Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is no stranger to controversy, and it looks like the show’s second season has become hotly debated once again. Following the sixth episode, Mushoku Tensei Season 2’s depiction of slavery was addressed by its creator.
In the anime’s latest episode, Rudeus, Fitz, and Zanoba are shown going to a slave market.
As expected, this part of the episode drew a lot of attention and sparked controversy among viewers regarding its depiction.
Spoiler Warning: There are spoilers for Mushoku Tensei Season 2 in this article.
Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Controversy Explained
Mushoku Tensei's first season also had its fair share of controversial elements. Though it’s a mostly well-received isekai anime series, there are criticisms about Rudeus’ perverted nature.
Now, the anime is once again drawing a lot of attention, but this time for how it depicted slavery.
In the episode, Rudeus, Fitz, and Zanoba go to a slave market and buy a dwarf girl named Julie. Soon, Rudeus trains Julie in magic.
Some viewers deemed this problematic, with some saying that the depiction of younger slaves and Rudeus being a “good” slave owner is not acceptable given social mores.
There are others who defended the depiction, saying that Rudeus not having any issues with buying a slave better shows the state of the world. Some also believe that the show’s depiction of slavery is not an endorsement of it.
This isn’t the first anime that dealt with such elements. For instance, The Rising of the Shield Hero is another prime example of a depiction of slavery as the protagonist Naofumi buys a slave early into the first season.
ALSO READ: What Is Disturb Magic in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation?
Mushoku Tensei Creator Explains Rudeus’ Slavery Stance
Following the episode’s release, Mushoku Tensei light novel author Rifujin na Magonote commented on this part of the story on Twitter.
He shared that Rudeus does not hate slavery. While Rudeus believes that kidnapping is evil, he does not want to impose his sense of justice in this new world he’s in (as translated by Anime News Network).
Rifujin na Magonote’s explanation might not satisfy everyone though, especially considering how reprehensible slavery is in the real world.
Given this, debates about the show’s more controversial aspects will likely continue.
Mushoku Tensei Season 2 will continue with Episode 7 which will be released next week.
The new episode will be streamed on Crunchyroll in the US and other selected regions.
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Source: Anime News Network
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