Recent news about a future remake of the anime “Ranma 1/2” generated a wave of enthusiasm among fans of the classic series. However, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm. Some fans express concern about the viability of adapting this mangafirst published almost forty years ago, by today's social standards, especially in terms of comedy.

“Ranma 1/2“, created by Rumiko Takahashi and published between 1987 and 1996, it became a classic for its mix of martial arts, romance and humor. However, society has changed considerably since then, and certain aspects of the manga and its original anime adaptation may not be well received today.

A Twitter user, identified as “朝野おやつ (@asano082)”expressed his feelings about the situation in the following words:

• «As a Ranma fan, I don't want him to be revived. I want it to exist as a “fun manga from the old days.” It’s important that it’s from that era. Nowadays, insults like the ones Ranma says to Akane (that she's not pretty, that she's not attractive, that she's too good-looking, etc.) and Shampoo's broken language would no longer be acceptable. There is already an animated version with good animation, so there is no need to make another one.».
• «The fact that Kasumi, after finishing high school, stayed home doing all the houseworkand the dialogue “Kasumi, the tea” “Yes, father” is also very problematic now. What do they plan to do with old Happosai? What does the production team intend to do by reviving Ranma?».

This opinion reflects a broader concern among fans of the series. Humor and gender dynamics that were acceptable in the 80s and 90s may be considered problematic in today's context. Furthermore, the central premise of “Ranma 1/2,” which revolves around a young man who changes gender upon coming into contact with water, raises questions about gender identity and representation in media, issues that are now more sensitive and subject to greater scrutiny than in the past.

And there was no shortage of opinions from the Japanese:

• «This, well, if I say it from the position of a simple spectator who is not involved in creative activities, I can respect different opinions even if I don't agree. But if someone who draws BL manga says this, I ask myself: "Is what you do such a high work that you can ethically criticize Ranma?" With what face do you dare to say that?».
• «Opinions are divided, but I understand that perfectly. In that sense, I think Devilman Crybaby was very well adapted. I like reboots of this style, but at the same time, they can sadden those who want to watch the original anime, what will they do with Ranma 1/2?».
• «It's true... I thought there would be a lot of parts that would have to be changed in terms of expression (the transformation from male to female, transvestite characters being called "perverts", scenes with a lot of exposure, etc.), but when you list it, there are a lot of fundamental aspects of the characters that would be problematic.».
• «I understand that. Ranma is a late Showa to early Heisei manga, so it's important to consider both the "Reiwa era context" and the "source material." Rumiko Takahashi has always been at the forefront from Showa to Reiwa because she continually updates her thinking to adapt to each era.».
• «Yesterday, while listening to Kasumi's song, I thought, "Time has changed a lot, maybe this could cause controversy?"».
• «It's true that regulating speech could completely eliminate the good elements of the era. But at the same time, I don't want to see a modern version of Ranma as "Ranma who frequently changes gender to explore a new approach to gender."».
• «You used to enjoy a lot of anime and manga as an otaku, but as political correctness takes hold, you've become a whiny old man. You probably think this is "growing up" or "updating your values," which is quite painful.».
• «I recently read the original manga “Hana yori Dango” for the first time, and the words of the black-haired male protagonist were so insulting that it was almost harassment, there was even an attempted sexual assault, which was shocking. In the end, I stopped reading after the third volume… I was born in the middle of the Heisei era, and I’m surprised that such things were popular back then. I realize that what is considered “fun” changes over time.».
• «I was excited to think that Mousse would be back in action, but now that I think about it, it doesn't really fit in with the times. Rumiko Takahashi is someone who has updated her work properly (you can see that in her recent mangas), so I'm worried that she might be misunderstood. Ranma and Lum are the same as Chiikawa in that sense. (There are people who love them without knowing the stories.)».

Source: Hachima Kikou