A new United Nations report has claimed that manga, anime and video games produced in Japan promote gender stereotypes and violence against women and children.
The report was published following a direct assessment of Japan's progress in implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
The report shows that stereotypical gender roles continue to be a root cause of violence against women based on gender or sexual orientation.
The latter expressed concern that forms of media, including manga, anime and video games “have the potential to encourage violence based on gender or sexual orientation against women and girls.”
Recommends that Japan implement “effective legal measures and monitoring programs” to address the production and distribution of such content.
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This drew criticism from Japanese politician Taro Yamada, who said the report's claims were baseless and a violation of freedom of speech.
Yamada stated on social media that no questions related to manga, anime or games were raised during the live review, even though they were clearly mentioned in the final report.
He has called on CEDAW to reveal the sources and evidence behind their concerns and is considering requesting a retraction if this information is not provided.
The CEDAW report acknowledges Japan's Fifth Basic Plan for Gender Equality, which aims to challenge unconscious gender bias.
Interestingly, the latest report is similar to the version published in 2016. At the time, the committee noted that manga, anime and games promoted sexual violence against women and children . The part about gender stereotypes was missing from there.
However, the committee remains concerned about the persistence of gender stereotypes in Japanese society, especially in the media and entertainment sector.
The report highlights the prevalence of stereotypical images of women and girls across various forms of media, including television, the internet and social media. The report suggests that these forms contribute to violence against women.
The Committee recommends that Japan develop comprehensive strategies to eliminate gender stereotypes, promote positive images of women in the media, and effectively implement existing legal measures. has to address the production and distribution of media that reinforces harmful stereotypes.
The report also highlights the need to address gender stereotypes against minority groups in Japan, including Ainu, Burakumin and Zainichi Korean women and girls.
It calls for effective measures to combat these prejudices in relevant government sectors.
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is considered an international declaration of women's rights. Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, the act defines discrimination against women and provides a framework for national action to eliminate it.
Source: Taro Yamada on X
