Japan Considers Sensor Steps Against Manga & Anime Containing Inappropriate Child Content

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Angelia Leony Van Augista

Japanese politician, Masako Okawara has submitted a petition calling for stricter regulations on manga and anime content that is inappropriate for children to reduce the sexualization and exploitation of children. This is intended due to the increasing number of cases involving the exploitation of minors.

Current statistics show that the number of child pornography offenses has not improved, despite the existence of the Child Pornography Prohibition Act. One recent well-known case is the case involving the producer of KIMI NO NAWA (YOUR NAME), Koichiro Ito.

Read the complete information below.

1. Lolicon & Shotacon

These two are terms in the world of manga & anime that refer to an attraction to underage girls (lolicon) and an attraction to underage boys (shotacon). This term is often applied in several manga & anime with similar themes, such as HIMOUTO! UMARU CHAN, ONIICHAN WA OSHIMAI, and ONEECHAN GA KITA.

2. Opinions of Manga & Anime Creators

The debate surrounding lolicon and shotacon has led critics to express concerns that such illustrations can normalize sexual acts involving underage children. Manga and anime creators and supporters argue that loli and shota characters are fictional. They also add that regulations issued by Masako Okawara would violate the freedom of manga & anime creators to express their works.

This was evident in 2014 when a proposed law on child pornography faced significant opposition from the manga & anime industry, stating that the law would greatly restrict their creative freedom.

3. Petition Issued by Masako Okawara

The Okawara petition urges the government to amend the Child Prostitution and Pornography Prevention Act based on the recommendations of the 2019 UN Committee by criminalizing the "production, distribution, provision, sale, access, display, and possession of images and depictions of children, or individuals who appear to be children, engaging in explicit sexual acts, or depicting the sexual parts of children for sexual purposes." The Okawara petition has gathered over 300 signatures.

Approaching the 25th anniversary of the Child Prostitution and Pornography Prevention Act, Okawara emphasizes the importance of further changes to related laws, including the Criminal Code, Child Welfare Act, and Child Abuse Prevention Act.

Masako Okawara also expresses her opinion and reveals that indecent depictions of child characters can influence real-world actions that result in children being unable to live and grow up safely and peacefully. "The sexualization of underage child characters in the media can undermine social norms and pose serious threats to the safety and well-being of children," she adds.

(kpl/ony)