10 Anime That Caused Too Much Controversy

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In the realm of entertainment, stirring up a bit of controversy can lead to financial success. Throughout history, numerous ventures and individuals have skyrocketed to fame by skillfully navigating well-timed controversies. This trend is not exclusive to any one part of the world; even in anime productions, minor controversies have sometimes been transformed into effective marketing strategies.

It’s a delicate balance to maintain: While a bit of controversy might help draw attention to a project, excessive or mishandled controversy can cause viewers to lose interest or even avoid the anime altogether. Regrettably, there are many anime series that were so enmeshed in controversy that they never received the recognition they deserved.

Back in the early 2000s, I found myself captivated by Tsugumi Ohba’s Death Note – an anime series that remains iconic even to this day. The intricate cat-and-mouse game between Light and L was not just a thrilling spectacle, but a masterpiece in the annals of anime and manga storytelling, often hailed as one of the best thrillers ever told. It’s no wonder that Death Note consistently graces ‘must-watch’ lists in the world of anime.

However, its journey to America was far from smooth sailing. The series encountered numerous challenges during its launch stateside.

I found myself observing the tumultuous reaction towards “Death Note,” a series that sparked significant controversy among various parental groups. They deemed it as part of their broader crusade to restrict anime and manga, labeling them excessively violent for young audiences. The controversy escalated further when students brought replicas of the Death Note prop to class or attempted to create their own lethal book version, casting a dark shadow over the series. Consequently, “Death Note” became a subject of ridicule in certain circles, and its reputation tainted the broader anime community as well.

Drawing inspiration from Rifujin na Magonote’s light novel series, the 2021 adaptation titled “ Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation ” offers numerous captivating aspects. The animation is superb, the character designs are impressive, and the anime boasts intriguing world-building that sets it apart. However, Mushoku Tensei frequently introduces elements and plotlines that stir discomfort among fans, sparking heated debates about the series every few months.

One common and persistent discussion revolves around Rudeus’ tendency towards flirting with underage girls. Despite his youthful appearance, he was close to 35 years old after his resurrection, causing romantic scenes to feel unsettling. His frequent lewd behavior further exacerbates the issue, making his relationships seem questionable at best. Add to that the fact that many characters engage in morally reprehensible acts such as emotional manipulation and slavery, it’s no wonder that debates about Mushoku Tensei are so frequent.

One of the most celebrated manga series in recent times, “Berserk,” is a masterpiece by Kentaro Miura that has captivated millions worldwide with its gripping narrative on struggle, hardship, and loss. Notably, this acclaimed manga refuses to flinch from exploring the sinister aspects of humanity. “Berserk” offers an unflinching, poignant portrayal of the enduring effects of violence and trauma, and it demonstrates how human relationships can empower individuals to surmount seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Despite Berserk’s dark reputation, some viewers are quick to dismiss it without giving it a chance. This was evident when the 2016 anime series debuted, as the intense violence and darkness in the first three episodes caused many to write off the anime altogether. They assumed the graphic violence was merely an attempt at being edgy, unaware that they were missing out on the deeply human moments that emerged later in the series.

2018 saw the arrival of the anime adaptation of Kumo Kagyu’s “Goblin Slayer” light novel series, and boy, did it spark quite a buzz online! The initial episode’s opening scene, where a Priestess and a band of greenhorn adventurers delve into a cave teeming with goblins, was the primary source of all that ruckus. As fate would have it, their mission took a dark turn, leaving all but the Priestess in a gruesome, violent demise. Talk about a thrilling start!

Instead of going into excessive detail, let me rephrase it for you: The graphic portrayal of violence in Goblin Slayer leaves some viewers feeling uneasy. This has sparked debates about acceptable levels of violence in media and the boundaries of dark themes. Some have even stopped watching it, labeling it as mindless violence. However, it’s worth noting that while the initial episode is intense, subsequent episodes employ violence to weave a larger narrative focusing on revenge and the long-term impact of violence.

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The manga titled “Interspecies Reviewers,” penned by Amahara and illustrated by Masha, premiered its anime adaptation in 2020. Given that it’s a series focusing on fantasy explorers visiting different brothels, distribution issues were expected, and indeed, “Interspecies Reviewers” faced challenges in the American market. Funimation took the initiative to air the first three episodes of the anime and even dubbed the opening episode into English.

Subsequently, Funimation chose to eliminate any references to Interspecies Reviewers from their platform, signaling that they had no intentions of continuing the anime series in the future. This decision ignited passionate discussions and debates surrounding censorship, particularly concerning the boundaries of what is acceptable in anime. Unfortunately, this controversy caused the show to fade into obscurity. It’s unfortunate because, although it had an explicit theme, Interspecies Reviewers was notably inclusive, and its unique qualities warranted more individualized discussion rather than being a symbol for general censorship issues.

Debuted in 2022 and originating from a light novel penned by Mato Sato and illustrated by Nilitsu, “The Executioner and Her Way of Life” kickstarted with an exceptional first episode. The episode introduces Mutou Mitsuki, a seemingly ordinary young man, but his world turns upside down when he discovers that unlike the others, he is devoid of magical powers in this new realm.

Despite Mutou being on the verge of succumbing to despair, a woman named Menou, who turns out to be an assassin crossing between worlds, unexpectedly offers him sanctuary in her church. As they work together to unlock his hidden potential, she ultimately betrays him by stabbing him in the head. This twist in the anime’s plot has been both praised for its unconventional nature and criticized by some isekai fans for deviating too far from the genre’s typical narrative.

2018 saw the debut of “Darling in the Franxx,” an animated series produced by A-1 Pictures, Trigger, and CloverWorks. This anime experienced one of the most dramatic and swift changes in public opinion in the history of anime. Initially, it was met with widespread acclaim from both fans and critics, with many believing that this show would be groundbreaking. However, opinions shifted significantly following the broadcast of the 14th episode, titled “Punishment and Confession.” In this episode, Ichigo shared a kiss with Hiro, a move that displeased many viewers who had grown attached to the relationship between Hiro and Zero Two.

The subsequent episodes turned out to be more disjointed and illogical, causing a finale that left many viewers feeling disappointed or unimpressed due to its similarities with other well-known series. Consequently, Darling in the FranXX gained notoriety among anime enthusiasts, as its negative reviews have become quite widespread. Newcomers to the medium are often unaware that this anime was initially highly anticipated.

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Making its appearance in 2012, Kokoro Connect originated from a light novel series penned by Sadanatsu Anda and illustrated by Shiromizakana. Upon its initial release, this anime garnered positive feedback due to the unique combination of supernatural mystery and romantic comedy it presented. However, despite the favorable reviews, Kokoro Connect was later overshadowed by a backstage controversy that clashed sharply with the show’s otherwise lighthearted atmosphere, leaving a bitter aftertaste for its fans.

Prior to the debut of Kokoro Connect, Mitsuhiro Ichiki was invited on stage during a pre-release event with high expectations that he might be announced as a new cast member. This was because he had recently auditioned for a role. However, it turned out that he was instead chosen to be the anime’s public relations manager. The crew then decided to reveal footage of Ichiki’s audition, which was actually a hidden-camera prank. This action sparked backlash from fans who perceived it as bullying, leading to a wave of online complaints and ultimately casting a shadow over the launch of Kokoro Connect.

Originating from TNK and inspired by the 2005 visual novel, “School Days” premiered in 2007. This anime became notorious for its grim and frequently violent storyline that defied typical expectations of the high school romance genre. However, it’s the final episode that stands out most vividly to fans. Interestingly, just a few days before the final episode was broadcast, many Japanese networks decided to cancel “School Days” from their programming schedule due to a tragic real-life murder incident.

Because the change was unexpected, TV Kanagawa didn’t swap out “School Days” with another series. Instead, they aired half an hour of beautiful nature footage accompanied by Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air on the G String.” One clip showed a Norwegian Ferry navigating through fjords, which a 4Chan user captured and labeled “Nice Boat” before sharing it on the site. The unusual post sparked the creation of the “Nice Boat” meme within the American anime fan community, resulting in many modern fans recognizing “School Days” primarily as the show that originated this internet sensation.

In every era, there’s one anime that generates intense debate due to its edgy or extreme nature, often eclipsing the actual series itself. For kids growing up in the 2000s, that anime was “Elfen Lied.” This anime, based on the manga authored by Lynn Okamoto, revolves around Kouta and Yuka, a pair of young individuals who find an amnesiac girl and offer to care for her until she recovers from her injuries.

Initially, these characters discover that the girl they encounter is not ordinary, but rather a Diclonius – a being that while appearing human, possesses unique biology and telekinetic abilities. Numerous secret organizations covet her, going to great lengths to apprehend her. The anime titled Elfen Lied does not hesitate to depict violence, and the treatment of Diclonius characters is rife with inhumane acts. Though today’s viewers may find the violence less shocking, Elfen Lied made quite an uncomfortable impact on anime enthusiasts at its debut. Those who can tolerate the graphic content will be treated to a captivating sci-fi anime experience.

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2025-05-14 23:09