Anime, a beloved form of entertainment originating from Japan, has undergone significant changes when imported to the United States. This article delves into the history and nuances of anime censorship, exploring the various edits made to adapt these productions to American broadcast regulations, standards, and cultural norms.
Anime, a popular Japanese entertainment medium, has faced extensive censorship when imported to the United States. This article explores the history and nuances of these edits, which often involve removing or altering scenes of violence, nudity, religious symbols, and cultural references. Discover how these changes have impacted the viewing experience and the controversies that have arisen within the anime community.
The journey of anime censorship in the United States began with the earliest imports of anime movies and series. Initially, it was assumed that the primary audience for these productions would be young children. Consequently, edits were made to align with American broadcast regulations and cultural norms.
The types of edits commonly made include:
Violence is a significant focus of anime censorship in the United States. Edits often involve removing the moment of physical contact during an attack, airbrushing out weapons, and covering blood with bandages. In extreme cases, entire episodes may be removed. For example, the "Pokemon" episode "The Legend of Dratini" was eliminated due to the prolific use of guns, causing confusion among viewers about how Ash acquires 30 Tauros.
Another form of censorship involves downplaying death. In "Mobile Suit Gundam," the word "kill" is often replaced with "destroy." In "Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs," enemy foot soldiers are teleported to another dimension instead of being killed. Similarly, "Battle of the Planets" and "Voltron" often claim that cities were safely evacuated before their destruction.
Religious symbols and terminology are frequently removed or altered in English dubs of anime. For example, the word "Bible" is often airbrushed from book covers, and religious terminology is removed from dialogue. Alleged demonic imagery and pentagrams are also censored.
Alcohol and tobacco products are commonly censored in anime. For instance, Dr. Sane's sake in "Star Blazers" was changed to "spring water." Cigarettes are often left in but airbrushed to appear unlit, as seen with the character Asuma in "Naruto."
Localization is another significant aspect of anime censorship. Early anime series often saw characters' names Americanized, such as in "Star Blazers," "Battle of the Planets," "Voltron," and "Robotech." More recently, "Detective Conan" was renamed "Case Closed" due to legal issues, and characters' names and Japanese locales were Americanized.
Cultural references are also frequently changed. In early episodes of "Pokemon," rice balls were referred to as doughnuts. In "Dragon Ball," Japanese currency was changed to American dollars.
Censorship in anime has sparked significant controversy within the anime community. Fans often feel that these edits dilute the original content and alter the creators' intended message. The controversy surrounding "Dance of the Vampire Bund" is a prime example, where fans were outraged by the announced cuts to the series.
Anime censorship in the United States has evolved significantly over the years, with various edits made to align with American broadcast regulations and cultural norms. While these changes aim to make anime more suitable for younger audiences, they often spark controversy and alter the viewing experience. As anime continues to grow in popularity, the debate over censorship and localization remains a pertinent issue within the community.
By understanding the history and nuances of anime censorship, fans can better appreciate the complexities involved in bringing their favorite shows to a global audience.
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