Exploring the Narrative Function of Sexualized Content in Made in Abyss

This thesis examines why Made in Abyss, an anime by Akihito Tsukushi, contains a large amount of sexualized content involving minors. It also poses the question: how prevalent is lolicon anime, and how has its prevalence evolved over time? While some of this content may function as fanservice, it may also serve other narrative purposes. To investigate this, the study employs a mixed-method approach, combining a literature review with quantitative data analysis of over 34,000 anime. The literature review explores four key themes: Fan Service, Moe, Lolicon, and Sex and Horror. Based on this review, it is hypothesized that the sexualized content in Made in Abyss is not merely intended for audience gratification but operates as an emotional manipulation tool. By portraying cute vulnerable child characters in disturbing or sexualized situations, the anime evokes a strong protective instinct in viewers (moe) while simultaneously creating discomfort (horror). This contrast of cuteness and...Show moreThis thesis examines why Made in Abyss, an anime by Akihito Tsukushi, contains a large amount of sexualized content involving minors. It also poses the question: how prevalent is lolicon anime, and how has its prevalence evolved over time? While some of this content may function as fanservice, it may also serve other narrative purposes. To investigate this, the study employs a mixed-method approach, combining a literature review with quantitative data analysis of over 34,000 anime. The literature review explores four key themes: Fan Service, Moe, Lolicon, and Sex and Horror. Based on this review, it is hypothesized that the sexualized content in Made in Abyss is not merely intended for audience gratification but operates as an emotional manipulation tool. By portraying cute vulnerable child characters in disturbing or sexualized situations, the anime evokes a strong protective instinct in viewers (moe) while simultaneously creating discomfort (horror). This contrast of cuteness and horror heightens emotional engagement, reinforcing the anime’s dark, unsettling atmosphere and draws viewers deeper into the narrative. In this way, the sexualized imagery is used to explore themes of innocence, vulnerability, and psychological horror, challenging how audiences normally respond to such imagery. To test the hypothesis, this study conducted a data analysis in two parts. First, it tracked the prevalence of lolicon anime over time, revealing that production peaked in 2014 before declining, likely due to legal scrutiny and industry self-regulation. Second, a genre-tag analysis compared Made in Abyss to other lolicon anime and found that it prioritizes horror and violence over sexual content, distinguishing it from traditional lolicon works. These findings support the hypothesis that sexualized imagery in Made in Abyss serves a narrative function, heightening psychological horror rather than purely catering to lolicon audiences. This study contributes to discussions on moe, horror, and evolving industry trends in anime.Show less

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Exploring the Narrative Function of Sexualized Content in Made in Abyss