Otaku Culture

The 10 most “traumatic” animes of your childhood according to the Japanese

A Japanese page Pinzuba News revealed a disturbing classification of anime that traumatically marked the childhood of many adults. In a survey of 100 people between 30 and 40 years old through the research website Voice notewere asked about animated works that, instead of simply entertaining, left a deep mark on their memories. And the results are surprising and reveal how certain series have emotionally impacted entire generations, combining elements of horror and drama that have endured in the collective memory.

The results of the ranking of the most traumatic animes

The nostalgia of anime sometimes accompanied by chills and a recent survey conducted by the Japanese website Pinzuba News revealed the animes that, far from being just entertainment, left deep marks on the childhood of many. When asking 100 people between 30 and 40 years old about the animes that had the biggest impact on them, one classification which left many with a feeling of terror and nostalgia, and which once again transports us to moments we thought we had forgotten.

The ranking includes the ten most shocking animes, some even had some comments from the interviewees, the reason why they think this or why the scene they believe left them traumatized, in the ranking some of them tied for the last places, in positions 7 to 10, tied with 4% of the votes. And the results are surprising, even more so when we learn that very interesting names like Dragon Ball are present, so below we present the 10 most “traumatic” animes of Japanese childhood:

10. Gakkou no Kowai Uwasa: Hanako-san ga Kita (4%)

Topo: Os 10 animes mais “traumáticos” da sua infância, segundo fãs japoneses

This anime tells the adventures of a ghost girl, Hanakowhich appears in situations where schoolchildren face supernatural problems, often helps students deal with evil spirits. Interviewees mentioned that the story of a man wrapped in bandages riding a bicycle with a sword caused them great distress, becoming a childhood trauma. The creepy atmosphere and disturbing animation contributed to the feeling of terror.

9. Kinnikuman (4%)

This comic series follows the downsides of Muslimsuperhero from the planet Muscle, while fighting villains in the ring, viewers especially remembered the terrifying scene in which Ramenman turns Brockenman into ramen, as well as the disturbing images of blood that made them feel sick.

8. GeGeGe no Kitaro (4%)

Created in 1959, the series focuses on Kitaroa yokai that protects humans from other evil spirits, the episodes feature various legends and creatures from Japanese folklore. Interviewees noted that the realistic and grotesque depiction of yokai caused them trauma, making each episode a disturbing experience.

7. Nihon Mukashi Banashi Manga (4%)

Airing from 1975 to 1995, this anime focuses on the telling of Japanese folk tales, offering a rich exploration of the country's oral tradition. Some episodes included terrifying stories, such as the Kachi-kachi Yama episode, which left viewers fearing they would burn themselves.

6. Dragon Ball (5%)

Ator de Dragon Ball Evolution expressa condolências a Akira Toriyama

This iconic anime, broadcast since 1986, follows the adventures of Son Goku and his friends in search of the Dragon Balls, as time goes by, it becomes more violent, featuring intense battles against powerful enemies. Shocking scenes, such as the death of Krillin at the hands of Frieza and the massacre of the Earthlings during the arrival of the Saiyans, left many traumatized.

5. Hokuto no Ken (6%)

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the series follows Kenshiroan expert in the martial art Hokuto Shinken, as he struggles to survive in a brutal and desolate environment. Viewers commented that the dark atmosphere and disturbing imagery were frightening, especially when viewed alone.

4. Yokai Ningen Bem (6%)

The series revolves around three youkai who fight other monsters in a coastal town. Interviewees shared that the characters' deaths were so graphic that they now seem grotesque and unacceptable.

3. Hotaru no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies) (8%)

This moving story about two brothers orphaned during World War II left a deep impression on viewers, highlighting their struggle for survival in a devastating context.

2. Jigoku Sensei Cloud (9%)

It tells the adventures of a master who exorcises demons. Although fascinating, many of the stories were so terrifying that viewers were often left feeling distressed while watching them.

1. Warau Seller (10%)

This series features a sinister salesman who offers wishes in exchange for conditions that, when broken, result in tragic consequences for his customers. The plot evokes reflections on greed and its repercussions, leaving viewers with a mixture of fascination and fear.

This classification on animereveals that although many animes aim to entertain, some have left an indelible mark on the childhood of their viewers. The mix of horror, drama and extreme situations has made these works remembered not only as entertainment, but as experiences that have emotionally impacted an entire generation. Without a doubt, the influence of these animes will be felt in the memory of those who watched them, often with a mix of nostalgia and fear.