Anime Banned Worldwide: A Look at Censored Titles
In 2015, China banned at least 38 different anime series, including the notable Parasyte. In this popular science fiction horror anime, the main character, Shinichi Izumi, merges with an alien parasite and gains extraordinary abilities. He then battles hybrid creatures that threaten both humanity and aliens. No specific reason has been provided for this ban.
Tokyo Ghoul in Russia and China
In 2017, Tokyo Ghoul was banned in China due to concerns that its characters encouraged risky behavior among teenagers. Additionally, this anime features many scenes of graphic violence. Subsequently, Sony withdrew Tokyo Ghoul from Russia, while also removing all anime services from the country.
Midori: The Camellia Girl (Chika Gentou Gekiga: Shoujo Tsubaki) Around the World
Shoujo Tsubaki has a rather dark storyline that raises concerns. This controversial anime centers around Midori, a 12-year-old girl living in a freak show, surrounded by grotesque and cruel individuals.
Choujin Densetsu Urotsukidouji: Inferno Road (Urotsukidoji IV: Inferno Road) Around the World
This anime has consistently faced censorship due to its explicit content, making it one of the most banned titles in history. Part IV, Inferno Road, is particularly notorious for its graphic scenes.
Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) in China
Attack on Titan contains many violent and bloody scenes, which led to its ban in China. Furthermore, the themes and content of this anime were also deemed unsuitable from a negative perspective.
Pokémon in Saudi Arabia
Pokémon is a global phenomenon broadcasted in various languages across many countries. Despite some episodes being banned in certain nations due to sensitive content, Saudi Arabia has completely banned this anime.
Hetalia: Axis Powers in South Korea
Hetalia: Axis Powers is well-known, where each character represents a country. Its unique approach often leads to cultural misunderstandings and stereotypes.
Shuumatsu no Walkure (Record of Ragnarok) in Denmark
In Record of Ragnarok, gods conspire to wipe out humanity. The only way for humanity to survive is to battle the gods in a series of epic confrontations. One of the gods featured is one that Denmark has banned this anime for its content.
Death Note in China
Death Note has drawn inspiration from real-life events, leading to its ban in China. Certain locations around the world have also experienced restrictions on the Death Note manga, with places like Albuquerque, New Mexico, citing its controversial themes.
Inferno Cop in China
Inferno Cop is a low-budget comedy series that is not overly violent or explicit, yet it still made the ban list in China.
Kinnikuman in France
The storyline of Kinnikuman, focusing on the battles between various superhero characters, has led to the ban of one particular character – Brocken Jr. This character’s portrayal has resulted in Kinnikuman being banned in France.
Fate Kaleid/Liner Prisma Illya in Russia
Fate Kaleid/Liner Prisma is a spin-off of Fate/Stay Night, transforming characters into magical girls. This anime has faced censorship in Russia. Additionally, this country has also banned several isekai anime. Concerns have been raised that such genres may encourage viewers to escape into other worlds.
Sailor Moon in Saudi Arabia
Sailor Moon is a magical girl anime that has been banned in Saudi Arabia.
Psycho-Pass in China
Psycho-Pass is a notable PG-13 series featuring graphic violence and mature themes, which China still does not accept.
