Top 10 Controversial Anime of 2023

The anime lineup for this year brought forth multiple highly anticipated shows. However, in the midst of all the excitement, there were certain anime that sparked the most controversy in 2023. This year witnessed the return of several beloved series, including new seasons of fan favorites like Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Spy x Family, and Mushoku Tensei II, among others. Alongside these established hits, new series like Oshi No Ko, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, and Hells Paradise also made a big impact, winning over the hearts of anime fans. Despite the numerous successes, several popular anime of 2023 also found themselves embroiled in controversy.

In 2023, these 10 anime sparked intense controversy within the anime community. Please note that this article reflects the writer's opinions and some of the mentioned titles contain mature content.

Zom 100, Oshi No Ko, and 8 other anime that caused the most controversy in 2023

1. Oshi No Ko

Since its debut in 2023, Oshi No Ko has quickly become one of the most popular and widely discussed series in the anime community. Based on the manga by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari, the story touches on sensitive topics such as suicide, depression, murder, and cyberbullying.

Additionally, the show explores the darker aspects of the entertainment industry by depicting the obstacles faced by idols and public figures, as well as the impact of obsessive fans and online commentary on their lives. This mature series reflects real-world issues and addresses themes that strongly resonate with viewers.

However, the portrayal of societal challenges in the series may be triggering for some audience members, leading to the series being included in the list of anime that sparked the most controversy in 2023. It is important to note that the series was previously accused of incorporating the suicide of Japanese wrestler Hana Kimura into its storyline, adding an additional layer of controversy to the show.

2. Onimai: I'm Now Your Sister!

This debut series on the list of controversial anime in 2023 has stirred up debate. Despite its adorable CGDCT theme and charming visuals, the plot has raised unease due to its troublesome elements.

The story follows Oyama Mahiro (20), who is transformed into a visually 13-14-year-old girl by his younger sister, Oyama Mihari (17), without his consent. Fans have criticized this non-consensual change as being odd and unnecessary for the character's development.

The narrative becomes more worrisome with the presence of adult male Mahiro in the body of a young girl. Not only does Mahiro struggle with the transformation, but his passivity in trying to change back raises further concerns. Furthermore, the inclusion of fanservice involving minor characters in the story adds an extra dimension of controversy to the series.

In 2023, My Life as Inukai-san’s Dog sparked significant controversy in the anime community. Referred to as a cursed show, this ecchi anime was widely criticized for its portrayal of a love triangle involving Pochita, an unconventional protagonist.

4. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

In addition to scenes such as the main female character, Inukai Karen, bathing nude with the dog, the story explores even more explicit, twisted, and unusual occurrences. Despite the fact that the dog in question is actually a human transformed into a canine, the disturbing content has led to the series being labeled as one of the most controversial anime of 2023.

The 2023 debut of this seinen series has captivated anime fans with its fresh and captivating storyline, providing a new take on the post-apocalyptic zombie survival theme.

However, the controversy surrounding this series stems from the significant delay in releasing its 10th episode. While Zom 100's episode 9 aired on September 24, 2023, the series unexpectedly went on hiatus for three months, with episode 10 set to premiere on December 25, 2023. This prolonged wait has resulted in a noticeable decrease in the show’s hype and anticipation, sparking controversial discussions within the fandom.

5. Heavenly Delusion

Heavenly Delusion, a unique anime that debuted in 2023, is set in a dystopian world and features a plot shrouded in mystery since the first episode. The storyline, reminiscent of The Promised Neverland, has contributed to the show's controversial nature, earning it a place among the list of anime that caused the most controversy in 2023.

This seinen anime may not be suitable for all audiences, as it explores explicit and triggering elements, portraying disturbing scenarios such as captivated children (similar to Darling in the Franxx) and themes of human experimentation, assault, r*pe, and suicide.

6. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2

Since its debut in 2021, Mushoku Tensei has remained at the center of controversy, continuing to stir up heated debates in 2023. The second season's lackluster reception has only added to the scrutiny, with particular attention being paid to the problematic portrayal of characters, notably the perverted behaviors of the protagonist Rudius Grayrat.

The series' narrative includes other troubling elements such as the sexualization of underage characters, explicit sexual content, and the depiction of slavery, as well as the persistent use of fanservice visuals. This has led to significant criticism from the audience.

7. Girlfriend, Girlfriend Season 2

Girlfriend, Girlfriend, an anime that caused the most controversy in 2023 (Image via studio SynergySP)

The harem anime genre is taken to new levels in Girlfriend, Girlfriend, as it explores the controversial theme of polygamy. The story follows protagonist Mukai Naoya as he navigates simultaneous romantic relationships with his childhood friend, Saki Saki, and another girl, Nagisa Minase, who proposed to him. Both girls are fully aware of the complex and unique situation.

8. Hell’s Paradise

The plot's contentious nature made it one of the most controversial anime of 2023. However, the show's comedic elements and innovative approach to harem, along with its fanservice visuals, continue to help it maintain popularity among a certain segment of the fanbase.

Hell’s Paradise, also known as Jigokuraku, has become one of the most anticipated anime releases of the year, thanks to Studio MAPPA. The dark and compelling storyline has piqued the interest of anime fans since the trailer's release. However, despite its engaging narrative, this shonen series has faced criticism from audiences, particularly regarding its animation quality.

9. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You

Despite this, a portion of fans have voiced their discontent, citing a drop in the quality of animation. Moreover, there has been widespread criticism about the adaptation, with many stating that the anime does not live up to the brilliance of Mangaka Yūji Kaku’s original work.

A controversial anime of 2023 that stirred up a storm (Image via Bibury Animation Studios)

Continuing the trend set by Girlfriend, Girlfriend, this series, belonging to the harem genre, pushes the boundaries, as hinted by its title.

The controversy surrounding the show arises from the excessive number of girls in the harem and the overly sexualized characters, which do not contribute to the plot. As the story progresses, both the narrative and humor become repetitive, leading to the series being seen as just another standard harem show.

The high ratings of the anime may not truly reflect its overall quality, leading it to be considered one of the most controversial anime of 2023.

10. Magical Destroyers

Magical Destroyers, an anime that caused the most controversy in 2023 (Image via Bibury Animation Studios)

Magical Destroyers is a unique anime that delves into a storyline where the Japanese government, claiming to protect the nation's culture, launches a crackdown on otaku and otaku culture. The narrative follows the Otaku Hero and his magical girl companions as they lead a rebellion against the repressive government to reclaim their individual freedom.

The story tackles important issues such as the negative stigma surrounding otaku and reflects real-world struggles, exploring themes of authoritarianism. While the show's appeal declined towards the end, it remains a controversial anime in 2023 due to its inclusion of unsettling plot elements.

Stay tuned for more anime and manga updates in 2023.

Editor's P/S

As an anime enthusiast, I am always eager to explore new and exciting shows. The lineup for 2023 has been particularly impressive, with a diverse range of titles that cater to different tastes and preferences. Among the many standout series, a few have sparked controversy and divided opinions within the anime community.

One such anime is "Oshi No Ko," which delves into sensitive topics such as suicide, depression, and cyberbullying. While the series effectively portrays the darker aspects of the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by idols, some viewers have found the content triggering and disturbing. The controversy surrounding the show's alleged incorporation of a real-life suicide incident adds another layer of complexity to the discussions.

Another controversial anime of 2023 is "My Life as Inukai-san's Dog," which has been criticized for its explicit and unusual content. The show's portrayal of a love triangle involving a human transformed into a dog has raised concerns about consent and the normalization of problematic relationships. While some viewers may find the series entertaining, others have expressed discomfort and disapproval of its themes.