Chainsmoker Cat (Yanineko), the comedy series following a chain-smoking catgirl, has been removed from the Ani-One Asia streaming lineup. The platform confirmed the decision was made to ensure compliance with local government regulations in the regions where it operates. This follows a similar move by the Taiwanese service Bahamut Animation Crazy, which pulled the show after receiving notice from Hong Kong’s Department of Health regarding the promotion of tobacco products on the internet.
At the center of the controversy is the anime’s frequent and prominent inclusion of real-life cigarette brands, most notably Mevius. These depictions have drawn scrutiny from authorities in both Hong Kong and Taiwan, where strict laws govern the advertisement and promotion of tobacco products across digital media. While Medialink Entertainment, the parent company of Ani-One Asia, is based in Hong Kong, the removal has been applied across all Southeast Asian territories where the show was previously available.
Amidst these international distribution hurdles, the show’s production schedule in Japan is also seeing changes. The official account for the series announced that the ninth episode will not air as scheduled, with a special program featuring the voice cast slated to take its place on September 2. It remains unclear if this production delay is directly linked to the regulatory pressure mounting overseas.
Directed by Taku Kimura at Bibury Animation Studio, the series adapts the manga by Nyan Nyan Factory, which is currently published in English by Seven Seas. The show is notable for offering two distinct versions: an "Evil Dragon Unleashed" cut that maintains the original directorial intent, and an "On-Air" version edited for standard television broadcast.
