One day, I searched for an anime but couldn’t find it because my country banned it! To help you avoid this problem, we created a list of popular ones to the hidden gem-banned anime. This list will help you determine whether any particular series is available in your country.
The most common reason why streaming platforms stop showing these series in specific countries is their offensive content, untouched or societally taboo topics, and sometimes unrealistic sexual depictions. Additionally, other reasons lead to the banning of these anime, which we will also discuss here!
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1- School Days
Banned In: China
The Chinese government primarily banned this slice-of-life anime because of its content, which focuses on extreme violence and psychological manipulation. The anime’s dark theme and stressful situational scenes surely affect viewers’ mental states, especially those of minors. One proof of this is the delay of the last episode’s release—just one day before it aired in Japan, a real-life murder occurred that had the same content as that episode. In addition, the plotline also negatively portrays sexual content.
2- Teppen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Banned In: Saudi Arabia
Controversial content leads to many areas banning shows, with the best example being “Teppen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Laughing ’til You Cry.” The specific reason for the ban is an episode that showcases the conspiracy to assassinate the Prime Minister. However, this depiction goes against Saudi Arabia’s cultural norms; they consider it politically sensitive and inappropriate content. Additionally, during the same week this episode aired, someone shot and killed the former PM of Saudi Arabia, Abe. After this event, the episode never aired on live television.
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3- Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend
Banned In: United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand
The next banned anime revolves around humans, man-beasts, and demons. Its narrative showcases graphic violence and inappropriate sexual themes that disturb most viewers. Moreover, this series depicts rape and torture, which many find offensive and inappropriate to watch. Therefore, many people consider this anime story the most controversial ever in anime history.
4- Voltes V
Banned In: The Philippines
Voltes V captivates audiences with its significant cultural impact and storyline. Despite this, authorities in the Philippines have banned the anime! The main reason is that it portrays strong rebellion and resistance against tyranny, which could inspire viewers to rise against dictatorship. The series depicts characters fighting against oppression, mirroring the experiences of viewers during a time of political turmoil. However, this commitment results in the series facing censorship to control audience sentiment and prevent any promotion of dissent.
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5- Puni Puni Poemy
Banned In: New Zealand
One of the anime, Puni Puni Poemy, was also banned due to claims of child exploitation. Authorities imposed the ban because it contained excessive sexual content and violence, mainly involving very young characters in those situations. New Zealand classified this content as abusive and banned it in 2004. However, some fans argue that this series is a parody and should be considered under freedom of expression.
6- Death Note
Banned In: China and Russia
Two countries have also banned our beloved anime, Death Note. Fans adore the series for its unique plotline and great character development. Despite its popularity, it includes murder and suicide scenes that certainly influence young viewers. Considering this matter as a concern, China and Russia decided to ban it. Thus, this ban reflects their concern over how violent, dark themes and anti-social content in media impact youth.
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7- Kinnikuman
Banned In: France
Did you believe that the character, which does not fully resemble a real person, caused the authorities to ban the anime? In the next series on this banned anime list, French audiences cannot watch Kinnikuman. His lighthearted, comedic, and humorous show features a character named Brocken Jr. as a good Nazi, which some viewers find unsettling or uncomfortable because it presents Nazis in a favorable light. As a result, France has banned this anime.
8- Pokémon
Banned In: Saudi Arabia
The Pokémon series has more than one reason for being banned in Saudi Arabia. The first and most important reason is health concerns, highlighted by the episode “Dennō Senshi Porygon,” which aired once in Japan and caused many viewers to be hospitalized due to its rapid flashing lights. The next reason is the showcase of racial stereotypes.
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This appears in an episode involving the Pokémon Jynx, which reflects the negative portrayal of African Americans. Additionally, anime often supports violence and situations that resemble real-life tragedies. Overall, audiences consider this content inappropriate and displeasing.
Closing Here!
From hidden anime to popular titles, we have selected eight banned anime that feature compelling stories but fail to engage a worldwide audience. Different countries have varying preferences and diverse perspectives on the same content. According to that, they decide if the content shows violence, inappropriate sexual content, or others; it is completely these concerns. However, we’re here to inform you about the anime that have been banned, along with the countries and the reasons why they stopped streaming in those particular places.
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