Unpacking Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Popular Anime
Jermaine Wall, LICSW-S, JSOCC
Content Warning: This post contains discussions and video examples of sensitive material—including depictions of problematic sexual behaviors in anime. Viewer discretion is advised. All content is presented for educational purposes and to spark thoughtful discussion.
Introduction
Anime has become a major force in youth culture, with millions of American adolescents engaging with its diverse narratives. However, some portrayals in anime—such as sexualized character depictions, fan service, and even explicit scenes—raise concerns about their impact on young viewers’ perceptions of sexual behaviors. In this post, we’ll explore several examples of problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) in anime.
Context & Background
Drawing from current research and media consumption data (2)(3)(4)(5), we know that:
Anime consumption among American youth is at an all-time high, and with it comes exposure to a broad range of narratives.
Japanese cultural influences often shape how sexual behavior is depicted in anime. While some portrayals are nuanced, others can normalize behaviors that may be problematic, especially for younger audiences.
Media and sexual scripts: As Ward (1) notes, media content can shape societal expectations around sexual behavior, sometimes reinforcing harmful norms.
Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Anime:
Chikan/Groping in Public
Context: This clip from Dragon Ball features a scene in which Master Roshi engages in unwanted physical contact in a public setting.
Analysis: Such portrayals, when normalized, may desensitize viewers to the seriousness of non-consensual behavior.
The clip prompts us to ask: How might repeated exposure influence adolescent understandings of boundaries and consent?
Normalization of Stalking and Obsessive Behaviors
Context: In this example from One Piece, Sanji’s obsessive behavior is portrayed as a gag, representing a form of romantic devotion.
Analysis: When anime shows portray stalking as a sign of true love, it confuses real romance with dangerous behavior. This might lead young viewers to think that stalking is acceptable.
Excessive Fan Service
Context: This clip from High School of the Dead highlights extreme fan service elements—upskirt shots, exaggerated sexual imagery, and unnecessary explicit scenes.
Analysis: While fan service can be a popular aspect of anime, it can become overused and objectify characters, sending mixed messages about self-worth and sexuality. This example serves as a launching point for discussing the balance between artistic expression and social responsibility.
Incestuous Undertones
Context: In this clip from Jujutsu Kaisen, subtle hints of incestuous undertones appear through the depiction of familial relationships.
Analysis: By presenting incestuous hints as just another quirky narrative element, the clip risks blurring the line between taboo and acceptable behavior. For young viewers, such portrayals can be confusing, potentially normalizing behaviors that challenge healthy family boundaries.
Conclusion
I'm a huge fan of anime—it dives into themes of purpose, identity, resilience, and creativity like no other medium. Still, some shows include problematic sexual depictions that can shape youth perceptions.
I'm curious: what anime do you enjoy, and how do you feel about how these topics are handled?
Bio-Jermaine Wall, LICSW-S, JSOCC, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jermainewalllcsw/
Jermaine Wall is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience in clinical therapy and social services, concentrating primarily on youth and adolescent mental health.
Jermaine holds a Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences with a Minor in Organization Leadership for Non-Profits from the University of Florida.
He is licensed in Georgia and Alabama and holds multiple specialized certifications, including Juvenile Sexual Offending Counselor.
Jermaine is the founder and Clinical Therapist at Crescent Counseling Services in Birmingham, Alabama. Driven by a passion for destigmatizing mental health, Jermaine is committed to developing creative programming that optimizes mental well-being.
References
(1) Ward, L. M. (2016). Media and sexualization: State of empirical research, 1995–2015. Journal of Sex Research, 53(2), 128–142.
(2) YPulse. (2021). Youth culture & entertainment trends report. YPulse.
(3) Crunchyroll. (2021, February 2). Crunchyroll surpasses five million paid subscribers & 100 million registered users [Press release]. Crunchyroll.
(4) Parrot Analytics. (2022). Global TV demand report.
(5) Common Sense Media. (2021). The Common Sense Census: Media use by tweens and teens, 2021.
I’ve always had these thoughts but the representation of the “pervy sage / mentor” who is a master but sexually inappropriate. This is especially true as I watch these shows with my daughters. I think it’s important to watch these shows and discuss these topics with the young people in your life. We love watching the shows as a family and it gives us an opportunity to discuss difficult topics as a family.
I love anime… but most times, the sexual behaviors and tension can really turn me off to things…
If an anime wants to go in that direction…. Gotta educate the viewers on consent. Don’t know how much consent was beaten into me (figuratively speaking)… but being a black man in American society… anything can happen.