What specific controversies led to the anime cosplay bans in China?

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Specific Controversies Sparked Anime Cosplay Bans Across China

Several major anime events in Beijing, Chongqing, and Lanzhou have implemented bans on Detective Conan cosplay and merchandise. These restrictions arose following a new crossover event between Detective Conan and My Hero Academia, which ignited significant public backlash in China. The controversy was amplified by past grievances concerning My Hero Academia, leading organizers to take preemptive measures to avoid further cultural friction.
My Hero Academia Crossover and Historical Interpretations

The immediate catalyst for the bans was a celebratory crossover between Detective Conan and My Hero Academia, intended to mark anniversaries for both series. However, Chinese critics and online communities interpreted elements of this collaboration, and the My Hero Academia franchise more broadly, as deeply offensive. The name of a My Hero Academia villain, Maruta Shiga, was particularly contentious. This name was widely seen as a deliberate reference to Unit 731, a notorious Imperial Japanese Army unit responsible for human experimentation in China during World War II, where victims were grimly referred to as "logs" or "maruta."
Past Outrage Over Unit 731 Association

The association of the name "Maruta" with the atrocities committed by Unit 731 is a significant historical sensitivity in China. This past controversy led to My Hero Academia being removed from Chinese video streaming platforms in 2020. The recent crossover brought this historical grievance back into public discourse, fueling renewed anger and prompting calls for action against content perceived as insensitive to Chinese historical suffering. Organizers stated that My Hero Academia involves "historical issues that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people."
Additional Bans Linked to Other Franchises and Sites

The crackdown extended beyond the My Hero Academia crossover. The Lanzhou event specifically banned attire associated with militarism, including kimonos and wooden clogs, in direct response to the My Hero Academia controversy. In Beijing, the ban on Detective Conan cosplay and merchandise was framed as a measure to maintain a "good atmosphere." Furthermore, the Chongqing expo prohibited Pokémon cosplay and merchandise. This additional restriction followed public condemnation of a planned Pokémon card event at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, a site considered controversial in China due to its commemoration of Japanese war dead.

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What specific controversies led to the anime cosplay bans in China?

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