Japan's MeToo Trailblazer Shiori Ito Faces Controversy Ahead of Oscar Nomination

The journey of journalist Shiori Ito, who became the voice of the MeToo movement in Japan after publicly accusing a prominent journalist of sexual assault, continues to make waves as her documentary faces significant legal hurdles in its home country.

Shiori Ito, an influential advocate of Japan's MeToo movement, has garnered international attention with her Oscar-nominated documentary, *Black Box Diaries*. The film, which recounts her harrowing experience of seeking justice following her rape allegations against Noriyuki Yamaguchi, has become a symbol of resistance against a culture steeped in silence surrounding sexual violence.

Opening with her heartfelt declaration, “I'm scared…but all I want to do is to talk about the truth,” Shiori’s documentary exposes not only her personal battle but also the broader societal issues that have kept many survivors silent. Her story first gained media traction in 2017 when she accused Yamaguchi, a prominent journalist, of sexual assault after a dinner meeting to discuss a job opportunity. Following a failed criminal prosecution due to what authorities deemed insufficient evidence, Shiori filed a civil lawsuit, where she won $30,000 in damages.

Despite the film's acclaim, it remains unreleased in Japan, facing backlash from some of Shiori's former legal representatives. They’ve alleged that valuable footage used in the documentary was unauthorized, claiming it jeopardizes the safety of other sources and potential future cases. Shiori defends her decisions as necessary for the "public good,” emphasizing that the evidence she presented was crucial in shedding light on her case.

Her journey to produce the documentary was nothing short of tumultuous, as she described the editing process as akin to "hardcore exposure therapy." Throughout its making, she encountered various challenges, including mental health struggles due to reliving her trauma.

As controversy swirled around the documentary, Shiori acknowledged that some footage, including CCTV clips and police recordings, had been used without prior consent. Following feedback from her former lawyers, she expressed willingness to modify the film, promising a redacted version would be produced for screening.

In a society where discussing sexual violence remains contentious, Shiori’s case has spurred discussions about justice and advocacy in Japan. She remains hopeful that her film will one day premiere in her home country: “This is my love letter to Japan,” she stated. “I really wish one day I can screen my film, and my family can also watch it.”

Shiori’s powerful story continues to resonate, challenging the norms and encouraging others to speak out against sexual violence, despite the personal sacrifices that accompany such courageous acts.