As reported by Hong Kong Business Solution, Taiwan’s Animation Crazy has temporarily halted the official streaming of Bibury Animation Studio’s Chainsmoker Cat (Yani Neko) in Hong Kong. The move came after a notice from Hong Kong’s Department of Health, which flagged the anime for violating local laws against online advertisements for smoking-related products.
The Department of Health informed Animation Crazy of the breach on August 17, leading to an immediate suspension of the show’s distribution. The controversy stems not just from the portrayal of smoking, but specifically from the inclusion of actual cigarette brands, such as Japan’s Mevius. Under Hong Kong’s regulations, any content that could be interpreted as promoting or encouraging smoking is subject to a ban, irrespective of whether the tobacco company provided financial backing.
Currently, the Chainsmoker Cat anime remains accessible on Netflix’s Hong Kong platform, which has not faced any restrictions. However, the Department of Health confirmed to South China Morning Post that it has directed two streaming services to stop distributing the contentious series.
The Chainsmoker Cat anime has also drawn criticism in its home country, Japan. The country’s television ethics watchdog recently reviewed the show’s content following viewer complaints about its depiction of smoking and drug-like substances. Although the anime was ultimately deemed within the bounds of creative freedom, it continues to face scrutiny over its provocative themes.