America’s Role in the Series, Explained

Despite being set in the country of Japan, many of My Hero Academia’s influences are derived from America. From the concept of superheroes to the very system of hero licensing and hero society, most of Japan’s modern hero laws have been derived from the American system. With so many concepts rooted in this country, it’s evident that the United States has a significant role in the series.

Apart from America’s historical role in My Hero Academia, the country has also offered Japan’s number one hero a safe haven during times of turmoil, along with offering aid to the archipelago whenever needed. However, America’s role in My Hero Academia runs much deeper than merely being an ally to Japan, as it won’t be far off to deem the country the birthplace of modern hero society.

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The Birthplace of Modern Hero Society

Many Modern-Day Hero Laws Originated in America

While the official My Hero Academia series never exactly delved into the history of the hero world, the series’ prequel, My Hero Academia Vigilantes, gives a deep insight into the historical elements of the world of MHA. In the prequel, it is revealed that the US was the first country in the world to introduce a formal hero licensing program. This allowed hero work to finally be regulated and viewed as a professional career in society.

After the success of this system in the United States, several countries throughout the world adopted this system or modeled their own based on America’s example. Japan was one of the many countries that took on the system and molded it based on its own needs. The success of this system is evident from the widespread hero network witnessed in the archipelago.

A Respite For Japan’s Future No. 1 Hero

All Might Sought Refuge in the US

America may have played a significant role in My Hero Academia’s history, yet it also served as a safe haven for All Might during his prime years. Right after Nana Shimura’s death, All Might became the next successor of One for All. However, Japan became too dangerous for him to survive there, which is why he was forced to seek refuge in the United States for a few years. During this time, All Might became acquainted with David Shield, who later became his sidekick and personal support equipment engineer.

Moreover, it was during this time that All Might inspired Star and Stripe to become the greatest hero in America. It won’t be wrong to say that All Might directly played a role in creating the strongest woman in the world. America served much more than a safe haven for All Might, as he learned quite a number of significant lessons during that time, along with learning the powers of One for All and gaining experience as a hero. His acquaintances in the United States served him quite well in his later years as well.

Star and Stripe’s Homeland

America Is Home to the Strongest Woman in the World

America has already played a major role in My Hero Academia’s history and all my backstory, yet the country’s role in the story’s narrative isn’t over. America rose up to the occasion once more in the form of Star and Stripe’s help during the War arc. After All Might’s call for aid to the world right before the beginning of the War Arc, the US was the first to heed his call. While Star and Stripe jumped into action before getting the green light from her superiors, it’s likely that the country would have agreed to Japan’s request eventually.

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Even though Star and Stripe perished in the fight against Shigaraki, her noble sacrifice left a significant impact on My Hero Academia’s narrative. From inspiring Japan’s own heroes to fight the villainous threat to leaving behind significant data on Tomura’s fighting style and quirks, Star and Stripe’s sacrifice was clearly not in vain. Moreover, her last-minute plan of putting a rule on New Order to destroy all of All For One’s stolen quirks also bought Japan’s heroes quite a lot of time, and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that Star and Stripe indirectly played a major role in Shigaraki’s eventual defeat.

Real-World Influence

American Comics Inspired My Hero Academia’s Creation

The United States is already a significant player in the world of My Hero Academia, yet America has also played an interesting role in the series’ creation. Author Horikoshi has stated on multiple occasions that superhero comics originating in the US served as an inspiration for creating My Hero Academia and its vibrant hero world.

Several quirks and powers of heroes, along with their personas, can also be traced back to Marvel Comics, which were the blueprint for Horikoshi’s magnum opus. This inspiration is exactly why America plays a major role in My Hero Academia’s narrative, as incorporating the country into the series’ premise was a way to pay tribute to the many superhero comics that inspired My Hero Academia.

My Hero Academia is available to stream on Prime Video.

Studio

Bones

Japanese Title

Boku no Hero Academia

Creator

Kōhei Horikoshi