Hentai, a genre of Japanese erotic anime and manga, has grown into a significant cultural phenomenon. Originating from the Japanese term meaning "perversion" or "transformation," hentai encompasses a wide array of subgenres and media formats, including manga, anime, video games (eroge), and fan-made works (doujinshi).

The roots of hentai can be traced back to the 1960s anime xxx when erotic elements began appearing in Japanese comics. By the 1970s, works like Cybele hentai anime by Azuma Hideo introduced explicit animations aimed at adult audiences. Over time, hentai evolved into a distinct genre, blending sexual content with intricate storytelling and artistic styles.

Hentai's international popularity surged with the advent of the internet, offering audiences access to its unique blend of fantasy and eroticism. Despite its controversial nature, it remains a major part of anime culture globally.