As a seasoned gamer and avid anime enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must confess that Dandadan has left me rather divided. The show’s unique blend of action and humor is undeniably captivating, but its controversial elements have been a source of discomfort for many viewers, myself included.
2024 Winter anime sensation, “Dandadan”, masterfully blends intense action with whimsical humor. The narrative follows Okarun and Momo as they employ their newly discovered abilities to retrieve Okarun’s stolen family heirlooms, all while eluding a diverse gang of aliens and spirits who are hot on their trail. However, the series has sparked debate since its debut. Right from the get-go, “Dandadan” has been enveloped in controversy.
Although not every anime shares this issue, the genre has developed a negative image among Western spectators due to its frequent depiction of characters who, under Western age-of-consent laws, would be considered minors and thus inappropriately sexualized. The series Dandadan, while not being the most egregious example, has still sparked discomfort among some casual viewers. Even die-hard manga readers have cautioned potential viewers about the latest episode of Dandadan, claiming it pushes boundaries even further. Regrettably, we failed to heed their warnings.
Did Dandadan Episode 9 Go Too Far?
The ninth episode of “Dandadan” is based on Chapter 25 of the original manga by Yukinobu Tatsu. In this episode, characters Okarun, Momo, and their new companion Aira (who possesses Acrobatic Silky’s powers) find themselves captured by the Serpos aliens, Mr. Mantis, and a monstrous creature reminiscent of Godzilla, who are trying to seize their “bananas” in the dimension known as Empty Space. To navigate more effectively within this watery environment, Momo and Aira shed their outer clothing, leaving only their undergarments, while Okarun had previously been left naked by the aliens.
Following their victory, Momo and Okarun found themselves back in the regular world, sprawled naked side by side before their fellow students. This act was meant to convey humor and affection, symbolizing their growing relationship, yet it’s important to note that they are still adolescents.
The response online was mixed. On one hand, ardent manga fans commended Science SARU for remaining true to Chapter 25 in the adaptation, despite the contentious nature of the source material’s moment. On the other, they also appreciated the series for its authentic portrayal of teenage sexual anxieties that resonated with many viewers. However, a significant number found it too explicit for their comfort, expressing discomfort due to their personal sensitivities.
In many anime productions, teenage characters are often portrayed in a sexually suggestive manner. This is partly due to Japan’s history of lower age of consent, which was 13 until it was raised to 16 in 2023. Additionally, it reflects deep-rooted cultural norms that have persisted over time. Consequently, these characters’ narratives can be significantly impacted by the sexualized content they were exposed to during their formative years.
It’s an issue that Western audiences have grappled with for decades. Some anime fans try to justify it as a cultural difference, and they say that it’s okay because of Japan’s lower age of consent. However, those opposed to the controversial scenes state that a country’s laws shouldn’t dictate what is morally acceptable.
Dandadan Readers Tried to Warn Us
As Episode 9’s premiere approached, social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram were flooded with memes, videos, and skits from avid readers of Dandadan, humorously speculating about the upcoming episode. Long-standing fans anticipated the intense content, frequently expressing their readiness to fiercely defend Dandadan online by using the phrase “brace yourself for defending Dandadan with every fiber of your being.
Me trying to defend dandadan after the new episode #ダンダダン
— 𝙈𝙧𝙕𝙚𝙙 (@spinitbackzed) November 28, 2024
With each passing day, the number of viewers tuning into the episode is anticipated to cause an escalation in online discussions. The series boasts a dedicated fanbase who will staunchly champion it right up until the end. They argue that the characters, despite being underage, are not excessively sexualized, and any nudity serves comedic purposes rather than for titillating purposes. However, it’s been suggested that Episode 9 isn’t the most contentious moment in the show; that title goes to the debut episode.
Dandadan Has Been Controversial Since the Start
Imagining the situation: You successfully persuaded your family to join you in streaming an anime titled Dandadan on either Netflix or Crunchyroll. The initial scenes are amusing, but as the episode concludes, Momo is shown in her undergarments, forcibly confined to a medical chair while aliens aim to take her reproductive organs. Unlike Episode 1, which may have faced criticism due to its adult themes and potential underage sexualization, Episode 9 might not face the same level of backlash, as those who disapproved of the early content will likely have already stopped watching.
After the debut of the show in October, many disgruntled viewers took to social media and online forums to express their disappointment, while various articles were published discussing the series’ contentious nature. A common post title in the “Dandadan” subreddit was “Episode 1: I am DISGUSTED”.
In China, the show Dandadan has faced censorship, resulting in modified scenes and character designs that are less explicit compared to the original version. For instance, Momo’s underwear in a controversial scene from the first episode was made more discreet, while Seiko Ayase’s outfit in the Chinese version is significantly less sexualized than her original design.
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2024-11-29 19:39