Anime regulations in China: controversial new restrictions

Censorship measures against foreign pop culture have intensified in China. According to local reports (such as Radio Free Asia), several comic and animation conventions were recently canceled due to nationalist pressure, claiming that they promoted unwanted “Japanese cultural influences.” For example, events such as Qingdao Comic Con and animation exhibitions in Shandong province were suspended for alleged “security” reasons and public condemnation, amid an atmosphere of criticism of Japanese culture.

In addition, direct content blocks have been reported. Several popular anime series were removed from Chinese platforms: the anime Darling in the FranXX (2018) was banned on streaming sites due to its “suggestive situations,” and titles such as Re:Zero also suffered censorship (dialogue lines changed or episodes deleted in 2021). It is believed that Chinese authorities have defined new rules to reject anime with themes considered inappropriate (school love stories or plots contrary to the government). According to experts, this wave of restrictions seeks to preserve “cultural responsibility” and prevent the dissemination of content that does not fit with the official narrative.

In conclusion, fans have watched with surprise as China blocks series and events related to foreign anime. The new measures cover everything from school romances to any element perceived as subversive. This has sparked debate in the community, which is closely following which anime will be banned next.