Anime has been a beloved medium for decades, captivating audiences with its diverse storytelling, vibrant art, and complex characters. However, not all anime have enjoyed smooth sailing. Here are 13 banned anime series that has faced censorship, bans, and heavy criticism due to their content. Let’s explore the reasons behind their controversial receptions.
Death Note
In several countries, including China and Russia, Death Note faced bans primarily due to its dark themes and the moral ambiguity of its protagonist, Light Yagami.
The show’s concept of a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it sparked concern among authorities, fearing it might influence real-life violence and encourage youth to engage in criminal activities.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan was banned in China for its graphic violence and depiction of human suffering. The intense scenes of Titans devouring humans, coupled with the show’s overall grim tone, led to its prohibition.
Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul faced bans and heavy censorship in China due to its graphic violence and disturbing scenes. The series’ portrayal of cannibalism and bloodshed was deemed too extreme for younger audiences.
Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied is notorious for its explicit content, including extreme violence, nudity, and psychological horror. It was banned in several countries, including China, for its disturbing and graphic scenes.
Puni Puni Poemy
This bizarre, over-the-top anime was banned for its explicit sexual content, including scenes that border on child pornography. The show’s irreverent humor and chaotic plot did little to mitigate concerns over its inappropriate material.
Kite
Kite features graphic sexual content and extreme violence, including scenes of rape and murder. These elements led to its ban in several countries, where it was deemed too explicit for public consumption.
High School DxD
Known for its heavy fan service and explicit sexual content, *High School DxD* was banned in several countries, including New Zealand. The show’s portrayal of sexuality and nudity was considered inappropriate for its target audience.
Shoujo Tsubaki
Also known as Midori: The Camellia Girl, this anime was banned for its disturbing content, including graphic depictions of abuse, sexual assault, and extreme violence. Its bleak portrayal of a young girl’s life in a traveling circus was too much for many audiences.
Hetalia: Axis Powers
Hetalia faced bans in South Korea due to its portrayal of national stereotypes. The series, which personifies countries as characters, was criticized for its insensitive and sometimes offensive representations of historical events and nations.
Osomatsu-san
Some episodes of Osomatsu-san were banned in Japan due to their parodies of other anime and explicit content. The series often pushes the boundaries of acceptable humor, leading to controversy and censorship.
Mysterious Girlfriend X
The anime faced bans and criticism for its bizarre and potentially offensive content. The show’s focus on a relationship involving the sharing of saliva in an overtly sexual manner was considered inappropriate.
Mysterious Girlfriend X remains an oddity in the anime world. Its unique premise attracts a niche audience, but its controversial content keeps it from mainstream success.
Pokémon
Specific episodes of Pokémon have been banned for various reasons. The most famous example is the episode “Electric Soldier Porygon,” which caused seizures in viewers due to its flashing lights. Other episodes were banned for cultural
sensitivity issues or perceived inappropriate content. Despite these bans, Pokémon remains one of the most successful anime franchises in history. The show’s ability to adapt and continue growing has ensured its lasting popularity.
Interspecies Reviewers
This anime faced bans from streaming services and networks due to its explicit sexual content and mature themes. The series, which explores the sexual adventures of various humanoid creatures, was deemed too risqué for many platforms.
Interspecies Reviewers quickly gained a cult following. Its explicit nature and humorous take on fantasy brothels attracted significant attention, making it one of the most talked-about anime in recent years.
Anime is as diverse as it is controversial. These 13 banned anime series highlight the varying degrees of acceptability across different cultures and societies. While some anime push boundaries and spark debate, they also serve as reminders of the
importance of creative freedom and the impact of storytelling. Whether you view these bans as justified or not, there’s no denying that these 13 banned anime series has left a lasting mark on the industry and its fans.
