Buzz
There are various reasons why anime (Japanese animated films) may be banned in a country, such as culturally inappropriate content for that nation.
Typically, anime brands are banned in different regions around the world due to legal regulations or differences in societal norms that cannot be avoided.
Continuing from the previous article, let's explore more of the anime that made it onto this list!
Dark Chronicles (Russia)
Dark Chronicles tells the story of a world filled with danger, where humans and demons coexist, engaging in constant battles. The judicial system in St. Petersburg, Russia, deemed all episodes of Tokyo Ghoul to contain cruelty and violence.
Forbidden Scrollery (China)
Once again, another anime falls under China's ban radar, Forbidden Scrollery. This series was prohibited due to concerns that the actions of the main character would cause public distress. Additionally, there were fears that this anime would have a negative impact on viewers, especially the main character.
Mythical Creatures (Saudi Arabia)
In Saudi Arabia, the childhood favorite Pokémon is banned from airing. Although globally revered, Pokémon is seen as a nostalgic masterpiece for many.
The prequel to The Ultimate Muscle, Muscle Mania, is a quirky comedy depicting a superhero battling aliens, robots, and other entities in various wrestling competitions. Combining wrestling and superhero elements, the perilous antics in the series were deemed too peculiar for French audiences. Additionally, the inclusion of a character with sensitive themes made it challenging to broadcast.
Cyber Guardians (Philippines)
An old anime released in 1978, Cyber Guardians tells the story of a giant robot and others fighting against an alien invasion. Just a year after its release, the anime faced prohibition.
The series couldn't air until 1986, then made a comeback in 1990. Despite efforts by lawmakers to remove it, Cyber Guardians continued airing until the 2010s.
Wind Soarer (Norway)
Wind Soarer is an anime from a bygone era. It's surprising that this film can still be broadcasted in many countries. However, in Norway, the anime couldn't be released due to a scene deemed too much for adolescent viewers.
Cosmic Guardians (Russia)
Another anime banned in Russia is Cosmic Guardians by studio MAPPA. This anime focuses on the story of two individuals bestowed with supernatural abilities and their diverging paths of power. While one becomes a hero, the other turns into a villain. Alongside this film, other banned anime include Death Note, Tokyo Ghoul, and Elfen Lied. This series was prohibited in Russia due to its unrestricted age limits.
The Last Valkyrie (India)
The tale of gods battling each other is not unfamiliar to anime or video game enthusiasts. However, some works fail in properly depicting these deities, which is unacceptable in certain countries. The Last Valkyrie being banned in India is a prime example of this.
