Incest in Japan: Why is it perceived as acceptable?

You must have noticed in current anime, novels, and mangas the amount of incestuous content present in the stories. Not only in erotic works, but also in children's and juvenile works, you always find a passion or fetish for younger sisters.

Why does Japan allow anime of this type? How did this genre become popular? How does Japan really view incest? We will answer these questions through this article.

Although Japan is very traditional, it is quite open when it comes to sexuality, probably due to the absence of Christian religions in the country. Even in the Shinto religion, the Japanese believe that it was an incestuous relationship that gave birth to the country.

No feudal japan the lack of freedom made the family grow up incestuously. Clans traditionally encouraged cousin relationships to perpetuate family dynasties. If a father was a widower, he would normally marry his daughter.

How does Japan view incest?

It was only with the westernization of Japan that the practice of incest was prohibited in the country. Researchers in genetic science have found that incest causes several problems in human DNA.

A law against incest was created, but it was abolished in 1881, allowing for consensual incest. However, the Civil Code of Japan does not allow marriage between relatives. Socially, incest in Japan is heavily stigmatized.

After globalization, this kind of relationship has become uncommon. This topic is not usually addressed in Japan. The Japanese have no opinion on the subject, they consider it a shameful act and deny anything about it. As much as the Japanese say that incest does not exist, it happens in secret in Japan and around the world.

Incest in Japan - why does it seem acceptable?

Some reports say that even mothers were having sexual relations with their teenage sons, as a result of the husband's absence at home. Some mothers claim that this kept their sons focused on their studies and not on girls.

No matter how some people see sex as pleasure, having relations with relatives can end up affecting us emotionally and changing the way we see our relatives.

Just don't take it literally, or generalize, they are a case among millions. Such cases also happen in every country. The worst thing of all is when these things happen without consent.

Why does incest seem acceptable in japan?

Why is incest in anime successful?

The first incest anime/hentai (involving sexual intercourse) was released in the 1980s under the name Cream Lemon, which focused on brothers Hiroshi and Ami.

Currently there are several hentais involving incest between sisters, mothers, and others. Even TV anime often leans towards the side of incest with works involving younger sisters such as Oreimo and Imouto sae Ireba Ii.

In anime the younger sisters end up acting in an indecent way. Do younger sisters really behave like they do in anime? In Japan, older brothers are much admired and sought after by their younger sisters.

Many older brothers struggle to take care of their younger sisters. It wouldn't be abnormal if this ends up resulting in a crush or love relationship.

The target audience for these animated works of incest are often antisocial, lonely otakus. Probably some of them had a younger sister or had fantasies about them, so they end up identifying with these works.

Another explanation for the popularity of these anime involving romance between siblings is because it's something unusual. Unusual and unusual things attract attention and are often more exciting. Companies don't care if it's right or wrong, their interest is to generate income and profit.

Why does incest seem acceptable in japan?

List of the best incest anime

The best way to get to know and understand the incest culture in Japan is through its animations. There are many anime about incest, about brothers in love, or that the protagonist's sister likes him. This genre has kind of become a cliché.

Let's see now some anime where there is a little passion or love for siblings or other kinship. Let's see some incest anime or at least discuss the topic, since many anime create a non-blood brother relationship.

Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii wake ga nai

One of the most famous of the genre, I recommend it to everyone, even to those who don't like incest, the topic is treated in a very light and comical way. I don't like the incest genre, but I like this anime, its animation, story and iconic characters.

The anime tells the story of 2 brothers who don't have a good relationship, but when they discover that their younger sister is an otaku addicted to eroge, the relationship of the 2 gets closer. From the synopsis it may seem like something very perverted, but the anime is great, fun, innocent and among my favorites.

Incest in Japan - why does it seem acceptable?

Sorry, I cannot fulfill that request. From the same creator as the previous one, in this comedy we find a light novel author who has the illustrations made by his sister who is a hikikomori. Amazing how the author manages to approach adult topics in an innocent way.

Other incest anime

KissXsis - this anime ecchi comedy shows 2 sisters in love with their stepbrother, always doing provocative things to him.

Yosuga no Sora - One ecchi anime very heavy show that shows several relationships, including an incest between brothers.

Marmalade Boy - A 76-episode anime that tells the romance of 2 half brothers.

Incest anime nameYear
Gosenzo-sama Banbanzai!1989
Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de2008
Kiss x Sis2008
Please Twins: O Verão Nunca Acaba2004
Please Twins2003
Koi Kaze2004
Maroko1990
Candy Boy2008
Candy Boy Episode 02007
Onii-chan But If I Have Ai, I Can't Live Without You!2012
Yosuga No Sora: In Solitude Where We Are Least Alone2010
Boku wa Imouto ni Koi wo Suru2005
Angel Sanctuary2000
I don't really love my older brother at all!!2011
Papa to Kiss in the Dark2005
Aki Sora: In a Dream2010
Kuttsukiboshi2010
Aki Sora2009
Black and Gold Unopenable Door.2013

The article is still halfway through, but we recommend also reading:

How should I face Japan because of incest?

Many people end up creating a prejudice against Japan because of incestuous anime. I consider this type of relationship wrong, but I do not engage in criticism and I think everyone does as they please. I hate it when people say, "Japan is disgusting because of incest."

I think this is hypocritical as many countries like France, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Luxembourg and other European countries allow incest. Even American countries do not prohibit family relationships.

Even because, anime do not depict real life, they are just fictions, especially adult anime. So if you thought that incest is a common or acceptable practice in Japan, you are totally wrong, it's like in any country, it happens in the dark.

Remember that just because otakus like it doesn't mean the Japanese population approves. They possibly hate it as well. Even if you see incest as something wrong because of religion, I don't think there's a reason for discrimination. Sexual relationships themselves are already disgusting (referring to the organs where excreta come out), regardless of whether the person is heterosexual, homosexual, or involved in incest.

If it's consensual, then it shouldn't be imposed, they who face the consequences. We cannot force humanity to follow our moral concepts. Of course, incest in anime is something completely different from real life, I personally don't see any problems in watching anime focused on imouto (younger sisters). And you? How do you see all of this? We appreciate the comments and also recommend:

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