The anime world is known for its diversity and creativity, but it can also be controversial at times. Like any art form, anime can explore challenging themes, sometimes leading to certain stories becoming controversial. In many cases, some anime series are banned in some countries.
These bans are often the result of complaints and protests, believing that the content of certain anime is inappropriate or too extreme. In some cases, some countries have officially banned the distribution or broadcasting of certain anime series within that country's territory.
The content that triggers these bans can vary from graphic violence to sensitive topics. Some anime have been censored or banned due to their depictions of extreme violence or disturbing situations, while others have been the subject of controversy.
It is important to realize that, like any other entertainment medium, anime can have a significant impact on audiences. Therefore, it is important for viewers to be aware of the content they watch.
Below are the banned anime in the world
Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu (Parasyte: The Maxim) is banned in China
China banned at least 38 different anime in 2015, including Parasyte. In this popular science fiction and horror anime, the main character, Shinichi Izumi, merges with an alien parasite and gains strange powers. Next, he fights other monstrous human-alien hybrids. No exact reason was given for the ban.
Tokyo Ghoul in Russia and China
In 2017, Tokyo Ghoul was banned in China because some believed its characters encouraged a dangerous trend among teenagers. In addition, this anime also has many scenes of terrible violence. Later, Sony withdrew the Tokyo Ghoul anime from Russia, and eliminated all of its anime services in that country.
Midori: The Camellia Girl (Chika Gentou Gekiga: Shoujo Tsubaki) in almost the entire world
Shoujo Tsubaki has a rather dark and disturbing plot. This controversial anime series follows Midori, a 12-year-old girl, as she lives in a circus filled with twisted, cruel, and mistreated people.
Choujin Densetsu Urotsukidouji: Inferno Road (Urotsukidoji IV: Inferno Road) in almost the entire world
This anime is almost always denied mass release or heavily censored wherever they are published. The fourth season, Inferno Road is one of the most banned anime in history.
Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) in China
Attack on Titan has so many bloody and horrifying moments that it was banned in China. Additionally, the theme and content of this anime is also unpopular, viewed in a negative light.
Pokémon in Saudi Arabia
Pokémon is a global phenomenon and is broadcast in many languages in many countries. Although some episodes have been banned in some countries for sensitive or harmful content, Saudi Arabia has banned the anime completely.
Hetalia: Axis Power in Korea
Hetalia: Axis Powers is very famous, each character in the movie represents a country. Their characteristics are often based on generalizations and stereotypes.
Shuumatsu no Walkure (Record of Ragnarok) in India
In Record of Ragnarok, religious gods are real and want to harm humanity. Humanity's only chance of survival is to fight the eccentric gods they once worshiped in a cosmic tournament. One of these gods was one that the Indians worshiped, so much so that the nation banned the Record of Ragnarok.
Death Note in China
Death Note was inspired by real-life incidents, which is part of the reason why Death Note was banned in China. Some schools around the world have also tried to ban the Death Note manga, such as in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the same reason.
Inferno Cop in China
Inferno Cop is a lighthearted comedy, neither too violent nor too vulgar, but it is still on the banned list in China.
Kinnikuman in France
The story of Kinnikuman's intergalactic struggle is quite innocent, except for one character – Brocken Jr. It was this Brocken character that caused Kinnikuman to be banned in France.
Fate Kaleid/Liner Prisma Illya in Russia
Fate Kaleid/Liner Prisma is a spin-off of Fate/Stay Night, recreating the characters as magical girls. That's why it's banned in Russia. Interestingly, Russia also banned some isekai anime. They worry that this type of anime will encourage viewers to self-harm to escape to another world.
Sailor Moon in Saudi Arabia
Sailor Moon is an anime about magical girls that has been banned in Saudi Arabia.
Psycho-Pass in China
Psycho-Pass is a decent PG-13 series with some violent images and strong themes, China still doesn't approve of it.