Shin-Chan has been a beloved show for kids, especially those who grew up in the ’90s, captivating Indian audiences with its humour that entertained both children and parents. Despite its popularity, the show faced heavy censorship in India to comply with local guidelines.
Masakazu Hashimoto, Shin-Chan’s director, recently reflected on this in an interview with Hindustan Times. Interestingly, he admitted he was unaware of the censorship issues in India and expressed surprise at the extent of the editing. He shared that his primary motivation for bringing Shin-Chan to India was personal: the opportunity to visit the country. Hashimoto revealed that he had admired Indian cinema since watching Rajinikanth’s Muthu: The Dancing Maharaja in 1995 and thought India would be a perfect setting for Shin-Chan’s adventures.
Hashimoto also discussed how Shin-Chan’s character has evolved over the years. With children of his own now, he pointed out that he wouldn’t allow them to imitate some of Shin-Chan’s mischievous antics, such as showing his butt. He emphasized that in Japan, the show isn’t “censored” per se, but there are regulations ensuring what’s suitable for children, which he supports as a form of protection. Hashimoto said:
“Shin Chan is the children’s hero, everything he does is copied, mimicked by them. I ask my kids not to show their butts.”
Overall, while the show’s content has been moderated for younger audiences in India, Shin-Chan remains an iconic figure, and Hashimoto’s reflections highlight the balance between humour, creativity, and responsibility in children’s programming.