As anime’s popularity surges globally, the industry faces increasing scrutiny over content deemed inappropriate or offensive. While anime generally maintains more lenient standards than Western television, certain episodes have been banned or censored for various reasons, including cultural sensitivities and rights issues. Here, we explore ten episodes that faced significant backlash, resulting in their temporary or permanent ban in certain regions.
1. Pokémon The Series: Sun and Moon (2016) – Episode 64: Satoshi and Nagetukesaru! Touchdown of Friendship!
This episode follows Ash as he attempts to mediate a conflict between two groups of Passimian. Despite its seemingly innocuous premise, it was banned due to Ash’s use of blackface, an act that American broadcasters deemed potentially racist, despite Japanese studios finding it acceptable.
2. Cowboy Bebop (1998) – Episode 19: Wild Horses
Renowned for its rich storytelling, Cowboy Bebop faced controversy with “Wild Horses,” which depicted a fictional space shuttle crash. Coincidentally airing shortly before a real-life tragedy, it was temporarily banned in the U.S. due to its sensitive content.
3. Sailor Moon (1992) – Episode 67: The Beach, the Island and a Vacation: The Guardians’ Break
This beloved series, celebrated for its representation of women and LGBTQ+ characters, saw episode 67 banned by DiC for unspecified reasons. The episode remained lost for years, only resurfacing nearly two decades later.
4. Outlaw Star (1998) – Episode 23: Hot Springs Planet Tenrei
“Hot Springs Planet Tenrei” was excluded from Toonami’s lineup due to excessive nudity and sexual humor. It finally aired in 2018, long after its original release.
5. The Vision of Escaflowne (1996) – Episode 1: Fateful Confession
This early isekai anime never aired in the U.S. due to Fox Kids deeming it too focused on its lead character, Hitomi, which left many baffled given her central role in the story.
6. Ghost Stories (2000) – Episode N/A: Am I Beautiful? Kuchisake-onna
This episode was pulled from release in Japan after backlash over its portrayal of a ghost resembling a cleft palate, prompting outrage from disability advocacy groups.
7. Cowboy Bebop (1998) – Episode 6: Sympathy for the Devil
Following the events of September 11, 2001, this episode, which included scenes of falling and destruction, was temporarily banned in the U.S. alongside two other episodes with similar themes.
8. Osomatsu-San (2015) – Episode 1: Osomatsu-kun Returns!
This parody faced a ban due to unauthorized references to other franchises, prompting legal concerns and leading to its removal from airing.
9. Excel Saga (1999) – Episode 26: Going Too Far
The final episode of this offbeat comedy is infamous for its combination of excessive gore and controversial themes, as the director aimed to push boundaries to secure its ban.
10. Pokémon (1997) – Episode 38: Electric Soldier Porygon
Notorious for causing real-world health issues, this episode featured strobe lighting that resulted in nearly 700 cases of seizures among viewers. It prompted a four-month hiatus for the series and remains permanently banned.
These episodes illustrate the complex landscape of anime censorship, revealing how cultural perceptions and societal standards shape the content that reaches audiences worldwide.
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