Anime fans are simple; they watch their favorite series and root for their favorite characters. At the end of the day, they feel a sense of connection to not just the fictional characters, but also the real person voicing those characters, giving them life.
This is the reason that even anime fans who prefer to watch anime dubbed worship the original voice actors from Japan. But a recent event has left the fans heartbroken, forcing them to reconsider the position of the global fans in the minds of those from the anime world.
Megumi Hayashibara’s words that struck a nerve
Anime has long since become a global medium for entertainment. People from all around the globe enjoy the famous series like Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, and Solo Leveling.
It is not uncommon to see teenagers and even adults shout out the names of their favorite characters, posturing and indulging in the fantastical world of anime. The world has embraced Japanese culture in many ways, not just anime, but it doesn’t seem to be true the other way around.
At least, not all members of the anime world seem to share the sentiment. Megumi Hayashibara, the iconic voice of Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion, recently published a blog post that left many stunned. Being an actress of massive fame and popularity, with fans across the globe, Hayashibara should be more conducive to the idea of a globalized society.
Evangelion Voice Actress Sparks Controversy With ‘Invasive Species’ Remark About Foreigners In Japan
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Instead, while discussing societal issues and political engagement in Japan, she voiced frustration at certain foreign tourists and international students. Regarding the matter of domestic students having to repay student loans while foreigners can get free financial aid, she lashed out.
It will be like how the native Japanese crayfish were devoured in an instant by an invasive species. For example, it will become a world where unspoken rules, like lining up to buy things, are lost.
Specifically, she called the tourists and foreign students “invasive species” for disrespecting social norms and the generally accepted rules. Talking about how people are carving on the bamboo in Kyoto and that the tourists who stay in private lodgings do not know how to yield, Hayashibara asked for a crackdown on such things.
A reflection of a broader sentiment in Japan
Hayashibara’s remarks weren’t meant to generalize all foreigners, she claimed, but the analogy was already too severe. She said that just like the Japanese crayfish was devoured by an invasive species, the Japanese too will be devoured by the foreigners.
As a veteran voice actress admired around the globe, Hayashibara’s words carry a lot of weight. That’s what makes this situation especially impactful. This wasn’t just a random internet post, but a public statement and an insight into the mind of a globally attuned and connected figure from the anime world.
It’s worth noting that Hayashibara didn’t entirely lack self-awareness or that she didn’t focus on the rational terms, saying that foreign residents do need care and consideration as they, too, pay taxes. But the context was too broad, and some of her words struck many.
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The fans might now feel like their dream trip to Japan would be an unwelcome one. The country that treasures hospitality might see the eager tourists as a burden and a nuisance. The fans love anime and Japan, but does the anime world love them back?
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For many, this controversy is a painful reminder that anime icons are human, and sometimes flawed. Megumi Hayashibara helped shape one of anime’s most introspective series, yet her considerations seem to exclude the world at large.
You can currently stream Neon Genesis Evangelion on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
