Ani-One Asia Removes Chainsmoker Cat from “Certain Territories” to Comply With Laws

It has only been a few hours since we reported that the popular anime about cat girls who smoke, Chainsmoker Cat, was removed from Taiwan (after being removed from Hong Kong), and now another streaming service, Ani-One Asia, has announced that it removed Chainsmoker Cat from its YouTube channel to comply with “local laws.”

In a post on its YouTube channel, Ani-One announced that Chainsmoker Cat will no longer be available on its YouTube channels in certain markets due to the need to comply with local government regulations.

Ani-One Asia Removes Chainsmoker Cat from “Certain Territories” to Comply With Laws

The company apologized for the inconvenience and thanked fans for their support and understanding.

Ani-One uses YouTube as one of its main anime distribution platforms.

The company operates official YouTube channels, including Ani-One Asia, where it releases episodes of licensed anime. Some content is available for free, while other titles are exclusively available to channel members through Ani-One Asia ULTRA.

And there is one important detail: the phrase “in relevant markets” indicates that the removal will not necessarily happen in every country where Ani-One operates. The restriction is related to specific regulations in certain markets.

Let’s see how Ani-One Asia’s audience reacted?

• “This was a message by your friendly local government. Media censorship. Not surprised most Asian governments are either a military dictatorship or authoritarian.”
• “Additional: This anime has been permanently banned in the China region, so it is natural that it is no longer broadcast here.”
• “Hollywood movies when the character uses drugs, gets drunk and smokes 🙈🤷. Cute anime girl smoking 🔨🔥🤬😤😡.”
• “Fine, fine, I will just watch on ABEMA now. Good thing I understand Japanese. Stupid government. Who knows, Netflix Taiwan may be the next target.”
• “And the Great Pirate Era begins…”
• “That anime is so dangerous to watch openly 😅, but sadly, it’s kind of sad that it’s no longer on YouTube.”
• “Never have I seen an anime cancelled worldwide 😅.”
• “I knew this would happen someday, but my grandparents always told me: Always have backup plans.”
• “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? WTF HAPPENED?”
• “My question is why they didn’t ban it since episode 1.”
• “This is why piracy will never go away.”
• “Time to put on my pirate hat.”
• “Time to leave this channel then. NGL, that’s the only reason I subscribed 😅.”
• “Thanks, government. Now I’m pirating again. 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Can you at least let the anime stay on the branch channels?”