Fans of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” have claimed that the hit TV series has been censored in China.
The popular anime, which is based on the manga series of the same name, is currently airing its second season in the East Asian country. This season is a seven-episode arc with scenes from the 2020 anime film “Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train.”
Shonenleaks, which regularly posts anime- and manga-related content on Twitter, uploaded screenshots on May 5 to highlight the purported censorship.
The account compared images of Tengen Uzui’s three wives: Suma, Hinatsuru and Makio. The general release of the anime shows the women’s cleavage, while the Chinese version covers their skin with additional clothing.
Other Twitter users were quick to share examples of censorship in the Chinese versions of other anime, such as the general reduction of female characters’ breast sizes.
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Some of the show’s fans responded positively to the changes, noting that the Chinese version addresses how “overly sexualized” the women in the anime are.
Meanwhile, others were left divided, finding themselves against censorship while also agreeing with China’s intentions.
“Demon Slayer” animation studio Ufotable has confirmed the show’s third season, which will cover the Swordsmith Village arc from Chapters 100-127 in the manga, although a release date has not yet been announced.
Among the titles prevented from online or print distribution in China were “Attack on Titan,” “Death Note,” “Psycho-Pass” and “Parasyte.”
Under the implemented regulations, Chinese website operators are required to secure an approval from the agency before they stream foreign media.
Featured Image via FK Studios
