French presidential candidate on “violent” anime

Segolene Royal, a French socialist government official in the running for the upcoming presidential election, is causing concern in Japan due to her views on two of the country’s major exports; anime and manga, which she has described as “violent and pornographic”. Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Aso has simply suggested that “she should read a little bit more”.

France and Japan have traditionally enjoyed an easy going and friendly relationship, often trading in pop culture; a fine example being how the world-renowned French band Daft Punk collaborated with legendary manga-ka Leiji Matsumoto to produce 2003’s “Interstella 5555” theatrical anime movie (and accompanying music videos).