Is Mortal Kombat allowed in Japan?

Is Mortal Kombat Allowed in Japan?

The Mortal Kombat series, known for its over-the-top violence and gory Fatalities, has a tumultuous history in Japan. Due to the country’s strict laws and cultural sensitivities, the game has been banned or heavily censored in the region. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Mortal Kombat’s controversial history in Japan and the current state of its availability in the country.

Banned in Japan

Mortal Kombat 1, released in 1992, was the first game in the series to be banned in Japan. The game’s excessive violence, including scenes of decapitation and dismemberment, was deemed too graphic for the Japanese market. The game was ultimately released in Japan, but only with significant cuts to its content.

The Reason for Ban

Japan has a unique set of laws and cultural norms that govern the types of content that can be displayed in the media. Article 175 of the Penal Code of Japan, which dates back to 1907, prohibits the creation and distribution of materials that contain indecent images or scenes. This law has been applied to various forms of media, including video games, anime, and manga.

Consequences of the Ban

The ban on Mortal Kombat in Japan had significant consequences for the game’s development and marketing. Midway Games, the developer and publisher of Mortal Kombat, had to heavily censor the game to meet the standards set by the Japanese government. This included the removal of Fatalities and other graphic content, which diluted the game’s appeal and made it less desirable to fans.

Current State

Today, Mortal Kombat is still banned in Japan, but its availability has increased in recent years. Mortal Kombat 11, released in 2019, was not banned outright, but it did receive a "Z" rating from the Japanese government, which means that it is only available to players over the age of 18. The game’s content is still heavily censored, with many of its more graphic Fatalities removed or altered.

Comparison to Other Countries

It’s worth noting that Mortal Kombat is not banned in other countries with similar cultural and legal frameworks, such as South Korea and mainland China. These countries have their own sets of laws and regulations governing the types of content that can be displayed in the media, but they do not have the same level of restriction as Japan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mortal Kombat is still banned in Japan due to the country’s strict laws and cultural sensitivities. The game’s excessive violence and gory Fatalities are deemed too graphic for the Japanese market, and the game has been heavily censored to meet the standards set by the Japanese government. While Mortal Kombat is available in other countries, its availability in Japan remains limited.

Table: Mortal Kombat Games and Their Censorship

Note: The table only includes the mainline Mortal Kombat games and does not include spin-offs or mobile games.