The
regulatory pressure against Japanese animation does not let up on the Asian
continent. Just three days after suffering partial restrictions in Hong Kong,
the anime Yani Neko (Chainsmoker Cat) was
simultaneously removed from all streaming platforms in Taiwan,
after being formally charged with inciting cigarette consumption and showing
real brands of tobacco.
The mass
purge occurred on Aug. 20, after powerful public health organizations,
including the John Tung Foundation and the Taiwan Anti-Tobacco Alliance, filed
formal complaints calling for severe penalties. The entities argued that the
explicit and detailed display of real packets – such as the Japanese brand
Mevius – directly violates the Law on the Prevention of Tobacco Risks. Health
authorities sent investigation notices to digital distribution services, which
chose to immediately remove the animated series from their catalogs to avoid
fines that could amount to up to one million Taiwanese dollars per platform.
The mass
withdrawal ignited heated debates on discussion forums in Taiwan, where viewers
questioned whether this measure represents an excess of state control over
creative works. Many pointed out that NyanNyanFactory's original
work does not seek to glorify smoking, but to portray the miseries, debts and
physical sequelae of a feline girl addicted to cigarettes. The situation
contrasts sharply with the stance in Japan, where television ethics
bodies reviewed public complaints but concluded that, by airing at night and
not promoting illegal substances, the series remains within the bounds of free
speech.
Knowing
that the series uses acid comedy to portray how destructive smoking is
