it as a joke, or if you really didn’t know, but instead of a collection of shady people, surely there’s much more to Italy that’s charming?! For example, the ancient ruins that speak volumes of history, the amazing works of art, and the unparalleled wealth of culture…the sun that shines upon this beautiful land…” [x].

“Compared to my daily life, torture from you bastards would only be about as bad as getting bitten by a mosquito!”

—Volume 1, Axis Powers.

Italy:

“Sometimes I get tired of seeing the same people all the
time, but then when I see them so much, it’s like they’re new and refreshing
again, these sort of things happen,” [x].

“Ah, sorry Germany, but I just remembered. If we go back the
way we came, there’s a really amazing ristorante! A ristorante known as ‘my
home’..!” [x].

Japan:

“Well, since you arrived, America, the environment and the people
around me have changed so much. Right after I opened up so many things happened
in rapid succession. I feel that knowing people and cultures of countries I had
only heard the names of before is wonderful…but I’m still a little anxious on
whether I’ll be able to get along well with all of them from here on out.”

—Volume 2, Japan and the Footsteps of Westernization.

“When I don’t get out of my house and only communicate with
those I can read the minds of, I start to forget how to speak verbally…”

‘The so-called isolationist country’ [x].