Reader’s Question:
I recently read a volume of “Oishinbo” that features a story about chicken. It talks about how Yukiko Kurita’s grandmother used to frequent a chicken hot pot restaurant, which changed from using free-range chicken to broiler meat, resulting in a decline in taste. I noticed that the anime adaptation
of this story is considered a “censored episode.” I assume this is because it portrays broilers negatively and includes a depiction of Yukiko’s grandmother with dementia (even though she wasn’t actually diagnosed with it). Why is the original manga allowed to be published while the anime version is not?
Reflections on Censorship in Anime and Manga
Ah, the world of anime and manga—a delightful blend of storytelling, art, and sometimes, a touch of controversy. Recently, I stumbled upon an interesting discussion surrounding a particular volume of “Oishinbo.” In it, the narrative centers on Yukiko Kurita’s grandmother, who has fond memories of a chicken hot pot restaurant that shifted from free-range chicken to broiler meat, which apparently affected the overall taste. However, when the story made its way to the anime adaptation, it was labeled as a “censored episode.” Now, that piqued my interest. What could possibly lead to such a decision? As it turns out, the anime adaptation faced backlash for a couple of reasons. The mention of broiler chicken wasn’t just a casual jab; it was underscored by visuals that seemed to directly reference actual broiler factories, which could lead to identification. Moreover, there was a bit of a faux pas with the term “Boke,” which refers to dementia in a rather insensitive way. Anime, it seems, operates under a different set of ethical guidelines compared to manga, and as a result, what may be acceptable in one medium can be a no-go in another. Reflecting on this, I remember a time when I was too early for a class and decided to grab a snack from the vending machine. Picture this: I’m standing there, munching on a questionable protein bar that probably has more sugar than protein, and I overhear two classmates discussing the latest episode of another anime that was similarly scrutinized for its portrayal of sensitive topics. It’s funny how these discussions can unfold in the most mundane of moments. This incident with “Oishinbo” also highlights a broader conversation about how society perceives and portrays sensitive subjects, especially mental health. As someone studying psychology, I find it fascinating—and a bit frustrating—how often these topics can be mishandled or sensationalized. We often discuss the importance of representation and sensitivity in media, and it’s clear that creators must tread carefully to avoid backlash. But hey, we’re all human, right? We sometimes make mistakes, and it’s essential to learn from them. It leads to growth, not only for creators but for audiences as well. I genuinely believe that open dialogues about these topics can pave the way for more thoughtful storytelling in the future. What are your thoughts on this? Have you come across any other examples of anime or manga where censorship played a crucial role? Or perhaps you have a funny story about an anime discussion gone awry? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments!
