Why is Attack on Titan Banned in China? Exploring the Controversy and Censorship
The question of why Attack on Titan (AOT) is banned in China is a complex one, with roots in both content concerns and broader geopolitical considerations. The simple answer is that Attack on Titan was banned in China due to its extremely violent and graphic content, which was deemed unsuitable for public consumption by Chinese authorities. However, delving deeper reveals a more nuanced picture involving China’s strict censorship policies and its particular sensitivities regarding media content.
The Core Reason: Extreme Violence and Graphic Depictions
At its heart, the ban stems from the sheer intensity and graphic nature of violence portrayed in Attack on Titan. The anime, known for its brutal scenes of humans being devoured by enormous Titans, doesn’t shy away from depicting gore and horror. These depictions, while integral to the narrative and thematic elements of the series, are considered excessively violent and potentially disturbing by the Chinese government.
Chinese censorship is particularly stringent when it comes to content that might be seen as harmful or corrupting to the youth. The graphic violence in AOT, including scenes of mutilation, dismemberment, and cannibalism, is seen as a direct violation of this principle. The Chinese administration aims to curate media consumption, ensuring it aligns with its values and maintains social stability. A series so graphic, especially one with a large following, was considered a potential risk.
Broader Censorship Policies and Cultural Sensitivities
The banning of AOT isn’t an isolated incident but rather a reflection of China’s broader and rigorous censorship policies concerning media content. The Chinese government has a history of censoring anime, particularly those that contain:
- Excessive Violence: As seen in the case of AOT, graphic depictions of violence are a major trigger for censorship.
- Nudity and Sexual Content: While AOT is not overtly sexual, content with suggestive themes or nudity is strictly prohibited.
- Content Deemed Immoral: This includes anything seen as subversive, disrespectful to authority, or promoting values conflicting with the Chinese government’s ideology.
The Impact of Japanese Culture and Content
There’s also a layer of cultural sensitivity involved. While Japanese anime is incredibly popular in China, the Chinese government maintains control over foreign media, ensuring it doesn’t conflict with their own cultural and political narratives. The fact that AOT, a series with potent anti-establishment themes, is of Japanese origin adds another dimension to the censorship. Any content that might be seen as promoting dissent or questioning authority is generally met with strict scrutiny.
The Russia Connection
It’s worth noting that Russia, too, has banned AOT, citing concerns that it “harms young children’s spiritual and moral education.” This highlights a shared concern among certain governments regarding the potential impact of highly violent anime on younger viewers. This is also relevant considering that many online platforms may be accessible across borders, and any content blocked in one place may be easily viewed from another.
The Impact on Viewers and Anime Fans in China
Despite the ban, the popularity of anime in China remains high. Chinese audiences have been known to use VPNs and various methods to circumvent censorship and access their favorite shows. The censorship of AOT and other anime only underscores the demand for these titles, even as access to them through official channels remains blocked.
The ban on AOT hasn’t eradicated its influence in China. Instead, it has pushed consumption underground, making it a “forbidden fruit” and potentially boosting its notoriety amongst some audiences. This has led to a continued interest in anime in China, with fans actively seeking out ways to enjoy their favorite shows despite the restrictions.
Conclusion
In summary, Attack on Titan is banned in China primarily due to its graphic violence, which is seen as a threat to the moral well-being of its citizens, particularly younger audiences. This decision aligns with China’s strict censorship practices, which often target foreign content perceived as unsuitable or ideologically problematic. Although banned, AOT’s popularity among Chinese anime fans continues, underscoring the complex dynamics of censorship and fan engagement in the digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about AOT and Anime Bans in China
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the ban of Attack on Titan and the broader issue of anime censorship in China:
1. Is Attack on Titan the only anime banned in China?
No, many other anime series have been banned in China. Some notable examples include Tokyo Ghoul, Death Note, Blood-C, and High School DxD. These bans are primarily due to similar concerns related to violence, sexual content, and potentially harmful themes.
2. What kind of content is most likely to be censored in China?
Content that includes excessive violence, nudity, sexual themes, political subversion, disrespect for authority, and depictions of the supernatural that conflict with the government’s ideology is often censored.
3. Are all Japanese anime series banned in China?
No, many Japanese anime series are legally available in China. However, any series that are deemed to violate Chinese censorship policies are subject to bans. Often, series may be edited to remove controversial content to comply with censorship requirements.
4. How do Chinese anime fans watch banned anime?
Many Chinese fans use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to circumvent geo-restrictions and access banned content. Additionally, anime fans use unofficial streaming websites and file sharing platforms to watch their favorite anime.
5. Does China censor other forms of media besides anime?
Yes, China has extensive censorship policies that apply to films, television shows, video games, books, and online content, both domestic and foreign. This censorship aims to maintain social stability and control the narrative.
6. Are US movies also censored in China?
Yes, many US movies are censored or banned in China. The Chinese Film Administration routinely blocks the release of foreign films to protect domestic productions and to ensure media aligns with the government’s guidelines.
7. Why is China so strict about censorship?
The Chinese government believes strict censorship is necessary for maintaining social stability, national unity, and ideological alignment. It views uncensored content as a potential threat to its authority and societal values.
8. Is anime popular in China despite censorship?
Yes, anime is hugely popular in China and a significant part of youth culture. This popularity has garnered the attention of investors and has given rise to a thriving domestic animation (donghua) scene.
9. Is there any way to officially watch banned anime in China?
No, there is no official way to watch banned anime in China. The only way is to circumvent the government bans, which can have risks.
10. Is anime censorship specific to China?
No, while China has one of the most extensive systems of censorship, other countries also censor anime for various reasons. Russia, for instance, has banned several anime series citing concerns about their impact on children.
11. Does the ban of AOT impact its popularity in China?
The ban has arguably increased AOT’s mystique and demand, with many fans going to lengths to access the series. The “forbidden fruit” effect has likely boosted its notoriety.
12. How does the ban of anime in China affect the anime industry?
While there is a loss in the market share due to censorship, the anime industry continues to grow in China via legitimate and less legitimate avenues. This has led to increased investments in Chinese animation and local art studios, as seen with Chinese web giants like Alibaba and Tencent.
13. Has the Chinese animation industry been influenced by Japanese anime?
Yes, Japanese anime has been a major influence on the Chinese animation industry (donghua), and both share a similar animation styles and genres. The popularity of anime has prompted growth in China’s domestic animation industry.
14. Are there any instances of anime getting censored due to religious content?
Yes, some anime have been banned in certain countries due to religious content, such as the series Shoujo Tsubaki which also contains extreme sexual trauma, or for depictions of the supernatural such as the anime Death Note and Tokyo Ghoul.
15. Why did Russia ban Tokyo Ghoul and Death Note?
Russia banned these anime due to concerns that teenagers were mimicking on-screen violence. The courts concluded that these shows were a bad influence on the younger generation.