Asian regulations are often strict regarding audiovisual content that challenges public morals or health. Hong Kong health authorities ordered the immediate suspension of the anime Yani Neko (Chainsmoker Cat) on a major streaming platform after concluding it violated local regulations on tobacco advertising. The drastic measure was taken after the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office received multiple complaints about the explicit content. Inspectors determined that the repeated and detailed depiction of cigarette packs with real brands—like the Japanese Mevius—constitutes prohibited online advertising under local Public Health Ordinance. Hong Kong law clearly states that any audiovisual material promoting tobacco use must be sanctioned as illegal advertising, regardless of whether the tobacco company paid for the appearance.

As a direct result, the Taiwan-based streaming service distributing the title halted broadcasts for Hong Kong users on August 17. Although the original manga by Nyannyan Factory and its animated adaptation satirically address the feline protagonist’s addiction, showing the economic and health consequences of her lifestyle, the law makes no exceptions for fiction. With authorities monitoring other platforms where the anime remains available, this incident highlights how regional censorship can heavily impact irreverent Japanese productions.

Despite portraying smoking comically rather than glamorously, is it justified for government laws to ban an anime for showing cigarette brands in fiction?