Ask John: Why do Anime and Manga Have to Contain Nudity?

Question:
Why do great titles have to include nudity. I don’t see any point in this as it is not vital to the storyline of most manga. It also bars younger siblings from reading good manga. I also do not see any point in hentai. The only thing it does is disgrace the name of anime.

Answer:
I intend no personal insult or provocation with my response, but I have to say that the numerous people who share the opinion you express don’t understand what anime and manga actually are. The words “anime” and “manga” are analytical, literary signifiers of particular types of art. To be specific, during the 30 years that these terms have been used in the English language, they have referred to Japanese comic and animation art. This art is unique specifically because it’s Japanese in origin and is intended for Japanese consumers. It’s different from American comics and cartoons because it’s not American and is not made for Americans. The inclusion of nudity, sexuality, and adult situations in manga and anime are one of the significant differences from American comics and animation such as Peanuts, Superman and Mickey Mouse. A foreigner, by which I mean non-Japanese native, who argues that the inclusion of nudity and sexuality cheapen or degrade anime is attempting to make a Japanese art conform to non-Japanese standards. It’s simply hypocritical for a foreigner to claim that nudity or hentai are inappropriate or unnecessary in Japanese art designed for Japanese consumers.

Japanese comics and animation are made by Japanese artists for Japanese consumers, and reflect Japanese cultural beliefs and values. Moreover, not even all manga and anime are intended nor suitable for all Japanese consumers. Mature or adult manga are obviously intended for mature or adult Japanese readers and viewers. Furthermore, we can’t overlook the obvious explanation of the inclusion of “fan service” to stimulate sales. Since anime and manga are commercial art, it’s contrary to their nature to eliminate elements that may increase their commercial potential.

Foreigners should either accept, enjoy, understand and appreciate Japanese comics and animation as what they are, or simply avoid them. If a younger sibling can’t read a “good manga” because it includes nudity, that may be a sign that the manga simply isn’t targeted at, or isn’t suitable for such a young reader. There are countless anime and manga targeted at every conceivable consumer- from pre-adolescent girls to middle-aged businessmen. You need only look to find manga or anime perfectly suited to any individual. Adult content doesn’t dishonor or cheapen anime and manga. Adult content, in many cases, defines anime and manga. Removing or censoring these elements is actually the true corruption of Japanese pop art. If you don’t like what you see, don’t look at it. Demanding, instead, that it be censored is just narrow-minded and eurocentric. In fact, one of the most appealing characteristics of Japanese pop art, for foreign consumers, is that it is chalenging and provocative. If you’re not willing or prepared to acknowledge the frank depiction of nudity and sexuality, adult situations, violence and other adult themes that are commonplace in contemporary Japanese popular art, don’t look at contemporary Japanese pop art or screen what you consume. I don’t think it’s reasonable to demand that an entire country’s traditional art forms censor themselves just so foreigners that borrow them won’t be shocked or offended.