You're probably familiar with Kitaro, the classic yokai manga by the late Shigeru Mizuki. Blending traditional Japanese folklore with modern themes, it's a beloved series that appeals to both kids and adults, having been adapted into anime multiple times and standing as a definitive work in Japanese yokai media.
However, a recent post on X (formerly Twitter) by Chinese artist Billie ( @silanduqiaocui ), featuring illustrations of Neko Musume (Cat Girl) through various Kitaro anime generations, has unexpectedly ignited a fierce backlash from "radical netizens." The controversy has even caught the attention of many Japanese users, leaving the artist utterly baffled as to why their work drew such ire.
▼ The artist's post
Some users reposted the artist's work, accusing "malicious anime otaku" of transforming Neko Musume's image from her past designs into the "otaku-baiting" sixth-generation version, turning her into a sexual fantasy object from a male perspective. They labeled it "unrealistic" and "objectifying women," deeming it "terrible." Unsurprisingly, these comments were widely seen by other users as coming from radical feminists, a group whose presence has been increasingly noted on Japanese X.
(We previously reported on a similar incident where the mascot "Harashima Rojami" for the "Rogers" supermarket chain in Saitama was criticized for its large bust, which also drew significant backlash from netizens.)
The situation gained even more traction when Japanese netizens compiled these criticisms into a post. As these groups swarmed to lambast the sixth-generation Neko Musume design, the artist, completely bewildered, decided to hit back.
Many Japanese users rallied to the artist's defense, questioning why these critics were attacking fan art, especially when it adhered to official character designs and wasn't explicit. Why target the artist?
Other netizens highlighted the double standards, asking, "If such body types are 'unrealistic,' then aren't Disney characters also illogical?" Another quipped, "So, Sailor Moon should be banned too, right?"
A common sentiment among users was that these "objectification of women" arguments are becoming increasingly prevalent, often ignoring original source material and launching attacks without critical thought, which many find deeply irritating.
Artist Billie also found the whole situation absurd. They simply drew Kitaro fan art out of love for the series, only to be attacked by "weird people." Billie directly called out these critics, stating, "Being KY (unable to read the room) truly knows no borders," expressing disbelief that some Japanese feminist accounts would seize on their art to push an agenda.
Indeed, similar incidents have been on the rise on Japanese X, with many accounts using such topics to stir debate, particularly concerning the aesthetics of anime characters versus realistic portrayals.
Many netizens believe these individuals are simply trying to provoke conflict and are not genuine feminists. This raises questions about whether such actions truly advance the cause of feminism or merely alienate potential supporters.