Manga, the Japanese comic book style, has gained worldwide popularity for its unique storytelling, intricate artwork, and diverse genres. Among the various genres, there is one that stands out, and that is NSFW manga. NSFW stands for “Not Safe for Work,” which means it contains explicit content that is inappropriate for a workplace or public setting. This genre of manga has a controversial history, and its evolution over the years is fascinating.
Origins of NSFW manga
The origin of NSFW manga can be traced back to the early 20th century when Japanese artists created erotic art called shunga. Shunga was traditional woodblock prints or paintings that depicted explicit sexual content, often in a humorous or satirical way. Shunga was considered an art form and was widely accepted in Japan’s society at the time, even though it was a taboo topic.
However, after Japan’s defeat in World War II, the United States occupied Japan, and censorship laws were put in place. The occupation authorities considered shunga and other sexually explicit materials as “immoral” and banned their publication. This led to the emergence of underground erotic art, including erotic manga, which was distributed through the black market.
Evolution of NSFW manga
NSFW manga evolved with time and faced many challenges, including censorship and criticism from different groups. However, it continued to grow and attract a significant audience, leading to the creation of various sub-genres and themes. Let’s take a look at the different stages of NSFW manga’s evolution.
1960s-1970s: The emergence of ero-guro manga
The 1960s saw the emergence of a new sub-genre of NSFW manga called ero-guro manga. The term “ero-guro” is a combination of two words: “ero” meaning erotic and “guro” meaning grotesque. This sub-genre was characterized by its graphic violence, sexual violence, and surrealism. It depicted taboo topics like rape, incest, and pedophilia, and often featured explicit nudity and sexual acts.
Ero-guro manga gained popularity in the 1970s, and many prominent manga artists, including Suehiro Maruo and Shintaro Kago, contributed to its growth. However, it faced severe criticism from various groups, including feminists and conservatives, who considered it offensive and harmful. Despite the controversy, ero-guro manga continued to attract a significant audience and influenced the development of other NSFW manga sub-genres.
The 1980s-1990s: The rise of hentai manga
In the 1980s and 1990s, NSFW manga evolved further with the emergence of a new sub-genre called hentai manga. The term “hentai” means pervert in Japanese, and this sub-genre focused on extreme sexual acts, including BDSM, tentacle sex, and fetishes. Hentai manga featured exaggerated sexual characteristics, including oversized breasts and genitals, and often depicted non-consensual sex.
Hentai manga faced significant challenges, including censorship and legal issues. The Japanese government cracked down on its publication, and some manga artists faced prosecution for producing obscene content. However, hentai manga continued to thrive, and the advent of the internet in the late 1990s made it more accessible to a global audience.
2000s-present: The diversification of NSFW manga
In the 2000s, NSFW manga continued to evolve and diversify, with the emergence of various sub-genres and themes. Some of the popular sub-genres include yaoi and yuri manga, which focus on homoerotic relationships between male and female characters, respectively. Another sub-genre is an ecchi manga, which features sexually suggestive content but does not show explicit sex.
NSFW manga is a controversial genre that has evolved over the years to encompass various sub-genres and themes. From the origins of shunga in the early 20th century to the emergence of ero-guro manga in the 1960s and hentai manga in the 1980s, NSFW manga has faced numerous challenges, including censorship and legal issues. However, it has continued to attract a significant audience and influence the development of other manga genres.
Despite the controversies surrounding NSFW manga, it has contributed to the growth and diversification of the manga industry. Manga artists have used NSFW manga to explore taboo topics and challenge societal norms. NSFW manga has also helped to create a global community of manga fans who share a passion for this unique form of storytelling.
The history of NSFW manga and its evolution is a fascinating topic that highlights the creative and innovative nature of the manga industry. While some may find NSFW manga offensive or harmful, it has played a significant role in the development of manga as a global cultural phenomenon. As NSFW manga continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of the manga industry and the broader cultural landscape.
