Authors Comment on the Bocchi Controversy
Some authors decided to comment on the Bocchi the Rock controversy on their Twitter profiles, more specifically about Erika Yoshida’s statement that fanservice scenes are just “noise.” Let’s take a look at what each of them said and you can draw your own conclusions.
Authors Comment on the Bocchi Controversy
We have Fukuda Mitsuo, director of Gundam SEED. In his post, he said:
“Indeed, I don’t really like the term ‘noise.’ For example, when I create a compilation or summary, I have to cut scenes with great regret, because every part is originally necessary and I want everyone to see it all.”
The author of Mushoku Tensei, Rifujin na Magonote, also shared his thoughts about Erika Yoshida’s interview:
“Words like ‘noise’ or ‘exploitation’ often end up being conveniently used on social media when people want to attack something they dislike. So, even if in context they aren’t that negative, when someone officially involved uses such terms, they tend to spark unnecessary controversies…”
Next is Amano Sakuya, author of Konohana Kitan. For context, Konohana Kitan received an anime adaptation a few years ago — it’s a yuri anime that actually features quite a bit of fanservice. She said:
“During an anime meeting, I asked excitedly:
‘In the hot spring scene, will you add those mysterious light beams and then remove them on the Blu-ray?’
Then the producer, with a serious expression, replied:
‘Sensei, we need to have an important talk.’
He explained to me that the most important thing was how good the story was, and that putting erotic fanservice there would only be a noise that harmed the anime…
It was the right decision, and I guess I was the only one with impure intentions, right?”
Amano Sakuya’s tweet feels more like a little story she created, since, as I mentioned, Konohana Kitan does include fanservice. The girls appear naked while bathing — I watched the anime, and it’s actually very cute. But also she might be talking about another anime.
In short, these were some industry figures commenting on the controversy. Just as a fun curiosity, with no hidden meaning:
I came across a screenshot on a Japanese forum discussing the controversy. Interestingly, this 2021 tweet shows the Bocchi the Rock author drinking alongside a rather provocative Super Sonico figure.
Looks like the author enjoys fanservice.