Cowboy Bebop is a Japanese anime that was produced by Sunrise. It originally ran on TV Tokyo from April 3 to June 26, 1998 and on Wowow from October 24, 1998 to April 24, 1999. When it first aired on Adult Swim it was censored due to network standards at the time, as a result violence was toned down, while nudity and strong language were removed. When it re-aired with different tapes in 2017, the series aired nearly uncut, save for any women's nipples being censored. Some episodes were banned on TV Tokyo.
Censorship[]
USA Censorship[]
Adult Swim[]
- Episode 1
- The scene that shows a bullet hole in the bartenders head was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the bullet hole was covered up. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where Soul Bossa Trio says "Goddamned son of a bitch." The word "God" was bleeped out. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood on Asimov's flyer's window was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was partially blacked out. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 2
- The scene where Spike says "Shit" was changed to "Damn". (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where the Van driver says "Deep shit" was changed to "Big trouble". (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where Spike says "Shit! That's why I hate pets." was changed to "Damn! That's why I hate pets." (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 3
- The scene where Spike says "Oh, shit!" was changed to "Oh, damn!" (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 4
- The scene that shows a woman in Bob's magazine nude was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the woman is wearing a bikini. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where Spike says "Oh shit!" was changed to "Oh damn!" (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood on the wall and bodies was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 5
- The scene that shows Vicious stepping over a puddle of blood was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood on the bodies and the walls was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows nude woman in a magazine was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the women wear bikinis. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood around Mao Yenrai's corpse was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood gushing from Spike's and Vicious' blood was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was reduced. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 6
- The episode was banned on Adult Swim. (The episode latter premiered during the 2002 run)
- The scene that shows Spike's lower body during a surgery was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version Spike’s lower body was blacked out. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a bullet hole in Giraffe's back, with blood around the bullet hole was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood and bullet hole were digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Wen under his father's charred body after the gate explosion was shortened. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood on Wen's head due to getting shot was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood on the warehouse floor was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was reduced. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where Jet says "Oh, shit..." it changed to "Oh, crap..." (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where Jet says "Shit!" the word "Shit" was removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a bullet hole in Wen's forehead, and blood around the bullet hole was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the bullet hole and the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 7
- The scene where Bounty Hunter says "Oh shit, get this guy too." was changed to "Oh damn, get this guy too." (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where Trucker says "Shit!" was changed to "Samn!" (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)*
- Episode 8
- The episode was banned on Adult Swim due to the 9/11 attacks. (The episode latter premiered during the 2002 run)
- The scene that shows Faye's impromptu interrogation was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the second man that was on the bed was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where Piccaro says "Shit, these guys are bounty hunters" s changed to "Damn, these guys are bounty hunters." (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 11
- The scene where Spike says "Shit!" was changed to "Damn!" (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 12
- The scene that shows Gren in the shower was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the camera zooms in on Gren, as a result you can no longer see his chest. (Ever since the 2017 run Gren's nipples were blurred.)
- Episode 13
- Any scene that shows Gren's breasts were cut. (Ever since the 2017 run any scene that shows Gren's nipples were blurred.)
- The scene that shows Lin's blood spilling onto the roof was cut. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Vicious’s missile hitting a skyscraper cut. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 15
- The scene that shows Faye under a blanket was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blanket was digitally extended to cover up Faye's cleavage. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood spurting out of a con’s neck was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 16
- The scene that shows blood around a pile of dead guards was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a puddle of blood around Udai, as he pours the champagne was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a dead guard with a mouth full of champagne was cut. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood spurting out of a con's throat due to Udai slashing the con's throat was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood drops in the air was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was reduced. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood on the pilot and the copilot was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows bullet holes in the copilot, and blood on the copilot was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the bullet holes and the blood were digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a blood splatter due to Udai getting shot was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood surrounding Udai's head was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a puddle of blood around the pistol that Jet grabs was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 17
- The scene where you hear gunshot noises during the theme was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the gunshot noises were removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 19
- The scene that shows nude pictures in Miles truck was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the people in the pictures are wearing clothes. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where one of the Pirate says "God damn it!" was changed to "Damn it!" (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where Spike says "Shit, the virus!" was changed to "Damn, the virus!" (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 20
- The scene that shows Pierrot's assassination of the ISSP director was shortened. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood around the ISSP director after he gets assassinated was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was reduced. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood on the prison walls and on the dead guards as Pierrot escapes was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a blood splatter due to Spike getting shot was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was reduced. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 21
- The scene where Jet says "Shit, they're trying to scare us!" was changed to "They're trying to scare us!" (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 22
- The episode was banned on Adult Swim due to the 9/11 attacks. (This episode aired during the 2002 run.)
- The scene where Andy says "Ah, shit!" was changed to "Ah, nuts!" (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a cannabis leaf on Jet's shirt was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version it was changed to a Peace symbol. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene where Spike says "Shit, we've got to catch him first!" was changed to "Damn, we've got to catch him first!" (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 24
- The scene where Jet says "Shit, this isn't funny!" was changed to "Damn, this isn't funny!" (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Faye in the shower was shortened. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 25
- The scene that shows a bartender getting shot was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Spike shooting a thug was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Jet's leg getting shot was cut. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Spike shooting a thug was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Shin shooting a thug was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Red Dragon Elder vomiting blood was cut. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows the thug that is throwing Vicious his sword getting shot was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a bullet hole in the second Red Dragon Elder, and blood around the bullet hole was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood and the bullet hole were digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a blood splatter after Vicious slashes a Red Dragon thug was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Vicious killing the third Red Dragon Elder was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- Episode 26
- The scene that shows Red Dragon thug getting shot was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood coming out of Ann's wound was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was reduced. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows blood in the Red Dragon execution chamber was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Vicious running his finger through a pool of blood was cut. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Shinn getting hit was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows a pool of blood surrounding Shinn's head was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
- The scene that shows Vicious getting shot was modified for the Adult Swim broadcast. In the Adult Swim version the blood was digitally removed. (This scene has been uncensored since the 2017 run.)
Cartoon Network[]
- Episode 19
- This episode, which featured the Space Shuttle Columbia burning up during re-entry due to heat tiles falling off, was withdrawn by Cartoon Network, due to the crash of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the deaths of all of those aboard.
Japanese censorship[]
TV Tokyo[]
The following episodes were banned by TV Tokyo:
- Episode 1
- Episode 4
- Episode 5
- Episode 6
- Episode 8
- Episode 9
- Episode 10
- Episode 11
- Episode 12
- Episode 13
- Episode 14
- Episode 15
- Episode 16
- Episode 17
- Episode 19
- Episode 20
- Episode 21
- Episode 22
- Episode 23
- Episode 24
- Episode 25
- Episode 26
Where to find it uncensored[]
The DVD home videos are completely uncensored and the 2017 run on Adult Swim reduced the amount of censorship.