Hentai

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Hentai (変態 or へんたい) is a term used in Japan to describe a genre of anime and manga that features overtly sexualized characters and sexually explicit scenes. The word "hentai" itself means "pervert" or "perversion" in Japanese, and it is used in the West to refer to sexually explicit or pornographic anime and manga.

History[edit | edit source]

The origins of hentai can be traced back to early Japanese art and erotic literature. During the Edo period, erotic woodblock prints known as shunga were popular. These prints often depicted explicit sexual scenes and were considered a form of entertainment. The modern concept of hentai began to take shape in the 20th century with the rise of manga and anime as popular forms of entertainment.

Genres and Themes[edit | edit source]

Hentai encompasses a wide range of genres and themes, often mirroring those found in non-explicit anime and manga. Common themes include romance, fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Subgenres of hentai include:

  • Yaoi: Male-male relationships
  • Yuri: Female-female relationships
  • Tentacle erotica: A subgenre involving tentacled creatures
  • Futanari: Characters with both male and female sexual characteristics

Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]

Hentai has had a significant impact on both Japanese and global pop culture. It has influenced various forms of media, including video games, visual novels, and doujinshi (self-published works). Despite its popularity, hentai is often subject to censorship and legal restrictions in various countries.

Controversies[edit | edit source]

Hentai is a controversial genre due to its explicit content and the depiction of taboo subjects. Critics argue that it can contribute to the objectification of women and the normalization of sexual violence. Supporters, however, claim that it is a form of artistic expression and fantasy that should not be censored.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD