The Pokemon franchise has existed since 1996. In the last 25 years, Pokemon has released video games, an anime tv show, movies, trading cards, and other merchandise. With more than two decades' worth of media that is hugely popular all around the world, there are bound to be a few things that people object to. Some of these things are because of cultural differences, while others are because of complicated histories.
In this course, we are going to examine Pokemon episodes, games, cards, etc., that were banned or altered because they had content that someone (or some country) didn’t like. Along the way, we'll learn about the concept of censorship, why it exists, and why censorship differs according to region and culture.
Introduction:
Too Much Japanese Culture:
Japanese foods that were altered in the anime to be more "American"
References to the Shinto religion were altered (because American children wouldn't understand them)
Episodes that were banned in South Korea for being overtly Japanese (why is Japanese culture frowned upon in South Korea?)
Sexuality:
Changes in characters' clothing to fit that country's "modesty" standards. (Such as changing a speedo to swim shorts)
Breastfeeding controversy - why a cow Pokemon feeding another Pokemon milk was censored for American TV.
Overt sexuality that was okay for Japan, but not for America (such as James wearing an inflatable bikini for a swimsuit contest)
World War II:
The swastika - how its different meaning in Japan resulted in a controversial Pokemon card.
When Meowth dressed up as Hitler (by accident), resulting in a banned episode.
The Nazi salute - why its accidental appearance doesn't bother anyone in Japan, but is edited out of multiple Pokemon episodes shown in other countries around the world.
Racism:
Why the original design of Jynx (a Pokemon) and Lenora (a Pokemon trainer) were deemed to be inappropriate for America, and were altered before being allowed on American TV.
Why Ash painting his face black to look like a monkey was also deemed unacceptable for American audiences.
Disasters:
Episodes temporarily removed from rotation after 9/11.
Countries that avoided showing disaster-related Pokemon episodes after their own disasters. (For instance, not airing an earthquake-related episode after an earthquake hit that country.)
Health and Safety:
The infamous "seizure episode" that resulted in young children having seizures due to flashing lights, and the Pokemon anime almost being banned for good.
Some scenes and episodes deemed too violent for American audiences.
"Game corners" in the Pokemon games - and why parents were concerned that it was too much like gambling.
Cigarette and alcohol use censored from the shows.
