How have past controversies resurfaced due to the new anime crossover?

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Past Controversies Resurface Due to New Anime Crossover

A recent collaboration between Detective Conan and My Hero Academia has triggered significant backlash in China, leading to the banning of related merchandise and cosplay at several major anime events. This renewed controversy stems from historical interpretations of elements within My Hero Academia, specifically a character's name, which critics deem insulting to the Chinese people and reminiscent of Japan's wartime atrocities. The situation has escalated to the point where event organizers in Beijing, Chongqing, and Lanzhou have implemented bans on related content to appease public sentiment and maintain a favourable atmosphere.
My Hero Academia's Naming Controversy Revived

The current furor was ignited by a crossover event intended to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Detective Conan and the 10th anniversary of My Hero Academia. However, Chinese critics have interpreted elements of My Hero Academia as deeply offensive, linking them to Japan's wartime history. This has led to the widespread condemnation of the crossover as "insulting to Chinese people."
Historical Interpretation of "Maruta Shiga"

A key point of contention is the character name "Maruta Shiga" from My Hero Academia. In 2020, this name led to the franchise's removal from Chinese video platforms. Many in China interpreted "Maruta" as a direct reference to "Maruta," a code name used for victims of Japan's notorious Unit 731, a covert biological and chemical warfare research unit that conducted lethal human experimentation on Chinese civilians during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Event Bans and Organisational Responses

In response to the revived public anger, the Lanzhou event organizers announced on February 5 that individuals wearing "kimonos, wooden clogs, and outfits associated with militarism" would be prohibited from entry. They explicitly stated that My Hero Academia contains "historical issues that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people." Similarly, Beijing's fair imposed a temporary ban on cosplay and related sales to preserve "a good atmosphere." The Chongqing expo further extended prohibitions to include Pokémon cosplay and merchandise following online condemnation of a planned Pokémon card event at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, a site considered controversial for its association with Japan's wartime past.

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How have past controversies resurfaced due to the new anime crossover?

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