The long-awaited compilation film of “Bocchi the Rock!” premiered this week in Japan, generating great anticipation among fans of the popular franchise. However, Social media in Japan has been flooded with complaints about the foul smell among viewers of the screenings.. Comments like

• “I went to the premiere of Bocchi the Rock! as early as I could, but it was midnight and there were a lot of people there. Some of them smelled really bad, and the worst part is that they even approached me and tried to talk to me.“.

• “I lined up to buy Bocchi the Rock! merchandise, but when I got to the escalator, the person in front of me smelled like shit.“went viral, reflecting viewers’ discomfort.

Another user commented: “The Bocchi the Rock! merchandise section at the movie theater sucks!“These complaints have sparked a debate about whether there really was a problem with the participants’ hygiene or whether netizens are trying to replicate a similar situation that recently occurred with another anime film, that of “Uma Musume: Pretty Derby”..

It is important to note that the otaku community in Japan has been stigmatized with the stereotype of “smelling bad” due to supposedly poor hygiene habits. This perception has led some establishments, such as trading card stores, to restrict the entry of customers with bad odors or even apply air freshener at the entrance. This stereotype, although widespread, does not represent all members of the community, but incidents like those reported at the premiere of “Bocchi the Rock!” fuel these debates.

Since its anime adaptation by CloverWorks in 2022, “Bocchi the Rock!” has become one of the most popular franchises of the moment. The story follows Hitori “Bocchi” Gotou, a lonely and socially anxious young woman who dreams of making friends and playing in a band. Dedicated to playing the guitar, one day she meets the outgoing drummer Nijika Ijichi, who invites her to join the band Kessoku when the guitarist, Ikuyo Kita, runs away before the first show. Finding happiness in playing together, Bocchi and her bandmates strive to improve as musicians while also making the most of their fleeting high school days.

In conclusion, While the controversy surrounding the smelly premiere of “Bocchi the Rock!” continues to spark discussion online, there’s no doubt that the franchise continues to capture the hearts of many.and has established itself as a significant cultural phenomenon in the anime and manga scene.

• “They must be lying to get some laughs on the internet. There are actually a lot of good people in the otaku community.“.
• “The worst time for otakus is usually the middle of the night, and you can imagine why.“.
• “I think anyone who works smells bad in the middle of the night, not everyone has time to shower.“.
• “The people who posted this stuff certainly smell worse.“.
• “Hmmm, I don't know if I believe that. It really affects the fact that something similar happened recently with Uma Musume.“.
• “Why is it so difficult for otakus to take a bath?“.
• “What the fuck is wrong with otakus who frequent movie theaters and bring their nauseating smell into an enclosed space?“.
• “Yu Gi Oh! tournaments are even worse because there is no air circulation, as the cards can fly around. This is different in movie theaters, because since COVID-19 happened, they have greatly improved the air circulation inside theaters.“.

Source: Yaraon!