While the rest of the world is saying that Frieren is a masterpiece, a Chinese site claimed that it is a disrespect to women in many ways. Frieren has been going really well since its anime came out, and for many viewers, it is the best anime of fall 2023.
Frieren anime is getting love from everyone. Whether it’s a YouTuber or a writer, everyone just keeps talking good about this anime. And they should be since Frieren deserves every bit of love.
However, the Chinese site says that Frieren anime is disrespectful to women. So, in this article, we will be taking a look at what this Chinese site published and also how Japanese fans reacted to their article. But before that, let’s see what Frieren is about.
Frieren’s Plot
The story begins as they return from their 10-year-long journey after getting crowned as Heroes at your typical party consisting of a hero, a warrior, a priest, and an elf mage. Reminisce about their journey together as they stand before a spectacle that comes only once every 50 years.
While the guys exclaim how beautiful it is, Frieren only complains about how hard it is to see the shower from this location. And that in 50 years, she’ll take everyone to a spot that gives a much more beautiful view.
Soon after, Frieren part ways with everyone, setting off on another journey to acquire more magic. And as the others watch her depart, they wonder if they’ll even ever see her again. In an instant, 50 years pass, and Frieren returns to fulfill her promise.
As she reunites with her old party, it is apparent time shows no mercy, Frieren doesn’t look a day older, but Himmel once sparkling in youth, has turned into a decrepit old man. Haider, a once young priest, is now an old bishop, and Eisen, a once Mighty young dwarf Warrior, is nothing but Skin and Bones.
They set off on a week-long journey to see the meteor shower again, and when they finally arrive, Himmel, for the final time, reminisces about the journey they shared. He gazes up toward the sky and watches the meteor shower for the second time in his life, thanking Frieren for bringing a day where they could all reconnect one last time.
And shortly after, Himmel passes away. At his funeral, Frieren blankly stares down at his lifeless body, she has no hint of emotion on her face, and it makes sense elves are practically Immortal.
Although ten years is an extremely long time for humans, her 10 years isn’t even a mere 1/1 100th of her life. What Frieren did in the 50 years between the meteor showers, the anime represented in a single anime, and to Frieren, that’s probably an accurate depiction of how long it felt to her.
A Chinese Website Claims that Frieren is Disrespectful to Women
An article published on the Chinese portal site, Sina, claimed that anime doesn’t respect women because there were scenes that make fun of women’s anatomy. Aside from that, this conclusion was also because the two main female heroines flirt with the male character.
However, the article also alludes to the fact that 90% of Japanese anime and manga present something of this type to the point it’s considered a classic joke.
Some comments from people replying to the Chinese article online:
In the anime, there is a character who can use his clairvoyance, and when he applies it to a male character, he mocks the size of his anatomy. It is illogical to say that mocking a woman’s body is disrespectful to women, on the other hand, mocking a man’s body is funny. It’s a double standard, right?
Another comment: “In my opinion, today’s viewers are bored. They insult insignificant things and are always creating chaos about culture, society, the lack of respect for women, and discrimination. First of all, isn’t watching anime considered a pleasure?
I think that sensitive people should not watch anime or read Japanese manga in the first place. In the eyes of these people, any work of art will be seen as racist.”
Lastly: “I know it sounds bad, but some people would do well to watch children’s cartoons like Peppa Pig or Paw Patrol. That way, they won’t feel offended by the Productions. The characters are not human; therefore, they will not see any type of discrimination.”
The article continues by saying even the fact that the heroine wears a skirt and panty host was labeled as only being worn to appease male fans.
List of translated Japanese comments addressing the matter:
The weirdos that used to pop up in Demon Slayer will find another place to make things difficult, so why not ignore them this time too? They’ll continue to say it and won’t remember tomorrow anyway.
My Favourite comment: “This is a sign of popular work in which unintelligent people come to give their thoughts.”
Another comment: “I think you got lost in some places. However, it’s a good thing that people don’t like messing with physical characteristics since it’s an old-fashioned bad habit of manga that needs to stop. It would affect Japanese people a lot if manga becomes taboo in the future.”
