Anime's darker side: The San Francisco Chronicle profiles filmmaker Mamoru Oshii, who discusses Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence and the genesis of darker, more mature anime:

"Ten or 15 years ago, Japanese society sort of changed in that people no longer had to grow up. They can always stay as children and watch anime, play games and read manga just like they used to as children. I think this rise in filmmakers creating animation with a heavy theme, more for adults, has a lot to do with (that)."