Anime is a global phenomenon that has conquered millions of fans around the world. However, its expansion outside Japan has been accompanied by a recurring obstacle: censorship. In many countries, content regulations have led to significant modifications in various series, either due to cultural differences, age restrictions or local regulations and that was made clear by a user on the Twitter/X platform named @Akikun1124 where he posted “Overseas anime regulations are brutal”. This has generated a strong debate among fans, who consider that these alterations affect the original essence of the works.
Anime suffers censorship abroad
One of the most emblematic cases is that of One Piece, where censorship has had an impact in various ways. An iconic example is the character of Sanji, who in the original version smokes constantly, but in several international adaptations, his cigarette was replaced by a candy to avoid encouraging smoking among younger viewers. Also, the character of Mr. 2 Bon Clay was modified in some versions due to his effeminate behavior, which generated controversy over the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in the anime. These modifications have been criticized by fans, who argue that they affect the development and identity of the characters.
Another of the most notable cases of overseas censorship is Yu-Gi-Oh! an anime that, despite its enormous popularity, has undergone multiple modifications in its international version. In several adaptations, religious references, firearms and certain attire considered inappropriate have been eliminated. A well-remembered example is that of the dueling cards, where illustrations have been altered to avoid images considered offensive in markets such as the United States. This has generated discontent among fans, who feel that these modifications affect the aesthetics and original intention of the work.
Censorship in anime is not only limited to the alteration of images or dialogues, but in some cases has led to the complete elimination of episodes or even the banning of entire series in certain countries. For example, Pokémon has been subject to censorship on multiple occasions, such as the episode in which James, from Team Rocket, appears disguised in an inflatable bikini, which was eliminated in several broadcasts outside Japan. Similarly, some episodes of the series were modified due to cultural references that could be misinterpreted in other regions. Other anime that have been victims of the terrible censorship have been Tokyo Revengers, Attack on Titan or Gintama.
The impact of censorship on fans is undeniable. Many anime fans argue that these modifications affect the original experience and detract from the authenticity of the series. Moreover, in the age of the internet, where it is easier to access uncensored versions, the differences between editions have generated frustration among viewers who want to enjoy the content as it was conceived by its creators. This has led streaming platforms to offer unmodified versions in an effort to satisfy the most demanding fans.
On the other hand, there are those who defend certain cases of censorship by arguing that some scenes or themes may not be suitable for younger audiences or for certain cultural contexts. However, the line between protecting the viewer and altering a work is blurred, which keeps the debate alive within the anime community.
Censorship of anime overseas is a complex issue that continues to generate discussion. While some defend the need to adapt content for different markets, others see these modifications as a distortion of the creators’ original work. In an increasingly globalized world, viewers have more access to the authentic version of their favorite series, which calls into question the effectiveness of censorship today. In the end, the battle between preserving the integrity of a work and bringing it up to international standards remains a dilemma in the anime industry. Tell us, do you prefer to watch anime with censorship or in its original version?