Below are some of the most noteworthy controversies that have shaken the global otaku community, highlighting the vibrant anime industry and the various dynamics of contemporary society.
Waifu Design Controversy by Mie Kotsu Bus Company
At the beginning of the year, Mie Kotsu launched an advertising campaign in Japan featuring two characters designed in anime style. This sparked significant backlash and led to discussions about the ethics of such representations, specifically how the design prioritizes female characters.
Intense Backlash Over Usagi Drop
A Facebook page decided to reignite discussions around the ending of “Usagi Drop,” claiming that the author executed the development process in a controversial manner, labeling anyone who enjoyed it as “deluded and depraved.”
Crunchyroll’s Significant Price Hike in Argentina
Crunchyroll’s basic subscription package, previously priced around 300 Argentine pesos per month, has now skyrocketed to over 3,500 pesos. Meanwhile, yearly subscription fees have increased from 3,800 pesos to over 44,000 pesos. This has significantly impacted users from various countries who had created accounts in Argentina to pay less.
Controversial Lines from the Anime “If My Wife Became an Elementary School Student”
The storyline is entirely ludicrous and lacks any logical progression. However, the unfortunate reality is that this information went viral on Western social media, leading many to draw conclusions and quickly spread inflammatory remarks.
Idol Faces Backlash for Posting with Boyfriend on Social Media
The management of the music group KATACOTO*BANK announced via Twitter the disciplinary actions taken against member Momoka Tojo after she inadvertently posted a picture with her boyfriend. The disciplinary measures included a strict separation from her partner and a daily posting of a photo with the intent to “wish herself a good day” for a year.
Naruto Creator Faces Criticism Over Unacceptable Commentary
During a promotional trip to France for the release of “Boruto: Two Blue Vortex,” Masashi Kishimoto, the manga creator, found himself embroiled in controversy after making a comment about character design preferences. When asked which character design he liked the most from Ikemoto, Kishimoto replied: “I will choose Sarada in the adult version because she has a strong presence. I never thought of her that way.”
My Hero Academia Fans Criticize Mina Ashido’s Skin Tone
This controversy arose after a preview was released for one of the anime episodes, where Mina’s skin was depicted as darker than usual due to excessive use of strong colors. This caught the attention of many fans, leading to discussions about character representation and diversity.
Latin American Fans Criticize the Dub of Ranma 1/2
Despite the Latin American dub of “Ranma 1/2” being released with many quirks, the local adaptation has faced harsh criticism from fans who believe it is not respectful enough of the original material and the character’s authenticity from the ’90s.
Japanese Otaku Blame Gringos for Disrupting Pop Team Epic’s Creator
Bkub Okawa, the creator of the famous “Pop Team Epic,” became the center of a controversy after sharing a fanart featuring the character Marina Ida from “Splatoon.” The artwork drew criticism for its portrayal of skin color and led to clashes between Western fans and Japanese otaku communities.
Drama Queen’s Plot Sparks Controversy
On December 1, 2024, a new series titled “Drama Queen” was released, which faced immediate backlash due to its storyline. Many viewers expressed discomfort with the themes presented, prompting discussions about the distinction between fiction and reality.
Dandadan Fan-Art Causes a Stir
A prominent artist named Lynn sparked controversy after sharing their artwork on Twitter, featuring characters Okarun and Momo Ayase from the popular anime “Dandadan.” The portrayal of the characters led to significant discussions about representation and aesthetics in anime.
Korean Viewers Criticize Suzume no Tojimari
The success of the Japanese animated film “Suzume no Tojimari,” directed by Makoto Shinkai, faced backlash in South Korea when its scheduled broadcast on KBS2 was canceled on December 24 due to ratings concerns, further fueled by viewer reactions on social media.
