Controversy Surrounds Oscar-Nominated Japanese Documentary Amid MeToo Movement

The documentary Black Box Diaries by Shiori Ito, which highlights her personal battle with sexual assault in a conservative society, has not been shown in Japan amid accusations against her use of unauthorized footage. Ito's legal struggle and societal backlash exemplify the ongoing challenges in the MeToo movement in Japan.

Shiori Ito, a Japanese journalist, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Japan's MeToo movement, especially after making allegations of rape against prominent journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi, who has categorically denied the claims. In her Oscar-nominated documentary, Black Box Diaries, Shiori chronicles her emotional journey seeking justice after what she experienced led to no criminal charges due to a perceived lack of evidence.

Despite the acclaim and recognition the documentary has garnered internationally, it has faced significant turmoil in Japan, primarily due to accusations from her former legal team concerning the use of audio and video content without permission. The sensational subject matter of her film had captured the attention of the nation but also prompted an outcry from those wary of its implications.

In the documentary's poignant opening, Shiori voices her fears, stating, "I'm scared…but all I want to do is to talk about the truth." Her journey began when she was an intern at Reuters in 2015, where she alleges she was raped by Yamaguchi shortly after accepting an invitation to discuss job opportunities. Following her public allegations, which drew both support and intense criticism, she pursued a civil case that resulted in a financial settlement.

The documentary weaves together over 400 hours of footage, including crucial CCTV evidence that Shiori argues was necessary for picturing the events of that fateful night. However, her former lawyers have raised significant concerns about her usage of materials that were only meant for legal proceedings, arguing that it could jeopardize future sexual assault cases.

At a recent press conference, Yoko Nishihiro, one of Shiori's former lawyers, expressed her discontent with Shiori's decisions, noting that they could hinder collaboration with future survivors. As Shiori continues to defend her choices for what she believes is in the public's interest, she acknowledges the emotional difficulties of revisiting her trauma over the four years spent creating the documentary.

The road to creating Black Box Diaries has not been easy, marked by societal backlash that included hate mail and threats towards her. Despite this, Shiori points to a slowly changing legal landscape in Japan following significant reforms that began in 2023, reigniting conversation surrounding sexual violence and women's rights.

While Shiori has expressed sincere remorse over the controversies surrounding the film, she remains hopeful for the opportunity to screen it in Japan someday, reflecting on it as a "love letter" to her home country. For now, the prospect of exposing her story to a wider audience within Japan remains uncertain, yet her resolve showcases the ongoing fight for justice and recognition in a challenging cultural climate.