Posting bold illustrations in public places in Japan is always risky. The latest controversy involves the anime adaptation of Seitokai ni mo Ana wa Aru!, after a promotional poster inside busy Ikebukuro station caused outrage and formal complaints from some pedestrians.

The ad, installed in the subway to celebrate the series premiere and promote the original work, features two female characters alongside Komaro Michinoku staring at passersby. One woman expressed her annoyance online, calling the station’s strangeness and discomfort abnormal, criticizing the open display of such material in a daily transit space.

The anime is produced by Passione under the direction of Naoyuki Tatsuwa. Masahiro Yokotani handles the series composition and scripts, while Ryo Imamura adapts the character designs and oversees main animation. Music is by Tomoki Kikuya, with Sangatsu no Phantasia performing the opening theme.

About Seitokai ni mo Ana wa Aru!

Seitokai ni mo Ana wa Aru! is a four-panel manga by Muchimaro, published in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine since April 2022. Set at prestigious Fujinasu Academy, it follows Ume Mizunoe, a first-year student excellent in literature but poor in science, who joins the student council to avoid failing. Instead of a calm environment, Ume encounters eccentric members: charismatic but temperamental president Hisako Kotobuki, refined and intimidating treasurer Arisu Terui, mischievous Tan Otori, and small Komaro Michinoku. The series highlights daily chaos and absurd situations between Ume and this quirky group in the council room.

What do you think of such promotional posters in Japan’s train stations?