Anime Over - Anime & Manga Ban Passes

[toyNN]

The revised law banning/censoring sales of anime, manga, and games featuring “virtual crimes” or which are “likely to interfere with the healthy development of youth” has passed in Japan after the DPJ (Democratic Party) agreed to support it.

Many have written that this will create a censorship ban on most all anime and manga. I sure hope they are wrong and that this will deal just with the explicit stuff. But it seems publishers of current titles are doing their best to over react. Purging and requesting changes to current manga and removing older ones from distribution.

Most likely a review board will be formed to inspect all anime/manga/games and will determine if they pass or fail.

Hopefully by the time the law comes into effect (July 2011) they'll in some way narrow its focus at the very least. But the worry is that by that time publishers have already pulled everything there won't be much to review.

[EagleEyes]

#shock Censorship is ok in some situations. But this is taking it a little over board.

[gannon133]

I...just...don't...believe this...

I think it is a bad move for Japan overall because most sales come from that, causing an economic downfall (assumption). I don't think that they have to go to the extreme of banning the sales of manga/anime or games. There are other methods to handle this, like showing some proof of age that are lacking around these days...

[Kate]

There are other methods to handle this, like showing some proof of age that are lacking around these days...

This... This I completely agree with.

I agree that censorship is fine in some cases. This, however, is going a little overboard. You know what? Let's do TV shows and movies! No... LET'S GO FOR REAL LIFE! GO!

*Watch the economy plunge for a while*

[TheDrunkenShadow]

Yeah, I saw this this morning. It'll be popping up in Tuesday's iStalk because the story actually didn't come out until after Monday's had already been finished. >.<

Anyway, I think that only bad can come of this. When you have a group of people censoring things with such vague guidelines, it becomes a choice of opinion rather than logic. Add in the amount of backlash this will probably generate and you have quite a mess on your hands.

[toyNN]

iStalk will be busy, there'll be lots to report on as this works itself out. I sure thought it had less chance to pass since its scoped widened over the previously dubbed "loli ban". But I guess that's what they wanted!

I'm sort of holding out that this for them creating a more defined rating system for anime/manga. Specifically for 18+ titles, and that those will only include explicit eroge. The fear that anything even hinting at sexually is going to be censored seems (I hope!!) wrong. That's like every title!

And wasn't it like 8 months ago or so that the Japanese government said it was going to be putting forth $120million to promote their beloved anime industry to everyone around the world?



Anyway, I think that only bad can come of this. When you have a group of people censoring things with such vague guidelines, it becomes a choice of opinion rather than logic. Add in the amount of backlash this will probably generate and you have quite a mess on your hands.

[Kayarath]

Looks like this will be the Japanese Comics Code Authority!

However, I don't think the DPJ is aware of the negative side effects. What if all the Mangaka defect from Japan and take their creations elsewhere? Maybe if we put together the right campaign, we convince a few of them to move to the USA! That would be pretty cool actually...

[Elk]

Honestly, While if this actually happened it would suck, but I think it's all just puffing out ones chest. It goes to ACTUAL vote tomorrow, and I don't think it'll pass. If it does, it'll probably be heavily cripples by the time it's put into effect, though we already HAVE seen some ill effects.

[toyNN]

The bill did pass a first round of voting on Monday and does need to pass a second round of voting Wednesday before its actually passed as Anarcho does point out (made me look this up).

No indication that it was a close vote on Monday and most (including my starter post) over looked this needed second vote.

Its also important to note this is NOT a Japan national bill/ban but a Tokyo government one. But Tokyo is like LA/Chicago/New York combined so their regional government is quite powerful. It should also be noted that the Japanese Prime Minister has basically come out against this revised bill.

Honestly, While if this actually happened it would suck, but I think it's all just puffing out ones chest. It goes to ACTUAL vote tomorrow, and I don't think it'll pass. If it does, it'll probably be heavily cripples by the time it's put into effect, though we already HAVE seen some ill effects.

[Kanashimi]

And it passed the next round, so we'll be seeing this in full effect July 1st with most of it being introduced by April 1st. I can't say I'm happy considering the Prime Minister's previous comments. Assuming it does as strict as possible I would say homosexuality in any form is gone since it doesn't fit social norms. This can extend to characters who can rebel or perhaps have a mental disability, thus taking the depth out of stories. Obviously though, that's a strict way to look at it.

On the other side we might just not see so much naked, but this is definitely going to hurt several companies that are already in the red.

[toyNN]

Thanks for the update Kana.

I read that too where its the Tokyo governor's crusade to stop the spread of homosexuals on TV. Seems that is a lot of what is behind this bill as much as anything.

I'm afraid that its typical Japanese to conform so it will be interesting to see if publishers are willing to go against this but artistic freedom is one thing they might be willing to stand out on.

And it passed the next round, so we'll be seeing this in full effect July 1st with most of it being introduced by April 1st. I can't say I'm happy considering the Prime Minister's previous comments. Assuming it does as strict as possible I would say homosexuality in any form is gone since it doesn't fit social norms.

[Kanashimi]

I've been waiting for the Sankaku article and reading comments over at ANN. Someone brought up an interesting point and I'd like to put it here, too. Obviously many of us are scared about fan-service and what not, but not many people have begun to think about how violence and crimes have such a huge place in anime storytelling as well.

For instance, let's take Death Note... wouldn't the murder and all the laws broken in that show be a good idea of what to expect? When you think of how well Death Note was received by fans and casual viewers alike, it worries me with how the public is going to determine what shows are good and what aren't. Gems like Death Note will literally be that needle in the haystack if it's hard to get a hold of and wasn't able to be shown on TV. A lot of series will be surviving on DVD sales, which is quite worrisome considering DVD cost up to $70 or more in Japan.

I said this in IRC, but this could turn out to be a good thing for other regions. DVDs will be easier to get of said material here than the home country. The problem is, despite how we frown against fansubbing, a lot of publishing/dubbing companies here in the US look at a series popularity before picking it up; however, a lot of shows won't be broadcasted and we'll have to wait for their release to DVD. Considering this, we might also see a slow down of all titles, and receive more general ones unless US anime companies decide to scan for shows more seriously.

Food for thought honestly, it was just something that came to mind and could change in so many years. I'm earnestly worried since despite the fact I do approve of censorship, I don't approve in this form that essentially takes away freedom. Yes, I do believe that things should have a rating, but ratings can hurt material in such a way. We'll see how it works in Japan for the ultimate effect, but from what I know not a lot of stores sell that material or the shy culture of Japan might not want to be seen in said stores. Correct me if I'm wrong please~

[gannon133]

I have a theory. I am not sure if everyone would agree with this, but why not make a movement where the artists/mangaka will be more appreciated if they moved into another location other than Japan as of now?

Like, is it really necessary to just stay over there and take the harsh acts of it? Do they have to alter their plot in the manga/anime to fit into these regulations? Will they want to follow a path that has been limited before them? It isn't likely the artists can mold their creativity, that is just not going to do it.

I may be a little extreme in my theory, but any option would be better than no option.

[Kanashimi]

As stated before the bill is so vague we have no idea how harsh it will be. Most of my comments are directly on the more strict side of the grid.

Regardless, they can all move, but we also don't know if this bill will spread to other places besides Tokyo. For example, I doubt many TV studios that control what goes on-air on their channel will move for anime since they also have other shows (live action, game shows, drama, etc). The manga studios and anime publishers can move, but that still doesn't solve broadcasting issues.

[Zero Gravity]

I'll be shot for this...
-deep breath-

I for one, don't think it's is an utterly distressing matter. I only see 2 backlashes to this whole thing, mainly, the hurting of companies and the 2nd people the public itself. Now, while i agree everyone is right to their own free thought, I do not however believe in, full on freedom of the act (this will relate to my opinion of the 2nd backlash). While freedom itself is great, it is abused too much and causes hatred between people and forms groups (groups ultimately fight, hate and practically destroy one another).

For example, it's perfectly right to believe that Homosexuality is an abomination against God, Jesus or whatever religion you believe in. But it is NOT alright to picket funerals, walk down the street blurting this belief and throwing rocks through homosexual people's windows, because it then causes hatred which leads to someone's life being lost, whether it be murder through anger, or suicide from depression.

Now, we have Mr. Ishihara, who blurted his beliefs. People of simple life are very impressionable, there are people who fear their future and will put their faith/belief in a higher power (Religion or Government, Japan's case is Government because they're not as ubber Christan as America). "To follow the Government/God is to succeed in life itself" is what people believe in, sadly, instead of "I live by my own power and will, and my future will decide on my actions alone" (I understand that some people Do believe in this and take it to an extreme). Now back to Mr. Ishihara, he's blurting whatever he believes in, which the people hear, and will eventually believe, there's a probably some name for it, but I call it a "Cancer effect", in which once one people believes it, eventually it'll spread until everyone does, usually people who don't believe in this are severely punished for being an "out cast" and is usually the cause for that person changing his/her beliefs (Hense why i refer to is as "Cancer").

While people like to believe people are more sensible, it truth is, people really don't know what to believe until someone tells them what to believe. Maybe in the future this will all change when radicals of modern age family ideal people no longer walk the earth (Remember, there was a time when sexual intercourse with children was acceptable in society, now that changed.). But really, unless the people or the majority of people putting this bill into effect say "We can't let this happen" there is nothing that can be done that wouldn't result in radical behavior.

The best we can do is wait. And let Japan learn on it's own.

[Kanashimi]

I understand what you're saying Zero, and I believe some people don't know what to believe in. Though at the same time I have to say that some of the things released in Japan are extreme, but I also believe there has to be some sort of freedom to what a person can create. Limiting creativity can be both negative and positive depending on the way one looks at it.

I've said from the beginning that I'm on the strict spectrum of this argument, automatically assuming the worst of this bill; however, that doesn't change that the bill states that is is attempting to accept only items which are the "social norm". This phrase bothers me much more than anything else honestly. Social norm is so vague and can be so many things it's almost obnoxious to think of what does and doesn't classify here.

As I've stated earlier, homosexuality or gay relations would essentially be discouraged in a piece of fiction. There was this great video over on Extra Credits about sexual diversity (you can view it here http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/extra-credits/2520-Sexual-Diversity) and it brings up how characters who were trying to find themselves through sexuality and gender issues made the characters deeper as well as easier to relate to. Characters throughout any medium consistently have trouble defining who they are, having struggles, deep and dark places of the human psyche. My worry is that, depending on how strict the bill will be, are the dark things that help us discover ourselves and define characters with depth unacceptable because they don't fit a social standard?

Looking at it that way is a bit more realistic in my eyes, and brings worry not only for things that have fan-service, but actual story and life to it. For example, when you're growing up did you think to yourself I wish this person would just die and imagine in your head to make yourself feel better? Have you ever experimented with drugs? Ditched school? Suicide attempts? Bullied or were bulled harshly? All these things are technically not acceptable (or legal) or right, but they're things that happen. Limiting a story that can touch people with real events brings out real emotion, I'm more worried about that.

/me ranted too much
/me leaps away for now

[Zero Gravity]

Really though, I've been somewhat displeased with recent anime (Seikon no Qwaser, Kiss x Sis being prime examples).
It just takes away from the story.... who knows, maybe we'll have a new swarm of types of animes that will come our way (Although it better not all be just some alternate version of Hamtaro).

I hope this doesn't hurt Gundam.... may hurt my series though.

[withasigh]

Well this is all a little bit rubish isn't it. I really hope they don't g mega strict with this. Taking out mental disabilities i think would be really stupid, but all we can do is hope its not going to kill the anime culture.

[Zero Gravity]

Well this is all a little bit rubish isn't it. I really hope they don't g mega strict with this. Taking out mental disabilities i think would be really stupid, but all we can do is hope its not going to kill the anime culture.

It's not gonna kill the anime culture, it's just gonna make some changes.... if anything it may make creepy fans look a little less creepy

[toyNN]

I seriously doubt if they want or would succeed in broadly interpret this new bill. Its quoted that the bill states "only manga and animation that glorifies or exaggerates illegal sexual acts". Is the fan service and such in titles like Strike Witches, School Days, or Demon King illegal or a sexual act? Seems it would depend on how broadly they want to interpret.

While I don't know if its possible it would seem that the Japanese federal government could step in and declare it unconstitutional (assuming they have some way to override local laws).

I think its also part of the bill that the material would be restricted (not banned) so its not sold to underage kids. If its strictly interpreted it might not affect that many titles and those it did would be pushed into an 18+ category.

[Tsundere]

This will not mark the death of anime, manga and gaming (Yes this bill also affects games for those who dont know) from japan as we know it. It will just result in the fanservice heavy series will be pushed to the 18+ rating (I have also heard that hentai is also exempt from bill 156 for this reason). Also this law will only be in affect in Tokyo and nowhere else. This means that companies can move if the wish to publish their material. This is how kyoto animation are not going to be affected by this. This also can be a helping hand in the removal of heavy fanservice from anime which is not a bad thing (So long ikki tousen ^_^). Also its something like the this will only really come into effect if the author recieves 6 or more warnings within a twelve month period.

So you can still get your quality series. Also dont forget its questions the artistic merit of why they look like that.

I am annoed that the person who thought up this is an extreme racist and homophobe. His ideals are severely outdated (But this can be attributed to Japanese culture) and he would be more comfortable in 1910 not 2010. He does blame homosexuals for a lot of things if you ever read any of his statements.

[toyNN]

While its quite possible that the restrictions, move to 18+, etc... will be for stuff we've never heard of it will have a ripple down effect on the overall profitability of the publishers.

Similarly Tokyo is basically Japan so a ban or restriction there affects the profitability so much that it might as well be the whole country. Others have noted that items with an *adult* classification (Japan only as two, "general" and "adult") aren't sold through regular retail channels so its not like these things will just move to another rack.

And as you point out Tokyo Governor Ishihara views:

“Ishihara responded to the Tokyo Parent Teacher Association’s December 3 petition in support of the bill by saying, “It’s not just about children. We’ve got homosexuals casually appearing even on television. Japan has become far too untamed.”

So will their restrictions cascade over to yuri/yaoi titles that aren't too explicit like Uraboku or Maria Watches Over Us or Togainu no Chi.

I am annoed that the person who thought up this is an extreme racist and homophobe. His ideals are severely outdated (But this can be attributed to Japanese culture) and he would be more comfortable in 1910 not 2010. He does blame homosexuals for a lot of things if you ever read any of his statements.

[Zero Gravity]

Anyone read about the protest event?
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2010-12-16/tokyo-governor-novels-inspire-dojin-protest-event

[Kanashimi]

I took a few interesting snippets from Dan Kanemitsu's blog that might help educate and put perspective on a few things.

Secondly, it appears the publishing industry will continue to fight this revision and the mentality behind it for quite some time, so the heat will probably increase in the coming weeks and months.

This is Kadokawa’s president Mr. Inoue’s message (http://twitter.com/HP0128/status/14194238988230657) following the news of the bill’s passage in committee:

“So [Bill 156] was approved. That’s unfortunate. But we should continue our opposition. We must continue to raise our voices. With [the help of] wisdom and courage, let’s stick it out.”


Furthermore, 47 News reports (http://www.47news.jp/CN/201012/CN2010121301000841.html) how Mr. Shimizu, CEO of Kodansha and current chair of the Big 10 Manga Publishers Association expresses how their members are furious over how a bill that was previously defeated could be resuscitated and brought up to a vote so rapidly.

Even more striking is the statement conveyed via newspiece (http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=soc_30&amp;k=2010121300761) on Jiji.　At Shueisha’s rookie manga author awards ceremony, Shueisha senior managing director Mr. Torishima was quoted saying, “I want new manga authors to produce manga that would blow away [Tokyo Governor] Shintaro Ishihara.” A senior editor at Shueisha, Mr. Araki asks that manga authors “don’t let the chilling effect [of increased regulation] stop you from doing material you want to do. Jump will feature anything [we feel] is exciting [to read]“.

It’s clear the Big 10 have no intent to back down following their announcement to pull out of the Tokyo International Animation Fair, and event sponsored in part by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.


With the Big 10 being made up of Shueisha, Shogakukan, Kadokawa Shoten, Kodansha, Akita Shoten, Hakusensha, Shonen Gahousha, Shinchosha, Futabasha, and LEED Publishing Co., Ltd., all huge industry giants, their lack of presence in the Tokyo International Animation Fair is starting to worry the Prime Minister of Japan.

[nerdwerld]

I understand what you're saying Zero, and I believe some people don't know what to believe in. Though at the same time I have to say that some of the things released in Japan are extreme, but I also believe there has to be some sort of freedom to what a person can create. Limiting creativity can be both negative and positive depending on the way one looks at it.

I've said from the beginning that I'm on the strict spectrum of this argument, automatically assuming the worst of this bill; however, that doesn't change that the bill states that is is attempting to accept only items which are the "social norm". This phrase bothers me much more than anything else honestly. Social norm is so vague and can be so many things it's almost obnoxious to think of what does and doesn't classify here.

As I've stated earlier, homosexuality or gay relations would essentially be discouraged in a piece of fiction. There was this great video over on Extra Credits about sexual diversity (you can view it here http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/extra-credits/2520-Sexual-Diversity) and it brings up how characters who were trying to find themselves through sexuality and gender issues made the characters deeper as well as easier to relate to. Characters throughout any medium consistently have trouble defining who they are, having struggles, deep and dark places of the human psyche. My worry is that, depending on how strict the bill will be, are the dark things that help us discover ourselves and define characters with depth unacceptable because they don't fit a social standard?

Looking at it that way is a bit more realistic in my eyes, and brings worry not only for things that have fan-service, but actual story and life to it. For example, when you're growing up did you think to yourself I wish this person would just die and imagine in your head to make yourself feel better? Have you ever experimented with drugs? Ditched school? Suicide attempts? Bullied or were bulled harshly? All these things are technically not acceptable (or legal) or right, but they're things that happen. Limiting a story that can touch people with real events brings out real emotion, I'm more worried about that.

/me ranted too much
/me leaps away for now

Personally limiting the story because of law is bad for business and limits creativity of an author. Fan service though in Japan has gotten out of control... Sora no Otoshimo and other manga/anime. Also anyone can excess pornographic/explicit things a lot easier than they can in other countries.

I'm going to say, I've only skimmed the bill, and I'm not too happy with it. I'm not a big fan of censorship in any fashion. I'm instead for parenting, and categorization or a rating system , yeah kinda censorship, but its better to warn and inform than to strip the creative muse from an author. As everyone has said the bill is too vague to actually do anything and to me is like the CMAA, but a Japanese version might come to existence which scares me.

I'm really hoping that the bill only focuses on the doujin industry and some of the more extreme exceses that are allowed to be published. I'm a fan of doujins, but seriously stealing stuff from creative geniuses for you own profit is a bad thing. And on the homosexual thing, I'm hoping this whole thing isn't a conservative crack down on homosexuals because Japan is facing depopulation as we all know. All these issues better not correspond politically with manga or I will be even more upset.

[Osaka]

I seriously doubt if they want or would succeed in broadly interpret this new bill. Its quoted that the bill states "only manga and animation that glorifies or exaggerates illegal sexual acts". Is the fan service and such in titles like Strike Witches, School Days, or Demon King illegal or a sexual act? Seems it would depend on how broadly they want to interpret.

While I don't know if its possible it would seem that the Japanese federal government could step in and declare it unconstitutional (assuming they have some way to override local laws).

I think its also part of the bill that the material would be restricted (not banned) so its not sold to underage kids. If its strictly interpreted it might not affect that many titles and those it did would be pushed into an 18+ category. I hope thats the case, I do think they need a new rating system but I hope they don't get too drastic.

[Jrockergirl]

It's only anime and mangas that are affected, the man behind the bill has written some nasty crap in his life one he had made into a manga and of course that's not touched, including nudity on tv.

This will heavily affect the anime/manga series because it also has problems against showing anything with underage kids where even school uniforms are being banned.

I just love how so many companies are banding together to say FU government you arent working with us or even talking to us but just slamming the door in the face....the response well deal with it, if you arent here this year next year you will crawl back

[nerdwerld]

It's only anime and mangas that are affected, the man behind the bill has written some nasty crap in his life one he had made into a manga and of course that's not touched, including nudity on tv.

This will heavily affect the anime/manga series because it also has problems against showing anything with underage kids where even school uniforms are being banned.

I just love how so many companies are banding together to say FU government you arent working with us or even talking to us but just slamming the door in the face....the response well deal with it, if you arent here this year next year you will crawl back

The problem is that that the Diet is totally ignoring his rape stories and attacking the much bigger, and more wealthier manga/anime industry. The only reason its being attacked is because its big target and a big scapegoat.
There are problems with the excesses that have come to be allowed in doujins, manga, anime, and the industry as a whole. However, like everyone here I believe that there are other ways in doing what they are doing. Just card people.... its a lot easier.

[Osaka]

Wow perhaps he feels guilty for exposing children to the stuff he has written?

They need to be careful. They can go a little too far. They should think about all of the media and I think they haven't covered the nudity because you know how immature some people get when trying to let go of a form of masturbation.

[moonhawk81]

While I appreciate the passion of many of the opinions I've read in this discussion, I cannot help but feel that they are somewhat overly-reactionary in nature. Japan is a culture of many centuries, and has changed more in the last 150 years than almost any Western nation or society in the same period. And that change is a continuing process. While we might cringe at the legal proceedings we are witnessing in Tokyo right now, we need remember that even here in the West censorship is still a very real problem. It must also be remembered that advances in personal (among them, artistic) freedoms often provoke harsh social reactions, whatever the society or culture. What is gained is often lost, at least in part, only to be regained later. In truth, I marvel that the anime industry blossomed so fully in Japan to begin with--of course maintaining its creative freedom will be challenging. But are we really so far beyond such restrictions ourselves, when news outlets so recently reported books being banned from public school libraries for "promoting witchcraft?" Freedom, once experienced, is much more likely to be curtailed rather than permanently lost. Be patient--I doubt this law will prove either as effectively restrictive or long-lasting as its author[s] hope[s].

[Osaka]

I kind of found out something; Among American television. Though not legally, The industry itself is overdoing it with making franchises or trying to make them "kid friendly"....Its a trend that was creeping forward but went into full swing when Toonami met its death.(I question if Toonami has died at all, TOM did say something that sounded more like he was going to comeback.)