Japanese MeToo Documentary Faces Distribution Challenges at Home

The documentary "Black Box Diaries," chronicling Shiori Ito's fight against sexual violence and her quest for justice, faces distribution issues in Japan amid controversy surrounding the use of unauthorized footage. Ito, a key figure in Japan’s MeToo movement, navigates significant backlash and legal hurdles as she strives to bring her story to her home country.

Shiori Ito has become synonymous with Japan's MeToo movement following her brave decision to speak out against rape allegations, despite societal pressures to remain silent. "I'm scared…but all I want to do is to talk about the truth," Ito states in her Oscar-nominated documentary, "Black Box Diaries," which reflects her journey for justice after accusing prominent journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi of rape, a claim he vehemently denies.

Based on her memoir, the documentary confronts the haunting realities of her pursuit for accountability, especially after authorities deemed the evidence insufficient to pursue criminal charges. However, the film has yet to be screened in Japan due to mounting controversies. Critics, including Ito's former lawyers, assert that she used unauthorized audio and footage which could jeopardize the safety and anonymity of sources. Ito defends her actions as necessary for the "public good."

The response to Ito's allegations in 2017 saw fierce backlash, compounding her struggles. After an unsuccessful criminal case, she sought justice through civil litigation and secured $30,000 in damages from Yamaguchi. "It took me four years to make the film because, emotionally, I was struggling," Ito revealed to the BBC.

A significant contention arose from the use of CCTV footage in the documentary, displaying Ito being escorted from a taxi to a hotel under the influence. Her former lawyers criticized this use as a breach of trust and a gamble for future sexual assault cases, arguing it could deter cooperation in upcoming investigations.

Despite the legal ramifications, Ito remains resolute, emphasizing that the footage provides crucial visual evidence of her assault. She acknowledges the absence of consent for its use, yet insists on pursuing justice within the context of greater societal awareness.

The film's distribution in Japan has encountered a silence that Ito attributes, in part, to continuing stigma surrounding sexual violence in the country. Although she plans to re-edit portions of the film to better protect individuals’ identities, the uncertainty regarding the film's future screening remains a heart-wrenching prospect for Ito.

Amid her fight against Japan's judicial system, Ito's story has resonated far beyond personal anguish. She reflected on the backlash faced from the public regarding perceptions of her demeanor and appearance when she first spoke up. "Is it worth going through this as a survivor seeking justice? It shouldn't be this way," she asserted.

As Japan moves toward legal reforms in recognizing sexual violence, Ito criticized the toll such battles take on survivors. "You have to sacrifice a lot," she noted.

Ultimately, Ito’s hope endures: to bring "Black Box Diaries" back to Japan, where it all began. “This is my love letter to Japan," she expressed yearnfully, wishing for a day when her family could finally view her work, an aspiration she values above accolades like an Oscar.