Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Creators such as Akira Toriyama, Tite Kubo, and Masashi Kishimoto have undoubtedly influenced the narrative and global appeal of anime and manga. These authors have all given us memorable characters and iconic universes. However, at the same time, they have also come under fire for their representations of women in their series,Dragon Ball,Naruto, andBleach, respectively.
While Masashi Kishimoto’sNarutoand Tite Kubo’sBleachare often criticized for their over-s*xualization of female characters,Dragon Ball‘s early story arc is rarely scrutinized with the same level of detail. Chi-Chi’s outfit inthe Dragon Ballseries when she was just 12, raises questions about Toriyama’s approach to the portrayal of young female characters in the series in the modern context.
YoungChi-Chi’s Controversial AttireinDragon BallSeries
In the early chapters ofDragon Ball, Akira Toriyama introduced Chi-Chi as a young girl from a warrior family. Despite her young age, She used to appear in a blue bikini-style outfit and body armor. Although Chi-Chi’s attire was primarily for characterization rather than objectification, this choice to present a child character in a bikini sparked concerns whenDragon Ballbecame popular in Western cultures, where childhood innocence is more guarded, and revealing attire on childrentends to raise questions.
BothBleachandNarutohave drawn significant attention for the sexualized portrayal of their adult female characters.Tite Kubo‘sBleachfrequently shows characters like Rangiku Matsumoto, known for her revealing clothing and voluptuous physique. Moreover, Kubo has also depicted other female characters, such as Yoruichi and Orihime, with similarly exaggerated features or sensual poses, fueling discussions among fans about their role in the series and whether they serve more than just aesthetic appeal.
“Their fragile egos can’t handle this”: Naruto Fans Can’t Believe What Dragon Ball Editor Has Said About One Piece Saving Shonen Jump
On the other hand,Masashi Kishimoto‘sNarutoalso includes characters like Tsunade, known for her exaggerated physical appearance, who is objectified among the fans. However, Unlike Kubo’s or Kishimoto’s s*xualization of adult female characters, Toriyama’s choice to depict a young character in revealing attire raises different concerns.
Why Akira Toriyama’s Controversial Choice inDragon BallMay Have Been Overlooked
Viewed through today’s lens, and particularly in Western cultures, Chi-Chi’s portrayal does challenge current norms and raises questions about the responsibility creators have when presenting young characters. However, One reason this aspect ofDragon Ballhasn’t sparked major controversy is probably due to the innocence with which it’s presented.
Chi-Chi’s attire is a part of her character design and doesn’t feature in scenes meant to highlight her in a s*xualized manner. Many fans may have viewed Chi-Chi’s outfit as a harmless detail of her character, focusing on her personality instead. Child characters in bikinis aren’t uncommon in various forms of media worldwide, and in Toriyama’s era and cultural setting, this choice was unlikely to raise eyebrows.
Assassination Classroom Creator is Fighting His Own Battle Against Dragon Ball and Naruto: ‘I would like to make every effort to continue that’
Dragon Ballwas first serialized in the mid-1980s and Japan’s cultural norms around media were different from those in many Western countries. On top of that, Chi-Chi’s outfit was seen as part of her quirky personality and her unconventional upbringing, rather than an attempt to objectify her character.
However, in modern times, these types of portrayals may unintentionally invite the wrong type of attention.Akira Toriyamadefinitely should have been more cautious with Chi-Chi’s attire since it can be interpreted differently across generations. But we have to keep in mind that, unlikeNarutoandBleach, Toriyama did not intend to emphasize her s*xuality since his approach reflects a character-driven design.
Dragon Ball,Naruto, andBleachare currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
More from Moumita Chakraborty
Every Makoto Shinkai Main Character Ranked From Worst to Best
Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 8: Release Date, Spoilers and What to Expect
‘To Be Hero X’ Season 2 Needs to Give a Redemption Arc to Its Most Wronged Character
Recommended
17 Years Later, This Iron Man Scene Was the Darkest MCU Moment No One Realized
When Is Absolute Flash #6 Coming Out? Release Date, Plot Prediction & Everything We Know
‘The Serial Killer’s Apprentice’: How Dean Corll Was Murdered by His Own “Friend”
Is Apple TV+’s Carême Renewed for Season 2? Details Inside
Chris Pratt Thriller Dominates Global Streaming Amid Pro-RFK Jr Stance
“Oh I f**king love her”: Margaret Qualley’s Dad Made an Aubrey Plaza Confession That Stunned Her
Akira ToriyamaDragon BallMasashi KishimotoTite Kubo
