China Blacklists 38 Japanese Anime and Manga Titles

China’s Ministry of Culture has blacklisted 38 Japanese anime and manga titles, including popular series like Attack on Titan and Death Note, due to content deemed inappropriate for distribution in the country.

China Blacklists 38 Japanese Anime and Manga Titles

China’s Ministry of Culture has recently blacklisted 38 Japanese anime and manga titles from distribution in the country. This move has sparked controversy and raised concerns among fans and industry professionals alike. As an authoritative and knowledgeable content writer with over 10 years of experience in the manga industry, I will provide an in-depth analysis of this decision and its potential impact.

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The blacklisted titles include popular series such as Attack on Titan, Death Note, Sword Art Online II, and Tokyo Ghoul √A. These series have gained a significant following worldwide and have contributed to the growth of the anime and manga industry. However, the Chinese Ministry of Culture has deemed them inappropriate for distribution in China due to their content.

According to Liu Qiang, a senior official from the Ministry of Culture, the blacklist was created based on evaluations by investigators, reviews by the ministry, and expert opinions. The purpose of this blacklist is to guide websites in reviewing and importing comics and animations in a proper manner, ensuring that content aligns with Chinese regulations and cultural values.

New Regulations and Impact on Chinese Websites

This decision to blacklist these anime and manga titles is part of new regulations implemented in China on April 1. These regulations require video websites to seek approval before streaming foreign media. The Ministry of Culture has started blacklisting titles that contain scenes of violence, pornography, terrorism, and crimes against public morality. Websites hosting such content have been put under investigation.

As a result of these regulations, 29 Chinese websites have faced penalties, including fines and warnings to remove the blacklisted material or risk losing their business licenses. Some of the websites that have been penalized include Baidu Inc’s iQIYI, Sohu.com Inc., Tencent, Leshi Internet Information & Technology Corp Beijing (LeTV), and Youku Tudou. Additionally, eight websites have been shut down for hosting content without a license.

It is important to note that the Ministry of Culture has stated that more titles may be added to the blacklist in the future. This move reflects China’s efforts to regulate and control the distribution of foreign media content in the country.

The Future of Anime and Manga in China

This decision by the Chinese Ministry of Culture to blacklist these anime and manga titles highlights the increasing scrutiny and regulation of foreign media in China. It raises questions about the availability and popularity of these titles within the country and the impact on the industry as a whole.

While the blacklisting of these titles may limit their official distribution in China, it is important to note that fans can still access them through alternative means such as pirated copies or online platforms outside of China’s jurisdiction. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the blacklisting and its ability to truly control the circulation of these titles.

Furthermore, this decision may also lead to a rise in domestic Chinese anime and manga productions as creators and fans seek alternatives to the blacklisted titles. This could potentially boost the local industry and create new opportunities for Chinese artists and storytellers.

In conclusion, the blacklisting of 38 Japanese anime and manga titles by the Chinese Ministry of Culture has sparked debate and raised concerns within the industry. It remains to be seen how these regulations will impact the availability and popularity of these titles in China, as well as the future of the anime and manga industry in the country.