A Voice for Change in Japan's Fight Against Sexual Violence

A Story of Resilience and Advocacy

Shiori Ito's story is one of resilience and advocacy. Her documentary, Black Box Diaries, may not have won the Oscar, but it has sparked important conversations about sexual violence in Japan.

The film chronicles Ito's own experience of sexual assault and the subsequent legal battle she faced. In 2015, she met with a powerful journalist, Noriyuki Yamaguchi, to discuss a potential job opportunity. However, she alleges that he drugged and raped her during their dinner.

Despite reporting the crime, Ito faced significant hurdles. The police discouraged her from filing a report and subjected her to a humiliating re-enactment of the assault. An arrest warrant was issued, but Yamaguchi, who had close ties to then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was never arrested. The case was quickly dropped without explanation.

In 2017, Ito bravely went public with her story. However, she faced backlash in a society where discussing sexual violence remains taboo. She was criticized for her clothing and questioned about her actions.

Undeterred, Ito pursued a civil case against Yamaguchi. In 2019, she won, with the court ruling that Yamaguchi had raped her while she was unconscious. This victory made Ito a symbol of the #MeToo movement in Japan.

Ito's story doesn't end there. She wrote a memoir about her experience, Black Box, which served as the basis for her directorial debut, Black Box Diaries. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and has been screened at over 50 film festivals worldwide, even earning a Best Documentary nomination at the Oscars.

However, the film's release in Japan remains uncertain. Ito has faced criticism for using unauthorized footage in the film, which violates the privacy of those involved. This, coupled with conservative attitudes towards sex and sexual violence, has made distributors hesitant to release the film.

Despite the challenges, Ito's story has already had a significant impact. In 2023, Japan passed landmark laws raising the age of consent and redefining rape. Ito's film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against sexual violence and fighting for justice.

"I want to encourage other survivors to tell their story in their own language," Ito says. "Own your story and be the one to tell your own story.