Japan is being forced to censor Anime and Manga...

Summary

The video discusses the growing issue of censorship in Japanese anime and manga, particularly due to pressure from Western entities like credit card companies and the United Nations. Western financial institutions are withdrawing support from platforms hosting adult content, leading to shutdowns like Manga Library Z. Fans are upset about this cultural censorship and have voiced their frustration, suggesting solutions like cryptocurrency and boycotting Western companies. The video highlights the tension between protecting creative freedoms and the influence of global corporations on Japanese media, with fans urging Japan to resist these external pressures and preserve its cultural identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Censorship is a major issue in anime and manga, especially regarding adult content such as violence and nudity, which are staples in Japanese entertainment culture.
• 😀 Not all countries support adult content in anime and manga, leading to several cases of censorship when these media are distributed internationally.
• 😀 A recent United Nations proposal suggests censoring or banning anime and manga based on claims of promoting gender stereotypes and violence towards women and children.
• 😀 Western credit card companies, such as Visa and MasterCard, have begun severing ties with anime and manga platforms, contributing to financial struggles for these websites.
• 😀 Manga Library Z, a platform created by *Love Hina* author Ken Akamatsu, was forced to shut down due to these payment processors pulling support.
• 😀 The issue has sparked frustration among fans, many of whom feel that Western influence is imposing its values on Japanese culture and creative works.
• 😀 Some fans are calling for Japan to stop distributing anime and manga to Western countries altogether to avoid censorship.
• 😀 There are calls for alternative payment methods like cryptocurrency to bypass the control of Western credit card companies and prevent censorship-driven shutdowns.
• 😀 Fans have even suggested creating new payment platforms that avoid Western companies' influence, citing Brazil’s *Pix* system as an example of bypassing traditional payment limitations.
• 😀 The growing concern over censorship and the economic pressure from Western corporations could lead to significant changes in how anime and manga are created and distributed worldwide.

Q & A

Why are anime and manga being censored by credit card companies and other external forces?

Credit card companies, like Visa and MasterCard, are withdrawing their support from anime and manga platforms due to content concerns, particularly regarding adult content, violence, and gender stereotypes. This is partly due to pressure from organizations like the United Nations, which proposed banning or censoring anime and manga for promoting harmful themes.

What specific content is causing controversy in anime and manga?

The controversy primarily revolves around adult content, such as extreme violence, nudity, and themes of sexual violence, which are often present in anime and manga. These elements are seen as problematic by some international audiences, leading to censorship in countries where such content is not supported.

How have Japanese anime and manga creators responded to the pressure for censorship?

Japanese anime and manga creators, including Ken Akamatsu, have expressed frustration over the situation, noting that the forced shutdown of platforms like Manga Library Z due to financial pressures is a significant blow. Creators are worried about the potential long-term effects of censorship on their freedom of expression and the cultural significance of their work.

What happened to Manga Library Z, and why was it forced to shut down?

Manga Library Z, a site that provided out-of-print manga, was forced to shut down because its payment processors, including credit card companies, ceased offering their services. This was due to concerns over the platform's adult content. The site could no longer cover operational costs, and without a new payment processor, it became unsustainable.

What is the broader impact of credit card companies pulling out from anime and manga platforms?

The broader impact includes the potential for widespread censorship in the anime and manga industry, with original Japanese content being altered to suit Western ideologies. This raises concerns about the preservation of cultural identity and artistic freedom, as well as the financial viability of platforms that rely on these payment methods.

How do fans feel about the situation regarding censorship of anime and manga?

Fans are upset and feel that the imposition of Western values on Japanese media is unfair. Many believe that censorship would undermine the cultural significance of anime and manga, and some are advocating for alternatives like cryptocurrency or boycotting Western companies to support their stance against censorship.

What solutions are being proposed by fans to combat the censorship of anime and manga?

Fans are proposing several solutions, including shifting to cryptocurrency as a primary payment method, developing alternative payment platforms to bypass Western credit card companies, and even boycotting Western companies altogether. Some fans have also suggested using pirate sites to consume content as a form of protest.

How does the censorship of anime and manga reflect broader cultural tensions between the East and West?

The censorship debate highlights a clash between cultural values, where Western audiences push for content to align with their standards, while Japan views these forms of media as integral to its identity and creative expression. The situation exposes the power of global corporations in shaping cultural industries and the risks of losing cultural diversity.

What role do credit card companies play in this situation, and why are they so influential?

Credit card companies like Visa and MasterCard are crucial because they control the primary payment methods used for online transactions. Their decision to withdraw services from anime and manga platforms directly impacts the financial viability of these sites, making it difficult for them to operate without these major payment processors.

What are the potential consequences of this situation on the future of anime and manga production?

If the pressure for censorship continues, it could lead to a significant shift in how anime and manga are produced, with creators potentially altering their work to comply with international demands. This could diminish the cultural richness and freedom of expression that defines much of Japanese media, affecting both the creative industry and its global fanbase.