Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Yu Yu Hakusho is a high quality anime that is available in milder edited formats and edgier, original formats. The unedited versions include more intense violence, more sexual humor, and stronger language. The edited versions are likely appropriate for kids 8 and older, while the unedited versions are more appropriate for teens. In either case, violence is ever-present and can occasionally be brutal and include blood or gore. A few adults drink and/or smoke frequently, with one parent seeming to abuse alcohol.
Sexual
Content
Lots of romantic tension between Yusuke and his love interest Keiko, which leads to a few kissing scenes. In the beginning, Yusuke teases Keiko about her breast size and even looks up her skirt to tease her. Another character, Kuwabara, develops a crush on another member of the supporting cast, Yukina, but it never gets beyond hand holding.
Violence
There is a lot of supernatural animated violence, which can get pretty graphic. The main characters confront enemies by punching, stabbing, supernatural attacks (which can lead to disintegration), decapitations, amputation, and explosions. There is also a fair amount of animated gore during fights.
Language
There is a fair amount of language in both the Japanese and English dub. Unedited versions include: "bitch", "crap", "damn", "hell", "s--t", and "ass."
Social
Behavior
The concept of death is portrayed as the next step in life and not something to be feared. Also people who behave poorly might not be as bad as they seem. True strength can only be achieved through hard work and perseverance.
Consumerism
There is a moderate amount of merchandise available for this series including DVDs, posters, and action figures.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Some of the adult characters are shown both drinking and smoking quite a bit. Yusuke's mother, Atsuko, drinks entire bottles of alcohol, goes out to bars, and gets drunk. Kuwabara's sister is almost always shown with a lit cigarette in her mouth. These behaviors are never portrayed in a positive light, but are integral parts of their characters or are used for comedy.
