A recent Twitter post became a trending topic in Japan. criticize the constant sexism present in anime, manga, video games and music in the Japanese entertainment industry. The author of the post argued that Japan needs to start creating content that does not perpetuate gender inequality, warning that failure to do so will have negative consequences. He also suggested stopping supporting, purchasing or consuming entertainment that reproduces these values, pointing out that too many people have been “casually contaminated by misogyny” in these media.
- «Japan should really start creating anime, manga, video games, and music that aren't sexist, because the situation is pretty dire. Also, we should first stop supporting sexist entertainment. Don't buy it, don't support it. Too many people are being casually poisoned by misogyny because of sexist entertainment in Japan.».
In his post, The user compared the situation to popular comments overseas, where many viewers have expressed their weariness with the constant sensualization of young women in anime. Among the examples cited, comments such as:
- «I stopped watching anime because of misogyny. It's everywhere, no matter how much you select, you can't escape it.».
- «I got tired of the obvious sexiness of teenage girls, so now I read Korean manhwa aimed at women.».
- «Most anime seems disgusting to me now, because of the creepy fans and the sensualization of women and girls.».
The thread also mentioned examples of works that were once popular, but which some stopped watching due to the inappropriate depiction of underage characters.as was the case with “My Hero Academia” or the harem comedy “Ladies Versus Butlers,” which was described as an anime full of “universal misogyny.”
The post sparked a heated debate among Japanese users, with opinions both for and against. Some supported the initial argument, highlighting that the problem of misogyny in anime is real and widespread.while others criticized the stance, pointing out that the industry is not as problematic as it is made out to be.
- «Why don't you do it yourself? It's too much to ask others to do it for you. If you want different content, you should create your own.».
Other users pointed out that Most people don't see this supposed problem in the industry.. One particularly popular comment mentioned:
- «Most people don't even think about these things. They are exaggerating.».
In defense of anime, Some users mentioned examples of series where women are the protagonists and sexist roles are not perpetuated, such as “K-On!”, “Bocchi the Rock!” and “BanG Dream!”where women are not only the central focus, but have strong and active roles.
On the other hand, There were those who pointed out that, although there is sexist content, sales data shows that the Japanese entertainment industry is in good shape.. One user pointed out:
- «Sales data shows that there is no problem, the industry is stronger than ever. Works that have tried to force politically correct messages such as Assassin's Creed or Disney have failed.».
In short, the post sparked a wide-ranging discussion about the state of anime and manga in relation to misogyny, where opinions vary drastically. Some users are calling for change in the industry, while others are defending creative freedom and claiming that the majority of the public is not affected by these issues. In the end, the debate makes it clear that the clash of opinions surrounding gender representation in anime is an issue that continues to generate controversy both in Japan and abroad.
Fountain: Otakomu
