Why do the Japanese like tentacles?

Many who follow Japanese animation must have noticed the presence of giant tentacles, whether in an anime full of fanservice or in adult content like hentais. Have you ever stopped to think about why the Japanese like tentacles?

Is there any reason behind the tentacles in Japanese animations, or is it just the craziness of the Japanese? What made the Japanese like tentacles so much? What kind of fetish is this? Let’s find out in this article!

Shokushu Goukan – Origin of Tentacle Rape

The Japanese term for referring to adult scenes involving tentacles in animations is shokushu goukan (触手 強姦). The term describes a creature with tentacles using them to rape a character in anime, manga, or books.

The first case of tentacle rape was in one of the illustrations by Katsushika Hokusai in his novel “Kinoe no komatsu,” first published in 1814. The story was called: “The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife“.

The first time tentacle rape appeared in an anime was in an OVA called Out of Control in 1986. Although it had no real sexual implications, this manga series Demon Beast Invasion is often attributed as the first.

The first appearance of the term on the internet was in English “Tentacle Rape” posted on Urban Dictionary as any character sexually violated by the tentacles of any creature, whether octopus, alien, monster, or humanoid.

Tentacles are a way to bypass Censorship

For those who don’t know, adult content in Japan has been censored since 1907. That is, both films and Japanese erotic animations cannot show intimate parts (except for breasts), placing a mosaic in their place.

The tentacles and other strange and grotesque things present in Japan’s +18 animations are made to bypass the Censorship Law in Japan. Authorities cannot prohibit or force the censorship of non-human parts.

Speaking of the subject, just as tentacles were made to bypass censorship in Japan, lolicons were also created to bypass the censorship of pubic hair that existed in the 90s.

Tentacles were a trend in the late 80s and early 90s, as mentioned, to bypass adult content censorship. Nowadays, in traditional anime, tentacles are a disposable joke or just Fan Service.

Octopuses and Squids are part of Japanese culture

For foreigners, the presence of tentacles in anime and adult content may be inexplicable. Still, we must consider that tentacles are part of everyday life in Japan and its cuisine. They live in an archipelago of islands, and octopus is something common.

Common street foods like Takoyaki use octopus as an ingredient. So, in a way, the Japanese are more accustomed to seeing octopuses and squids in their lives than Westerners, who rarely consume this type of food. So it’s something routine that doesn’t scare the Japanese.

Of course, it is undeniable that the Japanese have crazy fetishes, whether with realistic toys sold in suspicious stores scattered throughout Japan. Despite the Japanese paraphernalia, it is unlikely that a tentacle is present in real life for these purposes.

Tentacles are not exclusive to Japan

In the West, the use of tentacles by villains to capture enemies is very frequent. It is possible to find scenes like this in Tom and Jerry, The Little Mermaid, and many other Western cartoons and Japanese animes.

Tentacles are the villains’ capture tricks. The same thing happens in adult animations that use tentacles; it usually involves a violent scene with a villain. The tentacles of octopuses have this perception throughout the century, even outside of animations.

There are ancient engravings from centuries ago that depict giant octopuses and squids as villains attacking ships and devouring regions. This is very frequent in almost all animes, whether with villains or in comedic situations.

Do the Japanese really like tentacles?

Despite being popular in the 90s, nowadays it is rare for hentai animations to have as many tentacles as before. Nowadays, the industry has used other means to circumvent censorship, and it is agreed that many Japanese also find this disgusting.

Many Otakus who claim to consume this type of content are less pleased with the tentacle part. Only perverts on duty can consume this type of material, just as they can enjoy watching toys.

It is completely wrong to generalize and say that the Japanese like tentacles, as this is nothing more than a stereotype that became popular during the animation era of the 90s. The best thing to do is not to associate tentacles with the Japanese.

Just as in the 90s it was common to have animes in space and with mecha, tentacles are just a phase that still has traces today. What do you think about this subject? We hope to see your comments and shares.