In spite of international acclaim and an Oscar nomination, the Japan #MeToo documentary Black Box Diaries has not been released locally, leading to concerns over freedom of expression, censorship, and legal issues.
The film, helmed by journalist Shiori Ito, follows her own life as a survivor of sexual assault and exposes Japan’s entrenched gender imbalance and insufficient legislation protecting victims. Yet fears regarding the utilization of some of the video material have created legal and ethical issues, barring its screening there.
Reports indicate that portions of the footage in Black Box Diaries could violate privacy legislation or breach consent agreements, rendering its release legally problematic. Moreover, Japan’s conservative approach to sexual misconduct cases and continuing controversies regarding defamation and media accountability have also made the film’s release more complicated.
As the documentary continues to fuel worldwide discussions regarding the #MeToo movement in Japan, its future in the country of origin remains unclear. Supporters claim its release could serve as a turning point for discussions regarding victim rights and reforms, but bureaucratic barriers could prevent it from coming to Japanese shores anytime soon.
