Solo Leveling: Fans Expose Censorship Clash Between Anime and Japanese Version!

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Summary

  • Japanese version of Solo Leveling made changes to names and locations, including removing any mention of Korea.
  • Anime adaptation kept original names and places, including references to Jeju Island in South Korea.
  • Jeju Island Arc in Season 2 expected to criticize Japanese hunters, reflecting tensions between Japan and South Korea.

Before the Jeju Island Arc, enthusiasts of the series Solo Leveling have debated the distinctions between the anime and the Japanese adaptation of the webcomic. Interestingly, as the second season of Solo Leveling is now playing globally, many fans may not be aware that prior to the anime’s launch, there was apprehension among fans about whether the anime production would adhere to the alterations made in the Japanese version of the webcomic.

Originally penned as a webnovel by Chugong, it was the comic adaptation by Dubu (Studio Redice) that catapulted the series to global fame. The manhwa version of Solo Leveling , however, is licensed in Japan by Kadokawa, while Kakao Corp. also distributes the comic in Japan through Piccoma.

The discussion began after a user posted a Twitter thread discussing the censorship observed in the Japanese adaptation of the manhwa. Given the intricate history between Japan and South Korea, and because the series offers comments on the Japanese government and depicts Japanese hunters as arrogant, there have been certain alterations made to its translation.

The story unfolds in Tokyo rather than Seoul, and the character names have been adapted to Japanese ones – much like how anime translations in America tended to do during the 1990s.

Contrarily to some adaptations, the anime maintains the original geographical locations and character names even in its international releases – for instance, Jeju Island, a genuine location in South Korea. Nonetheless, similar to most adaptations, there are minor discrepancies between the anime and the manhwa.

There’s Still Censorship in the Japanese Dub

It’s been noted that although the anime isn’t based in Tokyo, it’s interesting to point out that Seoul or South Korea are never explicitly referenced in the Japanese version of the series.

Well, it’s not like they kept the censorship out of the anime.

There’s never a mention of Korea or Seoul in the Japanese dub.

Another user agreed and commented:

Absolutely, you’re right on the mark. From the start, there’s been a certain level of censorship in anime, but it’s been less obvious until now. The observation about the Jeju arc being the most explicit portrayal of regional politics (demanding more censorship than before) is intriguing because it highlights the sensitivity and restrictions Japan imposes when depicting Korean subjects…

A third user added:

Also about Jinwoo’s father, his introduction was changed a bit between the manhwa and the anime.

It seems like my recollection is correct; when this character is spotted at the gate and conversing with the American hunter in the comic, he expresses his desire to return home by saying, “I am Korean, I wish to go back.

In the anime he says “I’m human, I want to go home”.

A relatively minor modification seems unjustified, and it appears that political motives might be the cause – rather disappointing. I’m not well-versed in the historical dynamics between Korea and Japan, but any form of censorship is disheartening. It gives the impression that they are erasing any references to Korea beyond the bare essentials.

A different user, identifying himself as Japanese, mentioned that he wasn’t familiar with the Japanese version of the manhwa until after the anime had been released.

I’m Japanese, and I was unaware that there was a Japanese version of the manhwa until the release of the solo leveling game (the Japanese dub alters all character names). Regardless, I found the depiction of Japan to be acceptable because I recognized it as a Korean manhwa, and nationality is inconsequential in a masterpiece like Solo Leveling.

Speaking from my perspective, it’s quite clear to me why they felt compelled to start anew, given the need for censorship. Not everyone in Japan might grasp such intricate concepts, so it’s essential to ensure clarity and understanding for all.

It’s likely that the storyline centered on Jeju Island in the series will receive much criticism from Japanese viewers, given its depiction of Japanese hunters as feeble and proud, which isn’t typically well-received. This controversial storyline is set to debut in Episode 21 (Season 2’s ninth episode).

Japan and South Korea Tense Relations

1910 marked the formal incorporation of Korea into the Japanese empire, with some scholars suggesting that Japan had exerted significant control over Korea since the collapse of the Joseon dynasty in 1987. This level of influence was so profound that many consider Korea to have functioned as an unofficial Japanese colony from 1987 until its official annexation in 1910.

Ever since Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945, the period of Japanese occupation and its harshness, particularly during World War II (1939-1945), has remained a contentious and debated subject. Both Koreans and Chinese argue that Japan has failed to adequately compensate for war crimes and atrocities against humanity; however, Japan maintains that it has already settled all charges and convictions brought against it.

The term “comfort women” refers to females who were coerced into sexual servitude by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, many of whom were Korean or Chinese. However, there were also Japanese comfort women. This practice, along with other atrocities such as Unit 731 (a possible reference in a character’s name from “My Hero Academia”), has caused significant controversy among South Korean and Chinese audiences. The name of the character was even changed due to this controversy. Additionally, visits by Japanese officials to the Yasukuni Shrine often lead to disputes in China and both Koreas.

In recent times, as South Korea and China have grown in influence regionally and globally, challenging Japan’s dominance in Asia, the issues between Japan and both these countries have attracted more international focus. The painful history of Japanese colonial rule and Japan’s continued hegemony in Asia are significant factors fueling the strained relationships between Japan and South Korea, as well as Japan and China. This tension, understandably, has led many Koreans and Chinese to harbor a deep-seated resentment towards Japan.

You can stream the series Solo Leveling on Crunchyroll, both with subtitles and dubbing. Additionally, it’s accessible on Netflix in certain Asian regions.

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2025-02-18 22:14