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If you were a manga or anime fan in the late 2000s to early 2010s, chances are you would have came across Hetalia: Axis Powers.
Personified countries
Created by Hidekaz Himaruya, the webcomic - which was later adapted into a manga and anime series - depicts many countries as adorable human characters.
The characters and their interactions with each other are loosely based on historical events and stereotypes that have been reinterpreted through light-hearted comedy and satire.
Here's what some of those countries (and territories) look like:
Image via Hetalia: World Stars website
ASEAN characters introduced
More than 10 years later, after a successful run that spawned volumes of manga, several seasons of anime and even a musical, Himaruya continues to churn out new material for the Hetalia series.
On Apr. 8, he introduced several ASEAN nations as new characters.
In subsequent chapters, the countries are seen trying to organise a conference, kind of like the real ASEAN.
With each update, he reveals which character represents which country.
Singapore was introduced in the latest chapter on May 6.
In the comic, Singapore wears a beret and something akin to a uniform, with side-swept bangs partially dyed white.
According to a translation by Tumblr blog hetascanlations, Himaruya depicted Singapore as a being in charge of meals provided during the conference.
Image/translation by hetascalations on Tumblr. Original comic via Himaruya Hidekaz on Shonen Jump Plus' website
Singapore even joked that there would be a fine if fellow nations spilled their food.
Singapore as a character
The comic strip ends with a small sketch of Singapore, who is reaching for a butterfly.
There's a small accompanying description as well, Himaruya describes Singapore as a multi-cultural nation given its history as a trading port.
Singapore's "room is actually quite messy" even though "his neighbours think he's a stylish nation who loves cleanliness".
Himaruya notes that Singapore is also "surprisingly tough mentally".
Image/translation by hetascalations on Tumblr. Original comic via Himaruya Hidekaz on Shonen Jump Plus' website
You can see more of Himaruya's webcomic on the Shonen Jump Plus website here.
Top image via Himaruya Hidekaz on Shonen Jump Plus' website