Note: The following article addresses sensitive topics, including sexual assault, slavery, and domestic violence. Reader discretion is advised.
While the anime landscape is filled with uplifting and cheerful stories, numerous series venture into darker territories. Much like in film and television, certain narratives are crafted to delve into troubling themes. These darker anime often attract controversy, diverting the attention of fans with unforgettable and disturbing moments that linger long after viewing.
Although anime frequently faces scrutiny regarding its content, many controversies also arise off-screen. Throughout the years, notable anime creators have been implicated in serious criminal activities, challenging fans’ ability to appreciate their work fully. While some enthusiasts advocate for separating the art from the artist, it remains difficult to ignore the implications of financially supporting creators who have committed egregious acts.
9 Goblin Slayer
Animated by White Fox, Based on the Story by Kumo Kagyu and Noboru Kannatsuki
The premiere episode of Goblin Slayer stands as one of the most controversial in modern anime history. The opening scenes present a seemingly straightforward adventuring group embarking on a seemingly easy quest. However, the tone shifts dramatically when they are swiftly overpowered by goblins, resulting in horrifying torture. Particularly disturbing is the brutal assault of one character, leaving the others in utter helplessness.
This provocative introduction sparked significant backlash due to its unflinching depiction of violence and trauma. Despite the timely arrival of Goblin Slayer to rescue the remaining adventurers, the damage has been done, and the episode successfully establishes the series as a deeply dark tale.
8 Redo of Healer
Animated by TNK, Based on the Story by Rui Tsukiyo and Shiokonbu
Redo of Healer thrust itself into mainstream controversy with its audacious narrative. From the very first episode, viewers are confronted with the harrowing journey of Keyaru, who endures relentless sexual abuse at the hands of those around him. After four years of subjugation, Keyaru discovers a power that allows him to rewind time, awakening a thirst for vengeance that leads him to inflict sadistic retribution on his abusers.
The series does not shy away from contentious themes, engaging with issues of sexual violence and manipulation, thereby igniting a significant uproar in the digital community.
7 K-On!
Animated by Kyoto Animation, Based on the Manga by Kakifly
K-On! stands as a beloved series focused on a group of girls passionate about music. At first glance, it seems unlikely to stir controversy. Yet, social media has unfortunately associated the innocent premise of the show with troubling racist memes. Although the anime presents no such content, fringe forums have manipulated its imagery for disturbing purposes.
This association led to surreal memes likening the show’s characters to historical atrocities, tarnishing K-On!’s reputation in certain online circles. Fortunately, these controversies have largely been restricted to the internet.
6 Pokémon
Original Anime Series Created by Satoshi Tajiri and Animated by OLM
Few franchises can claim the legendary status of Pokémon, which spans over 1, 000 anime episodes, various video games, and a globally adored trading card game. Despite its immense popularity, the franchise faced a notorious episode entitled “Dennō Senshi Porygon” where flashing strobe lights inadvertently caused over 600 children in Japan to suffer seizure-like symptoms, with some even losing consciousness.
This tragic incident—deemed “Pokémon Shock”—prompted the episode’s permanent withdrawal from broadcasting and induced an extended hiatus for the series, generating fears of its potential cancellation.
5 Death Note
Animated by Madhouse, Based on the Manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata
Often regarded as one of the darkest anime, Death Note follows Light Yagami, a high school student who seeks to cleanse the world of crime using a supernatural notebook that enables him to kill anyone whose name he writes in its pages. The intense and morally ambiguous narrative raises serious ethical questions, leading to widespread bans in several countries, including Russia and China.
The series has reportedly inspired troubling behavior among youth, including the creation of imitation “Death Notes”in educational settings.
4 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Animated by Studio Bind, Based on the Story by Rifujin na Magonote & Shirotaka
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is a complex and highly regarded series in the isekai genre, celebrated for its intricate storytelling and world-building. Nonetheless, it harbors controversial themes. The protagonist, Rudeus Greyrat, is reincarnated as a youth while retaining the memories of his past life as a 34-year-old. This creates a disconcerting dynamic, as he often engages romantically with characters who are notably younger.
3 Kokoro Connect
Animated by Silver Link, Based on the Story by Sadanatsu Anda and Shiromizakana
Kokoro Connect has unintentionally been associated with an unusual controversy. The anime gained notoriety during its promotional phase when popular voice actor Mitsuhiro Ichiki was mistakenly reported as featuring in a role that did not actually exist, resulting in a public relations misstep.
Following the incident, Ichiki was offered a position as the show’s publicity head, which infuriated his supporters, leading to a wave of online harassment targeted at him. The handling of this situation sparked considerable outrage within the community.
2 Please Tell Me! Gaiko-Chan
Animated by Feel, Based on the Manga by Kenya Suzuki
Please Tell Me! Gaiko-chan is known for its relatively standard ecchi themes. However, the series was overshadowed by its author’s troubling personal controversies. Kenya Suzuki, the creator, was convicted for possessing illegal materials depicting child sexual abuse, an act he admitted to privately importing from Russia.
Following the conviction, Kadokawa, the publisher, suspended Suzuki. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how real-world actions can dramatically affect the perception of fictional works, especially when they involve innocent victims.
1.Kenshin
Animated by Liden Films, Based on the Manga by Nobuhiro Watsuki
The implications of the Rurouni Kenshin controversy are profoundly distressing. While the series enjoyed significant acclaim and influence in the anime community, its creator, Nobuhiro Watsuki, faced serious legal issues when he was discovered in possession of child sexual abuse material. A police raid uncovered nearly 100 DVDs with explicit content featuring minors, prompting widespread condemnation.
Watsuki’s subsequent legal consequences were minimal compared to the severity of his actions; he suffered only a nominal fine without any prison time. The fallout led to a temporary removal of the series from global distribution, but remarkably, he returned to work on a sequel shortly after his trial, raising further ethical questions within the fandom.
Leave a Reply