Bans on Detective Conan Cosplay in China Amid Historical Controversy

The recent collaboration between the popular Japanese anime series *Detective Conan* and *My Hero Academia* has sparked significant backlash in China, leading to bans on cosplay and merchandise sales related to *Detective Conan* at various events. This controversy is rooted in historical grievances stemming from Japan's wartime actions, particularly the actions of Unit 731, which conducted human experiments during World War II. The character "Maruta Shiga" from *My Hero Academia* has been particularly contentious, as "Maruta" was a term used by the Imperial Japanese Army to refer to victims of these experiments.

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In response to public outrage, event organizers in cities such as Beijing, Chongqing, and Lanzhou have prohibited cosplay and merchandise sales associated with *Detective Conan*. The bans were implemented to foster a "good atmosphere" and to respect historical sentiments. For instance, the IJOY Comic-Con in Beijing explicitly stated that participants must comply with these restrictions to uphold national dignity and public sentiment. Similarly, the 18th Shenyang SSCA Anime & Game Expo issued a notice prohibiting all *Detective Conan*-related activities due to its association with *My Hero Academia*.

Global Times

The copyright agent for *Detective Conan* attempted to mitigate the backlash by stating that the collaboration "carries no stance or implication." However, this statement did not alleviate the anger among Chinese netizens. Organizers of various expos have echoed the sentiment that the collaboration contradicts historical facts and harms national sentiment, leading to a consensus among anime events to impose similar restrictions.

Global Times

Despite the bans, some individuals express disappointment over the restrictions. A cosplayer from Beijing, who has portrayed characters from *Detective Conan* for three years, noted that while she loves the series, she felt compelled to respect historical sensitivities. This reflects a broader sentiment among fans who grapple with their passion for anime and the historical implications tied to certain works.

Global Times

While the bans have been widely reported, there is a lack of clarity regarding the extent of enforcement and the specific criteria used to determine which works are deemed controversial. Some sources indicate that other anime, such as *Pokémon*, have also faced scrutiny, particularly in light of a planned event at the Yasukuni Shrine, a site associated with Japan's militaristic past. The response to these controversies appears to be evolving, with varying degrees of enforcement across different events.

Global Times

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how other anime events will respond to the growing public concern over historical representation in media. The ongoing discourse surrounding Japanese militarism in entertainment suggests that further restrictions may be implemented, and organizers will likely continue to navigate the delicate balance between cultural expression and historical sensitivity.

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• “Although I really love this work, I think it's important to take a clear stance as a Chinese person,” — Anonymous, Cosplayer

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• “The organizers called on all exhibitors, attendees and partners to strictly abide by this regulation, remember the lessons of history, uphold cultural principles and consciously safeguard national dignity and ethnic sentiment.” — Event Organizer Statement

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