Shipping can spark intense debate among fans of Anime. Whether it’s shojo romances or shonen adventures, romantic pairings often find their way into discussions, whether intended by the creators or not. However, one star from My Hero Academia is making it clear that he wants to steer clear of this particular conversation.
Justin Briner, the English voice actor for Izuku Midoriya, took to social media to address the issue. He politely asked fans to refrain from bringing up shipping questions during his convention panels, stating that it’s not his place to get involved in such discussions.
“Kindly stop asking me about ships at my panels! It’s none of my business and it’s officially gone too far,” Briner shared.
He emphasized that he wasn’t criticizing any specific fandom and acknowledged the fun that fans have with various romantic pairings. However, he expressed discomfort with being dragged into shipping discussions, citing potential repercussions and the need to set boundaries.
My Hero Academia boasts a plethora of ships within its fandom, ranging from Izuku x Bakugo to Shoto x Momo. While romance isn’t the primary focus of the series, fans enjoy shipping these characters. Yet, none of these pairings are canon, and actors in the anime industry can face challenges when publicly supporting specific ships.
Briner’s request reflects a broader trend seen in other popular anime series, where shipping frenzy can sometimes overshadow other aspects of the fandom. While My Hero Academia has cultivated a thriving community filled with passionate fans, it’s essential to respect the boundaries of those involved in its creation.