Japanese Anime Suspended in Hong Kong, Taiwan Over Smoking Product Advertising
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Japanese anime series "Nicolas" has been suspended in both Hong Kong and Taiwan over concerns that it contains advertising for smoking products. Hong Kong's Department of Health issued an order to stop broadcasting the anime, and three days later, Taiwan's Bahamut streaming platform announced it would also remove the series following a directive from regulators. The action came after the non-profit John Tung Foundation received complaints from parents about the anime frequently displaying smoking scenes with actual cigarette brands and packaging. Taiwan's health authorities have referred the case to local health bureaus for investigation, warning that violations of the Tobacco Hazard Control Act could result in fines of up to 100 million New Taiwan dollars.
Key Points
- Hong Kong's Department of Health ordered the anime "Nicolas" to stop broadcasting after flagging smoking product advertising concerns
- Taiwan's Bahamut streaming platform removed the anime from its service on Thursday following notification from regulators
- The John Tung Foundation, a non-profit organization, received parent complaints about the anime displaying real cigarette brands
- Taiwan's health department says violations of Article 12 of the Tobacco Hazard Control Act could result in fines up to 100 million NT dollars (approximately 24.5 million HKD)
- The organization questions whether repeated close-ups of real cigarette brands serve the plot or promote smoking imagery
Why It Matters
The simultaneous regulatory action in both Hong Kong and Taiwan highlights how authorities in the region are increasingly scrutinizing media content that may promote smoking, particularly when it comes to youth-oriented entertainment. The case signals that streaming platforms face growing compliance obligations to monitor imported content for tobacco advertising regulations.
The simultaneous regulatory action in both Hong Kong and Taiwan highlights how authorities in the region are increasingly scrutinizing media content that may promote smoking, particularly when it comes to youth-oriented entertainment. The case signals that streaming platforms face growing compliance obligations to monitor imported content for tobacco advertising regulations.