Something that has been on many people’s minds recently is the UN’s proposal to ban anime. Has the UN really decided that this genre of media is harmful and needs to be eliminated?
In any case, this blog discusses the reasons why the United Nations may want to ban anime, as well as some of the countries that have already banned it. You’ll also be able to read about some of the pros and cons of anime, and whether or not this proposed ban will actually go ahead.
So what are you waiting for? Stick around to find out!
What is United Nations?
The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization whose declared goals are to maintain international peace and security, foster cordial relations among nations, accomplish international cooperation, and serve as a focal energy for nations’ actions to be coordinated.
It is the most extensive and well-known international organization in the world. The United Nations has its headquarters on international territory in New York City, as well as main offices in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, and The Hague (home to the International Court of Justice).
What impact does anime have on the UN’s goals and objectives?
It has no bearing on the UN’s goals and objectives.
Anime has no impact on international peace, security, economic progress, unity, social and cultural issues, or anything else.
But the UN is still determined to outlaw anime for reasons that are both hypocritical and illogical (as far as their goals).
Is the UN planning to ban Anime?
The United Nations is currently proposing a ban on anime because it’s perceived as promoting violence, abuse, and hate.
Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, special envoy on child protection called for Japan to ban explicit graphic content in Anime and Manga.
If this proposal becomes reality, it would be the first time a global organization has attempted to regulate an entire genre of entertainment media.
Watch this video to get more insight:
While there’s still some debate surrounding the possibility of an anime ban. Critics argue that the portrayal of violence in anime has no real-world impact, but the UN disagrees.
A manga translator, Dan Kanemitsu, condemned de Boer-Buquicchio for mixing reality with fiction, noting that there was a distinction between abusive pictures of children and manga portrayals of young characters.
“There is no such thing as manga or anime child pornography,” he asserted. “Child pornography involves children, and we must fight it for that reason. Referred to the sexualized representations of childlike characters in manga and anime. Many male and female painters in Japan create characters in a juvenile way to western eyes. As a result, it is a rejection of a popular Japanese art style.”
Why does United Nations want to ban some Anime?
Many people are wondering why the United Nations is interested in banning some anime. The reason has to do with social development and the way anime is being used in certain countries.
The United Nations believes that anime can have a negative effect on social development. Specifically in countries where it’s not allowed or promoted by the government.
According to the OHCHR guidelines, the UN Human Rights Division recommends that governments establish legal safeguards against particular content involving children.
“The Committee is deeply concerned about a large amount of online and offline material, including drawings and virtual representations, depicting non-existing children or persons appearing to be children involved in sexually explicit conduct, and about the serious effect that such material can have on children’s right to dignity and protection. The Committee encourages States parties to include in their legal provisions regarding child sexual abuse material (child pornography) representations of non-existing children or of persons appearing to be children, in particular when such representations are used as part of a process to sexually exploit children.”
In other words, the UN is proposing that member countries adopt a definition of child porn that includes cartoons. This announcement has sparked debate among anime fans, particularly those who support the Loli genre.
Why are there countries that ban Anime?
Anime is a beloved form of entertainment around the world, with millions of fans.
However, there are a few countries that have banned or restricted access to anime due to its supposed negative effects on society and the development of children.
Like in The US the government has banned Anime on TV since there are some reservations that anime can promote:
- Violence
- Pornography
- Drug abuse
- Copyright violations
Which can damage impressionable minds. Supporters of the resolution claim that anime glorifies violence. Which could lead to desensitization to these themes and negative consequences in the future.
Be sure to check out the best anime for kids that are rated G and PG. And if you’re worried about your kids watching anime.
Is this really going to happen?
Anime is one of the fastest-growing forms of entertainment in the world – with a market value of over $20 billion.
If this proposal succeeds, it could have serious implications for fans all over the world. UN’s win over creative rights can cause a huge blow to this industry.
Yet it is not going to happen anyway, since The United Nations has no authority to prohibit anything. Its only option is to urge its member countries to enact legislation under the UN resolutions.
In this situation, the United Nations is urging member countries to implement legislation against sexual exploitation and sexual assault against minors. This is referred to as the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (OPSC), According to section 56:
Child pornography is defined in Article 2 of the OPSC as:
Any representation of a child engaged in real or simulated explicit sexual activities, regardless of the means used, or any representation of the sexual parts of a child for primarily sexual purposes. The qualification ‘by whatever means’ reflects the broad range of material available in a variety of media, online and offline. It includes, inter alia: visual material such as photographs, movies, drawings, and cartoons; audio representations; any digital media representation; live performances; written materials in print or online; and physical objects such as sculptures, toys, or ornaments.
The quoted definition is already in use in several nations, including Canada. Note that there is an emphasis on the word “optional”. It is up to the member country to follow this optional protocol and include cartoons in child pornography as well.
In the US, drawn animation portraying children is considered protected speech as long as no kids were harmed during its development.
Are there any countries where Anime is already banned?
The United Nations is proposing a ban on anime because of the harmful effects it has on young viewers. Countries like China and Russia are leading the charge in trying to have anime banned from global theaters.
Here is a brief summary of the reason why some Anime shows were banned by some countries:
| Anime Name | Banning Country | Reason |
| Shoujo Tsubaki | Worldwide bans | Child sexual abuse, gore, and disturbing visuals |
| Record Of Ragnarok | India | Blasphemous, disrespectful of religion |
| Attack On Titan | China | Excessive violence and bloodshed |
| Kinnikuman | France | The portrayal of a Nazi character |
| Death Note | Russia and China | Cruelty, murder, and violence |
| High School DXD | New Zealand | Sexual content and nudity |
| Elfen Lied | China and Russia | Extreme violence, nudity, and gore scenes |
Conclusion
This blog has outlined the reasons why the United Nations is planning to ban some anime. It has also mentioned some of the countries that have already banned anime.
- Anime has been around for almost 30 years. It has grown in popularity in recent years and is not going away anytime soon.
- UN’s proposed ban is still up for debate and there is no clear indication as to when or if it will actually come into effect.
- The United Nations has no real authority until the members decide to individually enforce the UN’s proposal to ban Anime.
- Although there are some genres that need to be scrutinized more thoroughly banning Anime will not be a solution to any of the problems.