"Ship girls" are anthropomorphized representations of naval warships, primarily from World War II, depicted as young women with characteristics and traits inspired by their respective ships. This concept originated in Japan and is popular in various media, including video games, anime, and manga. Each ship girl embodies the history, design, and capabilities of the ship she represents. The most notable franchise featuring ship girls is Kantai Collection, a game where players collect and battle with these characters. The popularity of ship girls has led to a broader cultural phenomenon, influencing merchandise, fan art, and conventions centered around this unique blend of military history and anime aesthetics.