Not everyone agrees with the decision to brand some anime as banned anime. Some people argue that these bans are a form of censorship and that they violate the right to freedom of expression. Others argue that these bans are necessary to protect children and other vulnerable groups from harmful content. In either case, here are some of the most famous anime in the world that are banned in some countries-
Top 5 banned anime in countries
1. Death Note
Death Note is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga series of the same name written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The series follows the story of Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook known as the Death Note, which grants the user the ability to kill anyone whose name is written in it. Light decides to use the Death Note to kill criminals and create a utopia, but he is soon pursued by L, a world-renowned detective who is determined to stop him.
Death Note was banned in China in 2009 due to concerns that it could promote violence and suicide. The Chinese government argued that the anime’s depiction of a high school student who kills criminals without punishment could be harmful to young viewers.
2. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga series of the same name written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. The series is set in a world where humanity lives in fear of giant humanoids known as Titans, which have devoured most of the human population. The story follows Eren Yeager, a young boy who vows to exterminate all Titans after his mother is killed by one. Eren joins the Survey Corps, a military branch that specializes in fighting Titans, and sets out on a journey to avenge his mother’s death and save humanity from extinction.
Attack on Titan was banned in China in 2015 due to its violence and gore. The Chinese government argued that the anime’s depiction of giant humanoid creatures eating people could be harmful to young viewers.
3. High School of the Dead
High School of the Dead is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga series of the same name written by Daisuke Sato and illustrated by Shoji Sato. The series is set in a world where a zombie apocalypse has occurred. The story follows a group of high school students and their teacher as they try to survive in the post-apocalyptic world.
High School of the Dead was banned in China in 2012 due to its sexual content and violence. The Chinese government argued that the anime’s depiction of sexual content and violence against women could be harmful to young viewers.
4. Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga series of the same name written and illustrated by Lynn Okamoto. The series follows the story of Lucy, a Diclonius, a race of humanoids with horns and retractable arms. Lucy is captured by the government and used as a test subject in a scientific experiment. She eventually escapes and goes on a rampage, killing everyone in her path.
Elfen Lied has been banned in several countries, including Germany, New Zealand, and Malaysia, due to its extreme violence and gore. The anime depicts scenes of graphic violence, including torture, mutilation, and dismemberment.
5. Kite
Kite is a Japanese anime film directed by Yasuomi Umetsu and written by Kazuo Koike. The film is a psychological thriller about Sawa, a young girl who is forced to become a prostitute and assassin after her mother is killed. Sawa is trained by Oikawa, a police detective who is secretly using her to get revenge on a criminal organization.
Kite has been banned in several countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Finland, due to its sexual content and violence. The film depicts scenes of graphic violence, including child sexual abuse, torture, and murder.