Why has the phrase “anime is dead” become so common online? In this video, we explore the growing debate surrounding the state of the anime industry — from production burnout and declining animation quality to sequel fatigue, corporate interference, AI experiments, and the oversaturation of generic isekai.
We break down the main arguments behind the claim that anime is “dying,” while also examining the counterpoints: record-breaking global popularity, massive streaming demand, and groundbreaking works that prove the medium is still evolving. By analyzing industry trends, fan reactions, and behind-the-scenes reports, this video uncovers why some people feel nostalgic for a “golden age” and why others believe anime is more alive than ever.
Whether you agree with the doom posts or not, this video will help you understand where the controversy comes from — and what it really means for the future of anime.
00:00In recent years, debate has grown about the current state of anime.
00:04Many fans ask whether anime is dead due to cultural and market changes.
00:09Among the most cited causes are censorship and the influence of so-called Western woke culture on Japanese productions.
00:17To address this issue, we will examine specific examples, compare them with past eras, and see how the industry behaves today.
00:24A recent example is Bachi the Rock, an anime about a girl with social anxiety disorder.
00:31Its screenwriter, Eriki Yoshida, spoke openly about changes made to make the series family-friendly.
00:38In the original manga, the protagonist Hidori gets naked in an ice bath, but in the anime, they decided to put her in a swimsuit.
00:46They also removed jokes about the size of her breasts, as Yoshida felt they distracted from the story.
00:52She said that in a successful anime, that kind of representation is just noise that diverts attention from a central theme.
01:00From a creative standpoint, Yoshida wanted to keep the focus on music, friendship, and the protagonist's shy evolution.
01:07However, some viewers see this as a sign of hypocrisy.
01:12They criticize that while caution is called for with sexualization, for example, softening fan service scenes,
01:17the theme of the protagonist's social anxiety remains the center of attention.
01:22This has fueled the narrative that the work became more generic and cautious, so as not to offend, despite its original plot.
01:30The contrast is clear.
01:32In the manga, Hidori appears more exposed, while in the TV series, there is visual self-censorship.
01:38As one specialized media outlet describes, Yoshida changed the cold bath scene.
01:43On paper, Hidori is naked, but on TV, she asked to put her in a swimsuit.
01:49She further explained that cuts like this help make the anime accessible to wider audiences, parents, minors, without losing its charm.
01:58In short, Bachi the Rock illustrates how current creative decisions avoid showing nudity or fan service that would have been accepted in the past,
02:07citing a family-friendly editorial goal.
02:09Such adjustments are perceived by some as an example of a trend toward internal self-censorship, self-cancellation, in order to not upset anyone.
02:19But at the same time, they reveal the hypocrisy of people like Yoshida in mocking a condition such as social anxiety disorder.
02:27Censorship in anime is neither new nor unique to today.
02:31Japan has strict obscenity laws, Article 175, that, until 1991, prohibited the depiction of pubic hair, for example.
02:42This forced older creators to self-censor with visual effects, lights, pixels, tentacles, to hide nudity.
02:49Series from the 80s and 90s with sexual content, classified as eki or hentai, resorted to creative tricks to get around the rules.
02:57In fact, some very violent or gory anime, such as Elfin Lied or Higurashi, were edited for TV due to their graphic nature.
03:07For example, classics such as Cowboy Bebop and Gantz were broadcast on television with scenes cut and later released and censored on DVD.
03:16Even adult comedy series, such as Mr. Osomatsu, have had episodes edited for certain reruns.
03:23In short, in the past, the reasons for censorship were usually legal or related to audience standards.
03:29Nudity, extreme violence, drugs, or vulgar language were cut to comply with the codes of the time.
03:36Some fans point out that anime used to be more creatively dangerous in other ways, fan service, gore, precisely because the motivations were different.
03:46In that sense, although content is censored both now and in the past, the reasons have changed.
03:52In the past, it was due to traditional regulations, Japanese laws, technical or commercial limitations.
03:58While today, there's also talk of cultural pressures or offense.
04:02Today, anime is hugely popular worldwide.
04:05It's on streaming services, DVDs at Walmart, t-shirts, and regular stores.
04:11As one analyst points out, anime has become part of American mainstream culture.
04:16This means bigger international audiences, but also changes in the industry.
04:20When targeting the global market, studios often adapt their style and content.
04:26For example, they incorporate more elements that are understandable to Western audiences
04:31and tone down aspects that are deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
04:36A key point is the Western market.
04:38To win over English-speaking audiences, they may strip away very Japanese traits, local folklore,
04:44very Eastern humor, or reduce the typical fan service.
04:48As one expert warns, studios sometimes try to cut out what they consider unnecessary noise
04:54for a big hit, eliminating extreme anime tropes and fan service.
04:59For example, it has been mentioned that global series, such as Attack on Titan, avoid exaggerated
05:05shots or highly visual comic scenes in order to maintain a serious tone.
05:10This is in line with the idea of a broad family audience.
05:14Ultimately, this tendency to homogenize can make current productions seem more generic so as
05:21not to offend anyone, precisely the accusation that some detractors make.
05:26In the otaku community, this mainstream phenomenon has created tensions.
05:31Many old fans believe that anime was better when it wasn't popular, like before.
05:37They long for a time with more daring and less consensual content.
05:41Others note that the mass of new viewers leads some true fans to attack those who enjoy
05:46series considered popular, such as Sword Art Online.
05:50As one analyst writes,
05:52As anime reaches the mainstream, some followers are withdrawing or insulting those who consume
05:57the most popular content.
05:59It is even said that today, otakus are treated with condescension, branded as immature if they
06:05express sharp criticism, because they take offense at everything.
06:09Although this is a generalization, it reflects the clash between old fans and the new generation
06:16of global fans.
06:17The debate also touches on thematic content.
06:20It is often said that anime from the past always had a lesson to teach, while today's anime are
06:26more self-contained or generic, focused on selling entertainment without any deeper message.
06:31For example, classics from the 80s and 90s, such as Saint Seiya, Dragon Ball, Evangelion,
06:38often ended with moral lessons or philosophical reflections.
06:42Today, some popular series, especially generic shonen genres, focus on battles or simple romances
06:49without questioning much.
06:51While this depends on each work, changes in the audience and market influence the content.
06:55At the same time, there are modern manga and anime with clear messages, ecology, friendship,
07:03self-esteem, but it is common to hear criticism of the supposed lack of purpose in current mass
07:08releases.
07:09It should be noted that this criticism is partly nostalgia.
07:13However, the argument for cautious content persists.
07:16With so many sensitive audiences, creators may avoid dangerous topics, sex, intense horror,
07:23uncomfortable social criticism, so as not to alienate anyone.
07:28This gives the impression that today, everything is for everyone, and that the most successful
07:33works tend to be safe and proven.
07:36In the community, advice such as, if you don't like a series, don't watch it, is often heard.
07:41Indeed, many fans believe that the most effective way to protest against an effect is a
07:46offensive or poor quality work is to ignore it.
07:49Stopping funding it through tickets or merchandising would prevent it from gaining popularity.
07:55This discourages the creator without the need for complaints or media scandals.
08:00This idea contrasts with public criticism.
08:03Some point out that you don't have to buy something to show your dislike.
08:07In any case, it is a matter of fan strategy rather than official censorship.
08:12The picture is broader when we consider that it is not only anime that is under discussion.
08:19Manga, light novels, and anime-style video games, especially visual novels, which tell interactive
08:25stories, experience similar dynamics.
08:29Many of these works come from the same creative environment and also face debates about how
08:34daring they are.
08:35For example, some Japanese visual novels have been adapted with censorship for Western consoles,
08:41modifying sexual or bloody scenes.
08:43Criticisms of uniformity and watered-down themes can be applied to any anime-style narrative medium.
08:51In short, the debate cuts across the entire otaku ecosystem.
08:56Every series, manga, or video game is perceived within that global conversation about freedom of expression and commercial trends.
09:05In short, although phrases such as anime is dead sound alarmist, they reflect real concerns among fans.
09:12On the one hand, the anime industry is bigger and more closely monitored than ever, meaning that certain content that was once commonplace is now censored or altered, either due to legal regulations or internal family audience criteria.
09:27On the other hand, the globalization of the medium has led to a process of homogenization to please a wider audience.
09:34This would explain why many current series follow safe formulas and lack the risky elements of yesteryear.
09:42However, anime is still alive in many ways.
09:45There are independent works, radical manga, djenshi, and projects that continue to push the boundaries.
09:52In addition, the diversity of genres today is enormous.
09:56There is both generic material for everyone and very niche offerings.
10:00While it is true that in some cases the message has been simplified, it is also clear that other creators are taking full advantage of their creative freedom.
10:09For example, series for adult audiences outside a conventional TV.
10:14Ultimately, as fans, the decision is up to each of us.
10:18It is recommended to stay informed.
10:20Watch both classics and new releases.
10:23Analyze where the criticism comes from.
10:25And form your own opinion.
10:26And if there is one thing to accept, it is that not all change is bad.
10:31But neither should we be afraid to express when an anime no longer convinces us.
10:36In the words of several fans, if you don't like it, don't watch it.
10:40Consuming or not consuming is the clearest way to show what kind of anime we want to support.
10:45And finally, the anime Bachi The Rock is only used for two things in the otaku community.
10:52To sexualize its protagonist and to make jokes about social anxiety disorder.
10:57By this, I mean that in the end, censoring the series did not help at all.
11:15I mean that in the end, censoring the series is the same as the other one thatной an anime, especially if you we have Elementvorak.
11:17Let's talk a fewBERR
11:30Just a little bit more about it, just a little bit more about it.
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