Why did some countries ban the Death Note? Here’s what you need to know | World News

Death Note—arguably one of the greatest and most debated anime shows of all time—has mesmerized viewers across the globe with its gothic subject matter, internal struggles, and magical notebook that allows its owner to kill. Not everyone, however, shares the same enthusiasm for its creepy setting. Several nations have banned Death Note outright due to severe objections regarding its impact on young minds.
From students making literal “Death Notes” in life to officials claiming it encourages violence, the show has been subject to heated controversy all over the world. So why did governments do what they did? Is Death Note really that bad, or is censorship running amuck again? Let’s get to the controversy of the bans.

Originally launched in Japan in 2003, Death Note rapidly became an international phenomenon, appealing to viewers worldwide with its addictive plot, mind games, and ethically troubled characters. Both the anime and manga are centered around Light Yagami, an extremely clever high school student who discovers a secret notebook named the *Death Note*. This supernatural novel gives him the ability to murder anybody by simply penning their name in it, provided he sees their face. Thinking it’s his responsibility to eliminate criminals from the world and make it an utopia free of evil, Light takes on the pseudonym “Kira” and starts killing those he considers not worthy of living.
Yet, his new power soon gets the best of him, and he descends into paranoia, manipulation, and a cat-and-mouse game with the genius detective, L. The more merciless Light becomes in his crusade for justice, the more questions are raised in the tale regarding morality, power, and the pitfalls of absolute power. Although its popularity among a broad fan base and generally favorable reviews by critics, Death Note has been banned in various countries for its black themes, mature content, and real-life activities of students seeking to emulate the anime by their own “death notes.” Whether or not people view the television series as an innocent work of fiction, opinions remain divided: Some people tend to think it is too extreme and poses ethically problematic dilemmas for underage viewers. This constant controversy has only helped fuel the anime’s cult following and turned it into one of the most iconic and controversial shows ever made.

Why Death Note was banned in some nations

Notwithstanding its huge international fanbase, Death Note has been banned in various nations over its graphic violence, dark themes, and ability to mislead young viewers. The anime includes graphic murder scenes, bloodshed, and even suicide, which prompted nations such as Russia and China to ban it from being distributed.
China specifically acted after students started making their own “Death Notes” and listing names of teachers and classmates they hated. This caused national outrage, with parents worried about the show’s impact on young minds. China’s strict censorship against supernatural content, including the Shinigami Ryuk, also played a role in the ban.
Russia soon followed, prohibiting Death Note and other anime such as Tokyo Ghoul due to its potential influence on young people. Other governments have even condemned the anime for encouraging “anti-social behavior” and watering down ethical boundaries. Death Note has continued to be among the most popular and provocative anime shows globally despite these prohibitions.