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Hentai is something that is described as a special form of anime and manga. It is characterized by sexual content and exists in different styles and subgenres.
What hentai is: the meaning and origin
The term “hentai” comes from Japanese and literally means “perversion” or “deviation”.
- In Western usage, however, the term has come to refer to a specific genre of animated or drawn content that includes explicit sexual depictions.
- Hentai is a subcategory of the anime and manga genre and includes works intended for an adult audience.
- In Japan, however, the term “hentai” is rarely used in this context. Instead, more specific terms such as “ero manga” (erotic manga) or “ero anime” are used.
- The origins of hentai can be traced back to the 19th century, when the first Japanese woodblock prints with erotic motifs, known as “shunga”, were popular. With the development of manga and anime in modern times, hentai has established itself as an independent art form.
Types and characteristics of hentai
Hentai covers a wide range of topics and styles, varying according to content and target audience. There are several subgenres, including:
- Ecchi: Light erotic content without explicit scenes, often humorously presented.
- Yuri and Yaoi: Focused on same-sex relationships between women (Yuri) or men (Yaoi).
- Tentacle hentai: An imaginative form that incorporates mythological or extraordinary creatures.
- Futanari: A subgenre that depicts characters with both male and female anatomical features.
- Doujinshi: Fan-made or independently created erotic manga, which often contain alternative stories of well-known anime or manga series.
- Netorare (NTR): Thematizes infidelity or cheating in romantic relationships
- A special feature of hentai is the creative freedom that exists in the depiction of characters and scenarios. Unlike in real film productions, there are no physical limitations, which allows artists to implement a variety of imaginative or surreal themes.
- At the same time, there are legal restrictions and social debates in many countries about the content of hentai, particularly with regard to ethical issues or the protection of minors. Nevertheless, hentai remains an important part of the global anime and manga culture and is consumed by a broad fan base.
