Generally, Japanese animations are considered kid-friendly and suitable for all ages, young and old alike, yet not all anime are not as suitable as many think. Most Japanese anime productions do not shy away from depicting death even as results of violence or from using images showing nudity.
Although presented as animation of images that are no different from the Western cartoons that depict violence in comical ways. In both cases, the presentation of violence in cartoonish ways is said to be more dangerous. They mislead children into believing that such actions are funny and do not have harmful consequences.
That being the case, parents should still painstakingly curate the anime series or movie that their children will stream or download. This is of particular importance because there’s an influx of all kinds of anime accessible internationally, especially in the US.
Anime Censorship in Some Countries
Take note that there are cases in which an episode or character have been revised in order to make the image or the storyline more appropriate or appealing to American parents. One such example is a young boy frequently appearing totally naked in the original Japanese version. In offering the animation in the American market, the image of the nude boy was modified by making the young boy wear a pair of shorts.
Some narratives could end in death as in the original Sailor Moon episode where two scouts died. To make the story more appealing to anime curators, US publishers revised the conclusion of the story by making it appear that the scouts were rescued and therefore still alive.
The point being driven at here, is for parents not to be complacent by letting their children stream or download anime films or series without first viewing the shows themselves.
In Indonesia, Anime Indo TV channels have to observe stricter censorship rules, since certain aspects such as nudity, gambling, alcoholism, permissiveness and other actions do not conform with conservative Islamic laws. Anyway, adult, non-Muslim Indonesian fans of anime, need only to visit website of an Anime Indo platform. That way, they can search and curate other Japanese animations that their children can watch via streaming platforms.
Examples of the Most Watched Anime Films and Series in 2022
Avatar: The Last Air Bender – Available as TV series and movies, this particular Avatar episode revolves around an 11-year-old boy found frozen in the ocean. Representing the last of his tribe, his survival after more than 100 years strengthened beliefs that he is the fabled leader who can liberate the Air Bender race from the clutches of the Fire Nation.
Card Captor Sakura – Available as TV series and movies, this G-rated anime features an elementary school girl named Sakura. She accidentally discovers she has magical powers that she can use to set free, different sets of magical cards.
Naruto – This television series is one of the longest all-time anime favorites but is rated PG. Presumably because of the use of the word “damn” and some occasional mention of activities related to gambling drinking and smoking. Naruto’s adventure as a young ninja boy by the way, is in relation to his aspirations of becoming a village leader known as Hokage. .
Actually, there is a long list of the most watched anime favorites, which includes classics like Dragon Ball Z, Hamtaro, Full Metal Alchemist, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Macross, My Neighbor Totoro, Pokemon, Sailor Moon and Yu-Gi-Oh, just to mention a few.