Yaniko Sato is the main character of Chainsmoker Cat, an anime that sparked controversy due to its smoking scenes - Photo: Bibury Animation Studios
According to FandomWire, Chainsmoker Cat garnered attention during the 2026 summer anime season thanks to its dark comedy plot revolving around a smoking cat girl. However, this very element caused the anime to face difficulties during its release in some overseas markets.
Why is the cat addicted to cigarettes causing controversy?
The anime adaptation of "The Smoking Cat" is based on a manga serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Young Magazine and produced by Bibury Animation Studios. The anime began airing in Japan on July 2, 2026.
The main character , Yaniko Sato, is a cat-girl whose life revolves around cigarettes, alcohol, laziness, unpaid rent, and complicated relationships. Cigarettes are not just a minor detail but are directly linked to her personality and character development.
The first episode surpassed 500,000 views on Niconico in about two weeks. According to the data used by Dwango for ranking, "The Cigarette-Addicted Cat" topped the 2026 summer anime rankings in terms of reach speed, based on views, comments, and visits. As of August 17th, the series continued to hold the top spot in Niconico's mid-season rankings.
The cat depicted as addicted to cigarettes was removed from several platforms in Asia due to regulations related to cigarette imagery - Photo: Bibury Animation Studios
However, the frequent smoking scenes, including close-ups of real cigarette packaging, became a problem when the anime was released overseas.
Earlier in August, the "Smoking Cat" video was removed from the Ani-One YouTube channel to comply with local and regional government regulations regarding smoking imagery.
In Hong Kong, the Department of Health informed Animation Crazy, a Taiwan-based streaming service, that the anime violated regulations prohibiting online advertising of tobacco products. Animation Crazy subsequently stopped distributing the series in Hong Kong on August 17th.
Smoking scenes appear frequently in The Cigarette-Addicted Cat - Photo: Bibury Animation Studios
In Taiwan, the John Tung Foundation also spoke out about the frequent appearance of recognizable cigarette brands and packaging in anime.
Several streaming platforms have removed the anime while authorities investigate potential violations. According to FandomWire, related violations could carry fines of up to 1 million New Taiwan Dollars.
Japan also debates the content of anime.
Not only did it face problems overseas, but the anime "The Smoking Cat" also received complaints in Japan. The Broadcasting Program and Ethics Improvement Organization (BPO) discussed the feedback regarding the frequent appearance of smoking imagery in the anime.
Another scene also sparked controversy, with some viewers arguing that the film depicted the use of illegal substances.
Some BPO members argued that broadcasting at late-night hours and presenting content in an unidentifiable manner could be considered a restrictive measure. However, another member questioned whether such imagery should even be shown on television.
In Japan, *The Cigarette-Addicted Cat* is geared towards adult audiences and airs during late-night hours. The anime's official website also distinguishes between the regular television broadcast version and the less censored version. - Image: Bibury Animation Studios
The controversy surrounding "The Cigarette-Addicted Cat" raises questions about the international release of Japanese anime. A work may be produced according to Japanese content standards, but it must meet different regulations when released to different countries.
In the anime *The Cigarette-Addicted Cat*, the image of cigarettes, while a part of the character and humor in the story, also became the reason why the anime had to adjust its release in some markets.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-co-meo-nghien-thuoc-la-la-anime-gay-tranh-cai-nhat-nam-2026-100261004133923611.htm
