10 Controversial Anime Series That Fans Can Never Forget

Over the past ten years, the anime industry has experienced an incredible surge in mainstream acceptance, transforming a previously specialized entertainment format into a global standard. This rapid expansion has led to a significant increase in the number of anime productions each year. Shows that were once only appreciated by a select group are now resonating with broader audiences. However, as is often the case with media, some of these productions gain immense popularity for reasons that may not be entirely positive.

Sometimes, infamous anime series get transformed into “if you know” memes on the internet, using their most shocking or debated scenes to create ominous reaction images. Yet, there are instances when these contentious anime shows gain such notoriety that viewers often wonder how they managed to receive approval for production in the first place.

School Days

The video game “School Days,” released in 2005 and categorized as a slice-of-life dating simulator, gained significant notoriety for its unexpectedly violent conclusions that contributed to its popularity. This franchise is well-known among fans of the harem genre, with a narrative focusing on Makoto Itou, a first-year high school student who develops feelings for his classmate Kotonoha Katsura, who also happens to ride the same train as him. With the assistance of his classmate and friend Sekai Saionji, Makoto attempts to win Kotonoha’s affection. While the plot initially appears straightforward, it soon takes a dramatic turn for the worse.

I found myself witnessing an unusual turn of events surrounding the 2007 animated adaptation of “School Days.” Beyond its intriguing narrative, the series sparked a great deal of controversy, primarily due to an incident that came to be known as the “Nice boat” meme among anime enthusiasts.

On September 17, 2007, the day the anime’s finale was scheduled to air in Japan, a shocking murder occurred with a chilling resemblance to the excessive, yandere-driven violence portrayed in Episode 12 of “School Days.” As news about this crime unfolded, TV Kanagawa decided to replace the final episode of “School Days” with stock footage of Europe, which included shots of a boat. Coincidentally, the finale of “School Days” also prominently featured a boat, giving rise to an odd and memorable moment in anime history that later became a meme.

Happy Sugar Life

The anime titled “Happy Sugar Life” initially appears to be as sweet and delightful as its name suggests. It starts by presenting Sato Matsuzaka, a typical high school girl with a cheerful demeanor and an endearing appearance. One fateful day, Sato encounters a very young girl named Shio who becomes deeply attached to her following abandonment by her mother. Eventually, Sato welcomes Shio into her apartment, swearing a pact of mutual protection that extends even to the point of eliminating those who may pose a threat to them. While the yandere theme is present, what stirs up controversy in “Happy Sugar Life” is the significantly large age difference between its main characters.

In the primary storyline, Shio is just eight years old. Although a negative or harmful portrayal of Sato’s actions might be acceptable, the script never attempts to condemn Sato’s behavior. Unfortunately, due to its sensitive and mishandled themes, the series has gained notoriety in yandere anime discussions for reasons that are more problematic than praiseworthy.

Pupa

Pupa holds a distinct disadvantage as one of the lowest-rated anime series of all time, boasting a mere 3.29 rating on MyAnimeList. Originating from a manga by Sayaka Mogi with the same title, Pupa delves into the lives of two siblings, Utsutsu and his younger sister Yume. Having endured an abusive childhood and left behind by their parents, they strive to rebuild their lives. However, fate seems cruel when they are afflicted by a strange curse known as “Pupa.” Unlike Yume who succumbs to the infection, Utsutsu acquires regenerative abilities. To prevent his sister from transforming into a monster, Utsutsu resorts to feeding her his own flesh.

To put it simply, while the foundation of Pupa’s source material isn’t poor, it certainly has its merits, particularly in the detailed monster artwork and its horror manga appeal for those seeking gory tales. However, the anime adaptation has sparked controversy due to significant narrative simplification, leaving a confusing storyline with only the most explicit elements of the original plot remaining. Furthermore, the anime’s portrayal has been criticized for highlighting an unsettling “sibling complex” theme that was inherent in the original story. Beyond these production flaws, the anime adaptation has drawn criticism for its treatment of this questionable narrative aspect.

Oreimo

In the early 2010s, Oreimo, known for its vibrant design, gained widespread popularity. However, as fans delved deeper into the show’s plot, they found its “endgame” relationships sparking controversy and infamy. Originating from Tsukasa Fushimi’s original light novel, Oreimo centers around Kyosuke Kosaka, a teenager who had been estranged from his younger sister, Kirino, for years. Upon accidentally uncovering Kirino’s hidden otaku interests, Kyosuke employs this discovery to gradually mend their bond throughout the series.

In a surprising twist that left numerous anime enthusiasts both stunned and dismayed, Kirino and Kyosuke are depicted as the ultimate couple in the series Oreimo. This unexpected conclusion sparked an overwhelming wave of criticism from viewers, with its questionable romance now serving as a lasting memory. However, a side-story titled Oreimo: Kuroneko attempts to correct this by coupling Kyosuke with Ruri instead. Regrettably, the spin-off manga is generally regarded as non-canonical.

Elfen Lied

Elfen Lied is a chilling blend of science fiction, horror, and psychology that originally emerged from the mind of Lynn Okamoto in 2002 through Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump. Later, it was transformed into an anime series by Arms and Studio Guts in 2004. The narrative revolves around a unique human species called Diclonius, characterized by head horns and arms that work like telekinetic powers. A Diclonius named Lucy manages to flee from the government facility she’d been confined within for what feels like her entire existence. Eventually, she washes ashore in Kamakura, leaving behind her old self and adopting a childlike persona known as “Nyu.

The TV show is known for stirring up debates because of its graphic portrayals of violence, which often involves harm inflicted on female characters and animals. The way the Diclonius characters are treated by humans, whether they’re from the government or regular citizens, appears extremely harsh and unnecessary. The extreme brutality and raw edge displayed in Elfen Lied make it a series that leaves a lasting impression.

The Rising of the Shield Hero

To the astonishment of many “Rising of the Shield Hero” enthusiasts when the anime made its debut in 2019, the series was not as harshly criticized as some within the community had anticipated. Although the show received criticism for its obvious flaws, including its mishandling of fantasy slavery and the initial plot revolving around the character combating false accusations, the overall anime audience found much to appreciate in the first season.

It wasn’t until the second season was released that viewers began noticing problems with the show’s writing from earlier seasons. This change in narrative style significantly affected the rhythm of the anime and hindered character development for many characters. Consequently, these shortcomings in Season 1 became more apparent, leading many fans to discontinue following Naofumi’s journey.

Goblin Slayer

The first episode of “Goblin Slayer” gained its notorious reputation as soon as it was aired, much like the series itself. Based on a dark fantasy light novel by Kumo Kagyu, the anime adaptation of “Goblin Slayer” was released during the peak of isekai and isekai-like genre’s popularity. The content in the first episode was so extreme that it sparked conversations among the anime community right away. The series begins by presenting its audience with a novice Priestess who embarks on her adventuring journey. During her first quest, things take a turn for the worse when she and her party encounter goblins, leading to some disturbing situations due to their unusual breeding habits.

The young female character is ultimately saved by Goblin Slayer, a lone heroic adventurer known for his role in eradicating countless goblins through harsh tactics. Despite initial reservations expressed by many prospective viewers of the series, the manga has also faced criticism, including being removed from Kinokuniya bookstores in Australia in 2020 due to allegations that it promotes questionable content.

Redo of a Healer

One highly debated anime upon its 2021 release, “Redo of a Healer“, is known as one of the most contentious fantasy series due to valid reasons. The narrative revolves around Keyaru, the “Healing Hero”, who, having suffered years of abuse from his supposed party members and allies, finds a method to amplify his magical powers and travels back in time to exact revenge by subjecting his future party members to the same torment he experienced.

Upon learning that Redo of a Healer was being turned into an anime, enthusiasts of the genre were quick to express their opinions about the show’s material, noting that its most controversial elements are what initially attract viewers. The initial two episodes of the anime contain a significant amount of explicit content to maintain viewer interest, encapsulating the series’ lack of meaningful discourse on the subject matter it presents, instead relying solely on shock value for impact.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Although Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation receives many positive reviews, it also stirs up controversy related to its source material and anime version. To give credit where it’s due, Mushoku Tensei doesn’t hesitate to tackle more sensitive story aspects. From the start, Rudeus is depicted as having lewd tendencies, and even as he grows and evolves, he continues to make inappropriate errors in dealing with many of the female characters.

Though some readers may overlook Rudeus’s past errors and his character from his previous life, he continues to make exasperating choices throughout the narrative. Moreover, as the second season progresses, the story seems to veer towards harem-like themes, a development straight from the original work that doesn’t appear to be altering with the airing of the anime. However, despite its flaws, Mushoku Tensei has been stunningly brought to life by Studio Bind, and even those who have reservations about its content should acknowledge it for its exceptional production values alone.

Made In Abyss

The world of “Made In Abyss,” created by Akihito Tsukushi, can be aptly described as bleak, terrifying, and devoid of hope. This captivating dark fantasy series follows an orphan girl named Riko, who embarks on a perilous journey into the Abyss, a colossal chasm that plunges deep into the Earth. Riko aims to follow in the footsteps of her mother, who is believed to have perished during her final descent. The twist is that those who venture too deep into the Abyss are cursed, suffering gruesome afflictions if they try to resurface.

The animated series “Made In Abyss” has been criticized by viewers for depicting characters that appear too young, especially given the mature and dangerous situations they encounter while exploring the Abyss. With its graphic violence and sensitive themes, “Made In Abyss” is already challenging to watch. However, when you consider that the main cast resembles small children, it’s no surprise that the show has stirred controversy. Despite this, “Made In Abyss” remains popular, and the manga doesn’t seem to be wrapping up any time soon.

2025-01-09 07:40