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Julia Chang

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This article is about the fictional character. For the Chinese American diplomat, see Julia Chang Bloch.
Julia Chang
Tekken character
Julia Chang in Tekken 6
First gameTekken 3 (1997)
Voiced by
In-universe information
Fighting styleChinese martial arts[3]
OriginUnited States
NationalityAmerican[3]

Julia Chang (Japanese: ジュリア・チャン, Hepburn: Juria Chan) is a character in the Tekken media franchise by Bandai Namco Entertainment; she was introduced in Tekken 3 (1997). She is the adopted daughter of part-Native American and part-Chinese fighter Michelle Chang, and her storyline typically involves saving her tribe's forest. An alternative version of the character is a luchadora known as Jaycee (Japanese: ジェイシー, Hepburn: Jeishī), or just J.C., first appearing anonymously in Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Julia has been cited as one of the notable examples of Native American representation in the video game industry.

Design and gameplay[edit]

In Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Julia appeared under the title "Jaycee". She was dressed in Lucha libre clothing, which is distinct from the majority of the games she has appeared in.

When working on Tekken 3, the development team decided it would take place nineteen years after the preceding game, and decided it would be best to retire their existing Native American character Michelle Chang. To this end they created Julia Chang, who was intended to have the "extra charm" of Michelle, but also a large degree of intellect. While they wanted to emphasize a rebellious aspect with her, they moreso pushed the intellectual part of her design to the forefront to contrast with how other fighters focused on athetics. To this end, they particularly wanting her to look attractive while wearing glasses.[4]

First appearing in Tekken 3 and standing 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall, Julia Chang is a young old American woman with brown hair that she usually ties into braids.[5] Julia uses various Chinese martial arts, with many techniques similar to those of her adoptive mother Michelle.[6] Julia normally wears a Native American-styled outfit with a crop top, a short denim skirt, cowgirl boots, and a small Native American feathered headdress inspired by a war bonnet.[7] However, this headdress is absent in Tekken 4, as Julia becomes a member of a reforestation group starting in Tekken 4, where she is wearing a researcher outfit and glasses.[8] Her default outfit in Tekken 7 takes place in modern-day life, but she also has Native American attire, including her classic outfit, which can be found in the game's customization mode.[9]

In terms of gameplay, Julia needs more skill and perseverance to achieve the best results.[6] In addition to her numerous wrestling-style throws, Julia also possesses some quick kicks that can engage in combos.[10] Her several variations of consistent attacks make her tricky to fight against because it takes some practice to predict her next move. Julia can mix up combinations of moves to confuse her opponents. She utilizes quick attacks and long-lasting combos.[5] Other properties of her gameplay are that she lacks punching power, but due to her quickness, she has the ability to perform juggle combos easily. She must be played aggressively, as she is very sensitive to counter-attacks, and as such, it might take a lot of practice to learn her.[11] Similarly, because of her noticeably small number of moves, she needs to do juggle combos as long as she can on her opponents in order to deal huge damage, which requires the right amount of patience in order to learn her.[12]

Appearances[edit]

In Tekken (main series)[edit]

A woman from the tribe of Native Americans, Michelle Chang, adopted Julia as a child from Native American lands, raised her, and taught her martial arts so she could defend herself and her homeland too. Julia studied archaeology in tribal lands. When she turned 18 years old, sudden disappearances of martial artists started to happen. The people knew that it was caused by the "God of Fighting", Ogre, and feared that Michelle's pendant was the reason. Michelle went to Japan to ask an old man, Heihachi Mishima, about her pendant but did not return. Julia doubted Heihachi and entered the King of Iron Fist Tournament 3 (Tekken 3) to know the truth.[13][3] In conclusion, Julia finds Michelle and learns about Heihachi's evil plan.[14]

After the events of Tekken 3, Julia discovered that the rapidly growing global ecosystem would threaten her native homeland and started researching ecosystem restoration techniques. She worked alongside G Corporation, whose high-tech computers were being used to store the research data. However, the research got interrupted when an organization, Mishima Zaibatsu, broke into G Corporation and stole all of their data. Knowing that she needed the data to save her homeland, Julia entered the King of Iron Fist Tournament 4 (Tekken 4) when she saw a web page about it.[8] She failed to obtain the data and continued her research in the King of Iron Fist Tournament 5 (Tekken 5), hoping to find the data again.[15]

After finally finding her stolen data, Julia completed her research and went back to Arizona to meet the group that would help her with her reforestation plans. She also met with an old woman who claimed that she could hear the spirits. She helped Julia with the reforestation plans, but just before she left, she gave a warning that two people, Jin Kazama and Kazuya Mishima, should not fight because it would revive an ancient demon named Azazel. To stop this from happening, Julia decided to enter the King of Iron Fist Tournament 6 (Tekken 6).[16] In Tekken 7, after retiring as a masked fighter, Jaycee. Julia focused on spreading reforestation around the world. However, she was in need of money, forcing her to return to fighting. She aimed to defeat Kazuya Mishima, believing it would gain global attention and funding for her project.[17]

Other appearances[edit]

Julia appears as a playable character in the non-canonical games Tekken Tag Tournament and in Tekken Tag Tournament 2, under the title Jaycee or J.C., though she can be customized to resemble her real identity.[18] She is also a selectable character in Tekken Card Challenge, Tekken 3D: Prime Edition, and Tekken Revolution.[19] She can be seen on a poster in the Death by Degrees action-adventure game.[20] Julia also appears as a playable character in the crossover game Street Fighter X Tekken, where her official partner is a fellow Tekken character Bob.[21] In this game, a character from Capcom's Street Fighter series, Chun-Li, gave Julia her classic costume as a gift after they became friends through learning Chinese kempo together.[22]

Julia's images are briefly seen in a cameo in the CGI film Tekken: Blood Vengeance when an Irish woman, Anna Williams, opens a file containing images of various people.[23] Julia also appears in the 2022 six-episode anime Tekken: Bloodline, where she is voiced in Japanese by Seiko Yoshida, while in English she is voiced by Jeannie Tirado.[1] Tekken: Bloodline is based on the events of Tekken 3. Julia appears to be among the participants who received invitations to the King of Iron Fist tournament. She enters the tournament to find her mother's stolen pendant from the tournament's host, Heihachi Mishima. During the tournament, she confronts Heihachi for the pendant. Another participant, Jin Kazama, intervenes to protect Julia from Heihachi.[24] Jin promises Julia that he will give her the pendant back after the tournament.[25]

Promotion and reception[edit]

Action figure company Kazya released a 1/7-dimensional garage kit action figure made of resin material, which was based on Julia's Tekken 3 appearance. This figure was released on August 20, 2000.[26] A resin garage kit figure of Julia from her Tekken 4 iteration was manufactured by BROVO COMPANY, circled by Heihachi Zazen, and sculpted by Honda Heihachi. It was released during Wonder Festival 2003 in the winter season.[27] Diamond Select Toys produced a 1.95-inch Julia PVC action figure based on her Street Fighter X Tekken design. It was released on December 30, 2012.[28] A prepainted 1/7 scale PVC figure of Julia as Jaycee from Tekken Tag Tournament 2, designed by the graphic artist Yamashita Shunya, was released by Kotobukiya in 2013.[29]

Julia has been one of the most popular characters among the professional players of Tekken 4.[30] In 2013, Kevin Wong of Complex commented on Julia's sex appeal, stating, "Julia is the thinking man's video game crush – an intellectual with a naughty librarian look. Like her mother before her, Julia is that crunchy hippie girl on campus – you'd go to a protest rally just to get her number. Julia is the classic 'pitbull' character, who overwhelms her opponent with relentless punches and elbows. Armed with one of the most punishing command throws on the roster, she'll be breaking nerds' hearts for years to come."[31] Before later being added as DLC, Julia's absence from Tekken 7 was met with widespread disappointment.[32] In December 2018, when Japanese video game director Katsuhiro Harada revealed Julia as a downloadable content character for the second season of Tekken 7, a professional Tekken player, Seong-ho ‘Chanel’ Kang, got excited and rushed to hug Harada on stage for Julia's inclusion in the game.[33]

There has been some negative criticism surrounding Julia Chang's debut in Tekken 3. Specifically, video game magazine Next Generation gave commentary on her character, alongside fellow Tekken 3 character Ling Xiaoyu, on how they both seemed to conform to different yet equally depressing "cute schoolgirl" stereotypes. This magazine implied that both characters seemed to lack depth and originality, instead relying on tired tropes and clichés.[34] Julia has also been discussed as a representative of Native Americans.[35][36] In the study "Representation of Native Americans: From Literature to Video Games", author Samuel Martínez Linares, when explaining Julia and Michelle, argues that the portrayal of Native American characters in video games lacks authenticity. Linares discusses the absence of accurate representation of tribal characteristics that would help players understand the significance of choosing a Native American cultural background for their characters. This lack of fidelity to Native American culture lessens the player's ability to truly connect with and appreciate the richness of their heritage. Furthermore, Linares criticizes the inconsistent depiction of Native Americans in video games. He points out that the portrayal of such Native American characters often lacks "depth and consistency."[37]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Julia Chang Voices (Tekken)". Behind The Voice Actors. Inyxception Enterprises, Inc. Archived from the original on 3 January 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2019. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  2. ^ Sheh, Stephanie [@stephaniesheh] (2020-02-23). "Thanks for the support but actors really don't have any control over what gets dubbed" (Tweet). Retrieved 2020-03-05 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ a b c "Computer and Video Games - Issue 188 (1997-07 )(EMAP Images) (GB)". July 1997. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
  4. ^ Street Fighter X Tekken: Artworks. UDON Entertainment. September 2012. pp. 150–151. ISBN 978-1926778518.
  5. ^ a b Computer and Video Games issue 202 (9/1998). September 1998. p. 52.
  6. ^ a b "Julia Chang: chico nueovos el barrio". PlayStation Power Especial Trucos: Tekken 3.
  7. ^ Ngan, Liv (January 10, 2024). "Tekken director seeks feedback from Native American community on Michelle and Julia designs". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Tekken 4 (Prima's Official Strategy Guide). p. 56 – via Internet Archive.
  9. ^ Bandai Namco Studios. Tekken 7. Bandai Namco Entertainment. Level/area: Character Customization.
  10. ^ "Computer and Video Games - Issue 198 (1998-05) (EMAP Images) (GB)". May 1998. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
  11. ^ Lallée, Aymeric (December 2000). "Guide: Tekken Tag Tournament". PlayPower. HS 8: 55.
  12. ^ Tekken 4: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
  13. ^ Tekken 3 (Prima's Official Strategy Guide 1998). p. 126 – via Internet Archive.
  14. ^ Namco (1998). Tekken 3 (PlayStation). Level/area: Julia Chang - Homecoming. Julia: Michelle! Mother! / Michelle: You have conquered Ogre. Now the key to control Ogre is this pendant. It was all Heihachi's evil plot. / Julia: I'll never let Heihachi get away with this. / Michelle: No Julia. Wait. Julia, hatred is not the answer. Do you remember why I taught you the prowess to fight? It was to protect mother Earth, not to destroy. Now let's go home, back to Arizona. Where the land awaits us.
  15. ^ Tekken 5 NTSC-U/C Manual. p. 38 – via Internet Archive.
  16. ^ Tekken 6 Official Strategy Guide, Brady Games (2009). p. 146. After recovering her stolen data, Julia completed her reforestation research. She was headed back to Arizona to meet with a party who had agreed to assist in the realization of her reforestation plans. Waiting for her there was a prominent Arizona land owner, an old woman who claimed to have the ability to hear the voice of spirits. With the help of the old woman, the reforestation plans were on track to be realized. However, when Julia got up to leave, the old woman made an ominous prediction. "Jin Kazama and Kazuya Mishima must not be allowed to clash. If they confront each other, a source of great evil will be resurrected and unleashed on the Earth." Julia was skeptical of the old lady's prediction. However, after hearing news that the Mishima Zaibatsu has sponsored The King of Iron Fist Tournament 6 on the flight home, the danger seemed much more imminent. Julia decided that she would enter the tournament.
  17. ^ "Negan and Julia coming to TEKKEN 7 on February 28th". Bandai Namco Europe. Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. February 18, 2019. Archived from the original on June 27, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  18. ^ "A New Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Challenger Enters The Ring". Siliconera. 2011-01-12. Archived from the original on 2017-12-01. Retrieved 2012-07-23.
  19. ^ "Tekken Card Challenge for WonderSwan". IGN. July 15, 2000. Archived from the original on February 27, 2018. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
    Edwards, Matt (February 17, 2012). "Tekken 3D: Prime Edition Review". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
    Namco Bandai Games (June 2013). Tekken Revolution. Level/area: Character Select.
  20. ^ "Death By Degrees Walkthrough". Psxextreme.com. Archived from the original on 2017-12-01. Retrieved 2012-07-23.
  21. ^ Hussain, Tamoor (2011-09-12). "News: Street Fighter X Tekken video shows Rufus, Zangeif, Julia". ComputerAndVideoGames.com. Archived from the original on 2015-01-09. Retrieved 2012-07-23.
  22. ^ "Capcom：Street Fighter X Tekken｜System". Capcom.co.jp. Archived from the original on 2015-01-06. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
  23. ^ Tekken: Blood Vengeance. Bandai Namco Entertainment. 2011.
  24. ^ Tekken: Bloodline. Bandai Namco Entertainment. 2022. Heihachi: Hmm? / Julia: I want to know what happened to my mother. And I want her pendant back now, Heihachi. / Heihachi: The pendant is from a time and people well before Michelle Chang. / Jin: What the hell? Grandfather, what are you doing? / Heihachi: Do not waste your Kazama empathy on this wannabe assassin. / Jin: Assassin? Are you kidding? / Heihachi: You, leave, now! / Jin: I'll make sure she leaves. / Heihachi: You have a tournament to win. / Jin: And you have a tournament to run. I'll take care of it. You won't see her again.
  25. ^ Tekken: Bloodline. Bandai Namco Entertainment. 2022. Julia: I don't need help from another Mishima. / Jin: What? / Julia: It all makes sense now. I heard you call him "grandfather." You... you're the son of Kazuya Mishima. / Jin: You should leave. / Julia: I'm not leaving until I recover my mother's pendant and find out what happened to her. / Jin: Pendant? / Julia: You've seen it, haven't you? My mother was determined to make sure the pendant was used for good, and Heihachi stole it from her. Heihachi got it from some lowlife who got it from the bottom of a lake. After my mother hid it there, trying to keep it away from him. Heihachi will only use its power for evil. / Jin: Heihachi's trying to help me rid the world of someone. Of something truly evil. / Julia: The Ogre? Who do you think unleashed it on all of us? / Jin: What? You're saying Heihachi released Ogre into the world? / Julia: That's what my mother believed. / Jin: Ogre killed my mother. / Julia: That should just make you more determined to prevent Heihachi from using the pendant. / Jin: You'll... get the pendant back. / Julia: What? / Jin: After the tournament. I'll see to it. After I fight that masked freak.
  26. ^ "Tekken 3 - Julia Chang - 1/7 (Kazya)". MyFigureCollection.net. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  27. ^ "Tekken 4 - Julia Chang - 1/8 (BROVO COMPANY, Heihachi Zazen)". MyFigureCollection.net. Archived from the original on 2024-06-27. Retrieved 2012-07-23.
  28. ^ "Street Fighter x Tekken - Julia Chang - Minimates (Diamond Select Toys)". MyFigureCollection.net. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  29. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (2012-10-09). "The Newest Cute Tekken Statue Unmasked! | Kotaku Australia". Kotaku.com.au. Archived from the original on 2012-12-11. Retrieved 2012-10-29.
  30. ^ "Tekken on the World". PlayStation Official Magazine – Australia. 14: 15. May 2003.
  31. ^ Wong, Kevin (2013-09-03). "18. Julia Chang — The 20 Best "Tekken" Video Game Characters of All Time". Complex. Archived from the original on 2013-12-20. Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  32. ^ Wong, Kevin. "Here's why it hurts when Tekken 7 cuts your favorite character". ZAM. Archived from the original on 2018-05-18. Retrieved 2018-05-18.
    Higham, Michael (2017-11-28). "Tekken 7 Producer Says Making Crossover Characters Is Harder Than They Imagined". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2018-05-18. Retrieved 2018-05-18.
    Shea, Cam (2017-04-27). "Your Tekken 7 Questions Have Been Answered". IGN. Archived from the original on 2018-05-18. Retrieved 2018-05-18.
    Borkowski, Alex (2017-05-31). "'Tekken' fans are antsy for the return of Julia Chang". Mic. Archived from the original on 2020-10-01. Retrieved 2018-11-21.
  33. ^ Glaze, Virginia (December 3, 2018). "Tekken pros rush stage to hug producer after major character reveals". Dexerto. Archived from the original on March 28, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  34. ^ "NG Alphas: Tekken 3". Next Generation. No. 28. Imagine Media. April 1997. p. 73.
  35. ^ Wisniewski, Nicholas (2018). Playing with Culture: The Representation of Native Americans in Video Games (Thesis). Archived from the original on 2024-06-27. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  36. ^ Ząbecki, Krzysztof (2020). "Promoting and Preserving Indigenous Languages and Cultures in the Americas Through Video Games". Handbook of the Changing World Language Map. pp. 1785–1802. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-02438-3_114. ISBN 978-3-030-02437-6.
  37. ^ Martínez Linares, Samuel (February 2018). Representation of Native Americans: From Literature to Video Games (Thesis). p. 53.
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