Bocchi the Rock season 2 has sparked controversy before even airing. In Japan, some fans launched an online petition demanding that scriptwriter Erika Yoshida be removed from the project. The backlash began after Yoshida admitted in an interview that she cut certain scenes from the manga, labeling them as "noise".
What the Petition Demands
The petition outlines three specific requests: the removal of Yoshida as writer for season 2, the erasure of her credit from season 1, and a formal apology to creator Aki Hamaji. Supporters argue that one affected moment was the "ice bath" scene. Yoshida considered it unnecessary, but fans viewed the cut as censorship of the original manga.
Criticism Toward the Writer
Critics accuse Yoshida of dismissing Hamaji's work by calling certain drawings and moments "harmful" or "sexual exploitation." Organizers stress that anime adaptations must respect the creator's intent and preserve the spirit of the original story. They believe that failing to do so breaks the trust between creators and fans.
How Much Support Does the Petition Have?
Despite the strong opinions, the petition has gathered only 347 signatures so far. Even so, its organizers insist that their cause is not about numbers but about defending creative freedom. They argue that adaptations should not become "tools of ideological propaganda."
The Core Takeaways from the Bocchi the Rock Controversy
This conflict highlights a long-standing debate in anime culture: should adaptations follow the original manga closely, or can creative teams reinterpret them for a broader audience? While some fans want a faithful recreation, others accept changes that strengthen pacing, themes, or character depth.
What's Next for Bocchi the Rock?
Bocchi the Rock! remains one of the most popular recent anime, with its second season highly anticipated. However, the controversy surrounding Erika Yoshida may affect fan reception once new episodes air. (Note: Release dates and production details may change based on official announcements.)
Why This Debate Matters
The tension between faithfulness and adaptation is not unique to Bocchi the Rock! but extends across the anime industry. This petition serves as another reminder of how invested fans are in preserving artistic integrity. Whether Yoshida stays or leaves, the discussion has already cemented this controversy as a defining moment for the franchise.
