Japanese anime franchise Detective Conan has become the subject of widespread online debate in China following a commemorative collaboration with fellow hit series My Hero Academia, which triggered strong backlash from Chinese netizens.
The controversy began after promotional materials for Detective Conan’s 30th anniversary were released, featuring a joint visual with My Hero Academia. The collaboration announcement quickly trended on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, drawing a wave of criticism and negative reactions from users.
While Detective Conan itself was not the primary target of the backlash, its association with My Hero Academia proved controversial due to lingering sensitivities in China. In 2020, My Hero Academia faced public criticism after a character name was linked to Unit 731, a covert Japanese military unit infamous for conducting human experimentation during World War II. The reference continues to provoke strong responses among Chinese audiences, many of whom view the series as unacceptable.
In response to the backlash, Shanghai Xinchuanghua Culture Development Co., Ltd., the copyright agent for Detective Conan in mainland China, released a public statement on social media. The company described the collaboration as a “friendly cultural exchange” with no political intent and clarified that the project was part of the franchise’s 30th anniversary celebrations. It further stated that the Japanese rights holders intended to promote “mutual respect and peace” through the collaboration.
However, the statement failed to quell public criticism. Many users described the response as insufficient, with some calling for a formal apology and the cancellation of the collaboration. Others went further, pledging to boycott future Detective Conan releases and related merchandise.
Industry observers note that the incident illustrates how historical memory and cultural context continue to shape the reception of entertainment media across national borders. Despite the current controversy, Detective Conan remains one of the most popular Japanese anime franchises in China, with its films and fan events consistently attracting large audiences. Nevertheless, any perceived connection to sensitive aspects of Japan’s wartime history can trigger strong emotional reactions.
Experts emphasize that Chinese audiences remain particularly sensitive to references involving wartime atrocities, especially those connected to Unit 731’s legacy of human experimentation.
The incident underscores the complexities of cultural exchange in an increasingly globalized media environment. Creative collaborations, even those intended as celebratory projects, must navigate not only fan expectations but also deeply rooted historical and social sensitivities. As Detective Conan marks major milestones worldwide, stakeholders in both Japan and China may continue to face challenges in balancing artistic expression with cultural awareness.
Despite the backlash, Detective Conan continues to enjoy strong support from fans across Asia. Still, the episode serves as a clear reminder that popular entertainment can carry meanings far beyond its narrative, depending on the cultural and historical lens through which it is viewed.