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Japanese National Police Agency's New Law
against "Manga, Anime, Game Expression"
[In Japanese]
Important Update (June 4, 2006):
Hotline Center website releases "Guideline"
Today, I got an email from a Japanese creator, letting us know about the new law currently being discussed to be applied by Japanese National Police Agency.
This is a law to restrict expression of Manga, Anime, Game, that are:
Image that show sexual expression of characters that appears to be under 18.
(Ex: The character does not have under hair, or character appears to be an under 18 school age child.) Image that show characters appears or seems to be under age, that are engaging in sexual act weather or not if genital part is censored.
This could possibly includes arts in the following categories:
801
Shotacon
BL
Lolicon
Japan has been pretty flexible in terms of expression in art (especially sexual expression). ...and that has been one of the reason that many creative and artistic works have been produced by Japanese creators.
As you know, many Japanese creators feature underage children such as high school student in their art weather it is sexual or not.
For an example, a scene such as high school girl taking a shower could be banned with this new law! (in extreme case)
In the United States, there is a similar situation:
Legal status in the United States (from Wikiedia)
The Supreme Court of the United States decided in 2002, and affirmed in 2004, that previous prohibition of simulated child pornography under the Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996 was unconstitutional. The majority ruling stated that "the CPPA prohibits speech that records no crime and creates no victims by its production. Virtual child pornography is not 'intrinsically related' to the sexual abuse of children."
On 30 April 2003, President George W. Bush signed into law the PROTECT Act of 2003 (also dubbed the Amber Alert Law) which again criminalizes simulated child pornography. In December 2005, Dwight Whorley was convicted under this law for receiving both "...obscene Japanese anime cartoons that graphically depicted prepubescent female children being forced to engage in genital-genital and oral-genital intercourse with adult males." and "...digital photographs of actual children engaging in sexually explicit conduct." Neither Whorley's, nor any other conviction under this law has been reviewed by the Supreme Court.
Now, Japanese creators are facing the same pressure, and many creators are standing up against this new law.
If you think this is wrong, there is something you can do to support Japanese creators even thought you don't speak the languages.
Please leave a comment below, even with a short word saying "I support". If the comment list becomes very long, we can at least show Japanese creators our support.
(You do not have to submit email address, URL or real name. It can be totally anonymous.)
Update: May 16
Just want to say thank you so much for everyone who has left a comment. We have a lot of support so far. Please keep spreading this word to your friends by linking this page from your website, or just pass the information around. Your voice really counts! We will be sending out this list to appropriate media/agency once we collect 1,000 comments! Meanwhile, many Japanese media / creators are already aware of this page, and viewing our comments. Thanks again for your time and many encouraging words!!
Addition: I also appreciate those who expressed your insight, even tough you claim that "I do not support".
There should be many opinions. ...and it is good to express each other's opinion. It is great that we are all thinking about this issue for a moment, understanding and coming up with one's best insight, and hopefully understand everyone's side and thoughts. Thank you all.
The situation has been updated: Important Update (June 4, 2006)
P.S: This page is best viewed with Internet Explorer. Firefox Browser might not display all comment.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Followings are some sites that provide info related to this new law...sorry, they are in Japanese!
Movement to Restrict Manga, Anime and Game Expression
It was assumed that because of influence form sexual expression from internet, game or manga, there are many crimes.
Therefore, Japanese National Police Agency is looking into restricting some of sexual expressions in art. To discuss this issue, a meeting was held recently.
http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20060406-00000025-san-soci
Althoug, there is no data that proves such expression is actually related to real crime.
This law migh be applied because of such unproven theory.
If you think this is a serious matter, please spread the words!
Japanese National Police Agency's New Law against "Manga, Anime, Game Expression" @Wik
http://www11.atwiki.jp/stop_kisei/
Site Ring
Ring for Against "Manga, Anime, Game Expression" restriction
http://news5vip.ring.hatena.ne.jp/
[November 2006: This comment form was getting so many spams, so unfortunately I had to stop accepting any more comments. Below are the past comments. Thank you everyone for your passionate opinions]
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Current Comments
1024 comments so far (post your own)Best of luck to Japanese creators!
Posted by Andrew on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 08:15am | #115
I support.
Censorship is always bad for everyone.
Posted by Willoughby on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 09:02am | #116
I am very much against censorship, especially when it comes to art. I do not believe artistic representations of nude characters contribute in any way to sexual crimes within or outside of Japan, and would like to say that I support the artists of these images for depicting realism (in that all humans shower or bathe nude) and/or expressing their sexual fantasies in a healthy manner, rather than actualizing them.
-Tom
Posted by Tom on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 09:15am | #117
Censorship stifles creation. I support, na. 頑張ってみんなさん！！
Posted by Sou on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 09:24am | #118
I don't like sexual depictions of children but nudity is art and should not be censored.
Posted by P Laskey on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 10:46am | #119
I support the creators!
Posted by wildarmsheero on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 12:41pm | #120
I support the creaters.
Posted by Thyc on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 12:56pm | #121
I support the creators.
I don't think it's the National Police Agency's place to shield the public from images in the media. I think it's the parents job to teach their children proper morals and values so they can handle what the world offers them, reasonsibly.
At least thats what I think.
Posted by Chris on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 17:35pm | #122
It will be interesting to see how this pans out for the lucrative BL publishing community.
Posted by Gynocrat on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 17:48pm | #123
I support! Best of luck!
Posted by Artemisia on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 20:31pm | #124
This is ridiculous! I support!!
...Through, frankly speaking, I have pretty much the same problem in Holland D':
Posted by 2-2-1 on Saturday, 05.6.06 @ 22:53pm | #125
I cannot believe this. These genres have been so popular for so long in Japan. What's the reason to suddenly criminalize them? We have similar absurd laws in Holland though...
Good luck, guys!
Posted by Mike on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 03:42am | #126
I support! Genres like shotacon are some of my favorites, let the artists and writers have freedom of expression! We can choose what we want to look at and read.
Posted by Marie on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 04:33am | #127
I support the creators.
I dont like childporn all that much either but heck..
Teenage characters of 15 and over would be an appropriate level i think when it comes to hentai.
You cant really strech out a character's background and or warm up to them if they are already , ready for college all the time..
At least some school life while their at the start of or midterm of highschool years or other . those typ of hentai give very good teen anatomy for reference.
one of many reasons as to why i enjoy hentai is that i learn from it to improve my own skill's in drawing. as well as the presonality for character development.
best of luck to you guys!
Posted by bootsynekomata on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 05:10am | #128
I support the Japanese creators...
Yes, child pornography is wrong and pretty bad, but this is going alittle bit too far-- Different artists have different styles, and some artitsts draw their characters "cuter" than others...as in, a character may be 18 in the story, but may not look it--that doesn't make it illeagle :/ I am an artist myself and My characters look quite young for their age...we shouldn;t be forced to change our style.
Thurther more, I wouldn't like a very very young person-kind-of-comic....but I don't think 15/16/17 is bad at all, if put in the right context.
Posted by denji on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 05:49am | #129
what the... this isn't right to censor art whatever it may show!
Posted by Mukki on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 06:25am | #130
I support you all the way! Who knows what they'll want to censor once this fails to bring in the desired results?
Posted by D on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 06:30am | #131
Japan is practically the last bastion for complete artistic freedom. (US as well, but that seems to be changing now.) I hope this law doesn't pass.
Of course, I support the Japanese artists and their endeavors.
Please let us know how the law goes in the future. (I assume that the conclusion for the new law would take a while, though.)
Posted by JSRV on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 08:04am | #132
Let them draw!
Posted by Flint on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 09:03am | #133
I support.
Posted by libbo on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 09:16am | #134
I support, seeing as I'm bitter over the fact where I live you're allowed to sleep around at 14, yet not show up in any porn until 18-19.
Posted by Other on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 09:47am | #135
I support!
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:27am | #136
I support!
Posted by Random User on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:28am | #137
Drawings don't make problems and abuses, people that doesn't have values do it, so i support the creators to do what they want
Posted by Dani on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:30am | #138
I support! First you can't show genitals now the Japanese government's trying to take the next step.
Posted by Abster on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:31am | #139
I support you too :3
Posted by Anonymous from 4chan on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:35am | #140
Don't cripple the manga, anime, and game industry! I support Japanese creators and artists.
Posted by John on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:35am | #141
I dislike Lolicon a great deal but I'm against another gumball paragraph that could be used aganist non-lolicon artists.
Posted by Kakanian on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:36am | #142
How can they even consider this?
Posted by Kyo on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:40am | #143
The US is a bad place to get legal idea's from.
Posted by DarkMage on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:40am | #144
I support you guys!
Posted by Sarai on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:42am | #145
I support - while I do not appreciate any lolicon or shotacon art, I am vehemently against any and all censorship!
Posted by Emil on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:44am | #146
Indiscriminate censorship is ridiculous and stupid. It's even more idiotic because it's being born from the fact that children pornography is such a "in" subject right now. Best of luck for you all.
Posted by Rho on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:46am | #147
A restriction like this on drawn images has extremely harmful implications for artistic expression. This is ridiculous.
Posted by Michelle on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:47am | #148
I support
Posted by James on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:49am | #149
La censure est un crime contre la démocracie!
Posted by El Tabarnakos on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:51am | #150
I support. I don't want any censors hindering me later on in my artistic career.
Posted by Antti on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:52am | #151
Protect creative expression!
Posted by L. J. on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:52am | #152
Assuming that drawn material can influence someone to do sexual crimes is an example of how incredibly retarded humans can be as a whole society.
Most people have largely enough common sense to keep it all as fantasies, and those who are deranged enough to sexually assault someone else would do it even if you would censor every digital material in the world.
While I believe arguing that art should be untouchable is not very convincing in itself, if this art does not harm anybody who isn't already mentally ill (and no art can ever do that), then censoring it would be an outrageous insult to the people's intelligence.
Furthermore, I would like to add that this 18 years old age limit is silly, unflexible and illogical. I would say anyone is sufficiently developped to view this sort of content at age 14, and some people even sooner, given competent parenting.
To conclude, censorship is a pointless act of terrorism against every artist's freedom of speech and expression, and should be avoided at all costs. Efforts should rather be concentrated into limiting the distribution of these kind of files to people who can watch, and 18 years old seems like a pretty illogical limit to me.
Sorry for the huge message XD
Posted by Anonymous from 4chan on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:54am | #153
Censoring the artistic creations of anyone, for whatever reason, is ALWAYS wrong.
Art cannot possibly hurt anyone, so this law is ludicrous. I don't even have anything to do with it, but it makes me angry enough to speak out.
Posted by Owly on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:54am | #154
I support. 100%.
Posted by Sique Morgenthau on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:56am | #155
I most definately support! Also, I agree with "Anonymous from 4chan"; I was certainly mentally mature enough by the age of 14!
Posted by Chibi on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 10:58am | #156
I support
Posted by Robert on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:00am | #157
i support this ..
There should not be any censorship in art
Posted by Redempteur on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:02am | #158
I support.
Censorship constricts!
Posted by Cloudy on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:04am | #159
"Ex: The character does not have under hair"
O_o That's DEFINATELY a stupid guideline..! (And didn't they use to BAN pubic hair etc.!? Wierd..!)
Posted by Angel's Truth on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:05am | #160
Censor this, censor that... why don't they just lock up every single artist they find? First USA gets screwew, now Japan? WTF!? If of the few freedoms a human has art is being restricted, then what's the next step?
NO, laws are made to enhance humanity, not cut it's culture down.
I SUPPORT!
Posted by Florin on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:06am | #161
I support!
Posted by Ray on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:11am | #162
I support.
1. Drawings don't hurt anyone.
2. Japan, while allowing this type of artwork, enjoys a lower rate of crimes against children than other indusrtrialized countries where such artwork is forbidden. Therefore the premise that this type of artwork leads to crimes is faulty
Posted by Ralph Thomas on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:11am | #163
I definitely support the creators here. Such heavy handed censorship is just ridiculous.
Posted by Kevin on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:15am | #164
I support, there shouldn't be any censorshipping on art, even if it's lolita.
Posted by Draken on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:18am | #165
I support, this would hurt normal anime and restrict it for the future.
Posted by Naaomi on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:23am | #166
I support, people should be able to draw whatever they please.
Posted by Jody on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:23am | #167
That's just sad. The artist have my full support. I believe censoring may be far more harmful to all parties than the drafters of this law may anticipate.
Posted by Amon Marks on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:29am | #168
i support
Posted by K on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:33am | #169
It's quite wretched to censor art like this. Especially when the audience reading these comics or appreciating the art are usually over the legal age to look at real life pornography.
At the end of the day it's not real, it's just art and artists styles vary greatly.
My full support is behind this.
私は支える!!
Posted by Kit on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:39am | #170
I support. Freedom of speech all the way. o/
FGSFDS
Posted by Meme on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:43am | #171
I support the creators 100%
Art makes a lot of people happy, and artists should stay free to express themselves and their likings through art.
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:45am | #172
Support'd
Posted by lunarskies on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:47am | #173
I Support.
Art may never, ever be censored.
Posted by Gustavo Martinez Lam on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:48am | #174
Censoring would not be a good idea. I mean, it's something that's in the life we're living. It's a true fact so why hide it. Sexual acts is everywhere around us.
Posted by Maddychan on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:48am | #175
I support.
Posted by Teresa on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:50am | #176
i support
Posted by Vince on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:54am | #177
Yes, I support those guys. They can do whatever they want, as long as others aren't hurt...
Posted by Nakada on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:56am | #178
Censorship is always a slippery slope. I support.
Posted by Anon on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:58am | #179
I support the creators 100%. Freedom of expression.
Posted by Kana on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 11:59am | #180
I support. Its art, and it can be beautiful at times. Freedom of expression.
Posted by Nata on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:10pm | #181
I support.
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:10pm | #182
I support the creators.
We live to create, censorship is destructive.
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:12pm | #183
I live in Japan over the summer, and although I don't support child pornography, I think the display of such art would cause no harm to anyone. The minors still are not allowed to view such material and this should be more of an freedom of expression. I seriously bet, that if this law is past, the crime rates would only increase since the criminals cannot vent their stress/desires elsewhere. At least, that's what me and my friend say about doujin material.
Posted by 虚数 on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:13pm | #184
I SUPPORT!
Posted by Kat on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:16pm | #185
I support
Posted by Aton on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:19pm | #186
Nothing wrong with no-one-got-harmed stuff. I suuport the creators.
Posted by CaL on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:20pm | #187
I support. More and more censorship that keeps happening in this modern age restricts freedom of expression.
Posted by グドビン on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:20pm | #188
i support
Posted by **** on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:23pm | #189
I support completely!
I just love art and I don't want it to end this way. The best of luck!
Posted by Niisan on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:24pm | #190
I support - and how I support
Posted by LS Eden on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:28pm | #191
I support The Japanese creators' freedom of expression.
Posted by Mike on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:30pm | #192
I support. Damn the Man, always holding us DOWN.
Posted by hyndrika on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:32pm | #193
Free our anime artists! Everythings worked out fine so far, so why suddenly even consider changing things, and needlessly complicating matters?
Also, why cripple one of Japan's leading exports? It's senseless!
Posted by Shane on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:33pm | #194
I support
Posted by Rin on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:34pm | #195
I support
Posted by bob on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:36pm | #196
I support! Censorship is always wrong!
Posted by Paul on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:37pm | #197
I support.
Posted by Kristy on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:43pm | #198
I support!
Posted by I support! on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:44pm | #199
I support!
Posted by I support! on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:45pm | #200
Freedom of speech... let the politicians get hold of it once, don't expect to ever get it back. Fight this law. All the way.
Posted by azuki on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:54pm | #201
I support Japanese artists.
Posted by Canada on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:55pm | #202
I support ! I hope that will help
Posted by ano on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 12:56pm | #203
i support
Posted by sevenrings on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 13:00pm | #204
I support
Posted by _venom on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 13:00pm | #205
When will it stop? When everything is banned! Once you censor one media it goes to the next and the next and doesn't stop. So all the families pictures have to go too? Baby in the tub, baby getting changed, naked baby on the floor. We all had one or all shot. Do our parents, brothers, sisters, or grandparents go to jail for having one or taking one? When is it going to end?
Posted by Anthony on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 13:04pm | #206
I support any form of expression.
Posted by Nite on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 13:12pm | #207
Blah! I hope this doesn't go through!
Posted by H on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 13:20pm | #208
Censorship is a violation of the fundamental right of free speech. No one could possibly consider supporting it and saying they like freedom of speech without looking retarded.
Best of luck to Japanese artists!
Posted by Aerdan on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 13:24pm | #209
SUPPORT SUPPORT!!!
Posted by on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 13:26pm | #210
I support. Please let the Japanese artists freely express their feelings !
One has to be aware that erotic drawings involving children and child pornography are different things before requesting access to such content... Blaming the artists for this and trying to hinder them from doing their job is just ridiculous.
Posted by Archimandius on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 13:31pm | #211
I support the japanese artists because without them life would be boring!
Posted by Aaron on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 13:45pm | #212
Keep it up, creators! Hope that our rights are protected!
Posted by Anonfrom4chan on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 14:00pm | #213
No, art is about expression and no one gets hurt in it anyway, hope nothing happens, it'd be terrible otherwise.
Posted by anon on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 14:14pm | #214
I support!
Posted by PaperCut on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 14:14pm | #215
I support!
Posted by on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 14:22pm | #216
support.
Posted by Firebird on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 14:26pm | #217
I support!
Posted by Anon on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 14:34pm | #218
Whilst I do not agree with any form of art or media that represents sexual abuse of children I can honestly say that this law appears to have been given little thought as to its true implications. Its totally inflexible, giving no leeway for an artists style or the artworks' true subject matter which may be completely devoid of any sexual implications.
The rule about 'underhair' is rubbish, *real* people in *real* pornography shave it off because they think it looks better... are they going to censor that next?
Where I live the legal age of consent is 16. So to me the whole concept of only having depictions of people in sexual situations being 18 and over strikes me as pure lunacy.
I support artists rights to freedom of expression, the law needs dramatic rethinking to become anywhere near fair!
Posted by A. on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 14:36pm | #219
i support
Posted by riyen on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 14:44pm | #220
I think america should stop trying to make the world like them.
Especially since they're not any better.
I am fiercely agaisnt that idea of censorship.
Posted by Marguerite C. on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 14:55pm | #221
I support
Posted by Poomy on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 15:12pm | #222
I support free speech in all its forms.
Good luck to everybody involved!
Posted by T. Bickle on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 15:21pm | #223
I support
Posted by Evan on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 15:39pm | #224
Even though I morally object some of the stuff this bill goes against, I think that freedom of speech is still very important.
I support.
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 15:42pm | #225
My full support to the Artists. Censorship artistic works is wrong, since that is rather the point of the years, or decades spent learning the skill, to get the images out of your head, and onto paper or a screen, any image that the human mind can create. To limit it is like killing a mockingbird, only harm is inflicted on society as a whole, and no good results.
No victim, no crime. The police would do better to concentrate on those who are actually harming children, and leave this as a safe and harmless outlet for people who (for whatever reason) feel they need it. Lest they, in frustration, turn to and begin to support actual child molestors.
Posted by Baxter on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 15:43pm | #226
They talk about this being bad, but I bet they read it and keep it in secret.
Posted by Juan on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 15:50pm | #227
Free speech in all forms, except the ones that are really weird -_-;
I support.
がんばってね。
Posted by Wendy on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 15:52pm | #228
Well, it was already time for Japan to start being responsible of their hypocrit treatment of pedophile pornography and the way they encourage its production and worldwide distribution.
I support the Japanese National Police Agency's New Law.
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 16:00pm | #229
I support the artists. I don't neccesarily care about the art in question, but making more laws doesn't prevent crime, it only creates a greater burden on the legal system.
Posted by Yun on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 16:21pm | #230
legalize freedom
i support the anti censorship movement no matter what flag it takes place under
Posted by anoneemiss on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 16:29pm | #231
ｉ ｓｕｐｐｏｒｔ！
Posted by Asdf on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 16:29pm | #232
I Support.
Posted by Renzol on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 16:30pm | #233
>I think america should stop trying to make the world like them.
Especially since they're not any better.
I am fiercely agaisnt that idea of censorship.
Don't make it sound like America had anything to do with this. This is a Japanese decision plain and simple.
The world is slowly changing, and this kind of thing will keep happening until humans have no rights at all. The government controls the people because the people depend so much on the government and everyone is fine with laws that restrict our freedoms as long as they don't notice anything different. No one has the will to fight anymore. We're all destined to roll down the slope until we hit the rocky bottom. Enjoy your remaining freedoms while they last.
Posted by anon on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 16:44pm | #234
I'm not a lolicon but I think we must support the freedom of speech and publication.This may be some bad gays first step and we must stop them now. I support those anime/manga creators
Posted by hisuiIBMPower4 on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 16:47pm | #235
I support.
Posted by midvalley on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 16:48pm | #236
Down With Censorship!
Posted by Phidias Bagel on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 16:53pm | #237
I support the artists. I'm not a lolicon, but I dislike the movement towards restrictions of freedom. Hope this law fails.
Posted by yoshiyuki on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 16:57pm | #238
We must say no to ANY form of censorship.
We are suffering way too much from US of A's twisted ideas from what is right or wrong.
People from all around the world must wake up and say no to this bad influence. We must keep our own traditions, and not what those hipocrites think is right.
Posted by anon on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:04pm | #239
Support!
Posted by Tsukiko on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:05pm | #240
I support. Art shouldn't be censored.
Posted by Anon on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:17pm | #241
i support! its bad enough that japan's legal porn is censored, but now this as well? since the images are not of real people, there's no harm in it being legal. rather all it does is put many artists and their suppliers out of business, and customers feeling unsatisfied with not being able to purchase their wanted products.
Posted by kpkpkp on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:27pm | #242
LET THEM DRAW.
It's the CREATOR'S IDEA isn't it? They should be able to draw what they please.
They're doing this because they like to.
WHO CARES IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT?
Posted by Raziel on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:27pm | #243
Watashi wa s... ...
I support!
Posted by DkSn on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:29pm | #244
i support!
Posted by julie on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:33pm | #245
I support.
They're drawings. Not real people. It doesn't hurt anybody.
Posted by Gina-Marie on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:33pm | #246
I support you. Art should never be censored.
Posted by jinjin on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:38pm | #247
I support the creators
Posted by NtR on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:48pm | #248
When art is censored it is time for us to start a nuclearwar againt the United States...
Posted by Red99 on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:51pm | #249
support
Posted by jim on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:56pm | #250
I support
Posted by Jaime on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 17:57pm | #251
I support the artists/creators!
Posted by DavidGX on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:12pm | #252
I support.
Posted by AJF on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:21pm | #253
I'd give my life for this cause.
I support!
Posted by E-pam on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:31pm | #254
I support you
Posted by just a man on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:45pm | #255
I SUPPORT THE ART!
Posted by beren on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:46pm | #256
I support!
Im seriously repulsed that people are trying to make artists stop drawing what they want and love.I myself am a shota fan but even if it were some of the types of art I definetly dislike I would support because it would be like restricting a fundamental right that people have.Freedom of art.Freedom of expressing ourselves above all.
Posted by Gitona on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:47pm | #257
I support this protest!
Censorship is bad for everyone!
Posted by Kintak on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:47pm | #258
I support your right to free expression. Stick it to the man!
Posted by Harbrynd on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:48pm | #259
i support 100%
to hell with censorship
long live free speech and judgment
Posted by Lashrouxed on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:52pm | #260
Long live artistic liberty!
Posted by ShadowZero on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:57pm | #261
I support the artist. Freedom of expression.
>>Image that show characters APPEARS or SEEMS to be under age
I don't really enjoy loli, but most characters who are over 18 looks underage because of the cute style the artist use. Are they going to ban that too? This is ridiculous.
Ban this, ban that. Sooner or later they're going to ban everything.
Posted by Tom on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 18:58pm | #262
I don't like shota...at all, but I feel as if people who like it have a right to see it, hey, it's not real boys :D, in anyway it helps prevent real boys get in trouble. Also, the japanese creators of the mangas/animes/video games deserve freedom of spech!
Posted by Jill Stromberg on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:00pm | #263
I support this. How else will I jerk off to animated pedophile porn?
Posted by wotaku on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:08pm | #264
You can't approve a law that is both founded on an unproved theory and includes words such as "Seems" or "Appears to be" on its text.
Posted by brocoli on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:19pm | #265
I support the artists. I don't like anything underage, but then, I don't have to read it. Fantasy is all right; when violations of children and rapes become reality, then we have a problem.
Posted by K. Barrow on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:24pm | #266
The new attempts to make this legislation is nothing more and nothing less than sucking uo to american standarts!
if the japanese government wants to continue the legacy of being americas lap dog pleaee go on with the law.
if not show some independance and stand Against your own government!
Posted by Charles on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:28pm | #267
Without actual research data I have an extremely difficult time believing such material would increase currently criminal behaviour. How about banning movies that glorify violence or war first? Not going to happen? Great, I loved many of those movies and games anyway (and have yet to commit any act of violence).
I support freedom of expression.
Posted by lizard on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:39pm | #268
I support! FREEDOM OF SPEECH!
I SUPPORT!
Posted by Kaboom on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:42pm | #269
SUPPORT for the creators.
Posted by Diddlybop on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:51pm | #270
I support the creators.
Nudity and controversial content has long since been very popular in Japanese artistic creations, and even praised for such. If the above mentioned had anything to do with an increase in crimes then this would have occured back when BL, shota, loli, and nudity were first introduced to the Japanese society. Personally I'm not a fan of loli or shota, but to sensor nudity at all is to deny the natural way people live. The responsibility should fall on the parents for making sure that their children are taught the proper morals to cope with what is in the media. Even more basic, the parents can simply prohibit their children from watching. As for adults, they decide for themself whether to buy explicit manga or anime. No one is saying they need to or will act on what they see. Where's the proof that the crimes are connected to explicit anime and manga? I'd say you're going to have way more crime on your hands if you DO ban explicit material from the public. If you don't want to see it, then don't watch or buy it and get yourself Tivo.
Posted by Yume-chan on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:51pm | #271
Censorship in any form is a sin against democracy. It is reasonable to protect children from exposure to what should be a parent's prerogative, but government is not our mother. No one should presume to tell adults what they may create or view. Remember Tien-An-Men? The Goddess of Democracy will weep if this is allowed to go forward.
Posted by moonbear on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:56pm | #272
It's absolutely ridiculous. As long as it's not real, how is it hurting anyone? In fact, it's probably healthy for some people who do have unhealthy fetishes, because it stops them from being sexually repressed and lashing out on real humans.
I am in full support of this protest.
Posted by Aka Tamago on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 19:56pm | #273
All art should be allowed, no matter how "vile" it may be to certain people. I definitely support the Japanese artists! Let them draw what they please!
Laws against art and "virtual crime" are often the most absurd. There are many relevant expressions that mix children and sexuality in art... but, ultimately, who are we to decide what's "relevant" anyways?
Let's hope this law being discussed NEVER passes through!
Posted by Victor on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 20:14pm | #274
I fully support this signage. They said that the law will ban shotacon and lolicon. Sure, yes, those can only fuel a pedophile's interests, but not everyone has a mature type of drawing. Unless, they look extremely young [children are short, and small bodied, and obviously under developed], how can you tell if one person's style depicts an adult or not. Like Aka Tamago said, it perhaps is even better than this happening in real life.
I support this.
Posted by Luukasama on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 20:15pm | #275
I support the creators - Art is art!
Posted by saiko_shounen on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 20:29pm | #276
Signed and supported.
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 20:32pm | #277
I support
Posted by anony on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 20:45pm | #278
Are you serious?? This is injustice, honestly, they're only illustrations! x.x
And I support!
Posted by blue flow on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 20:51pm | #279
I support.
I am not into loli or BL, but..
:{
Posted by Rei on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 20:53pm | #280
I support.
Japan needs to address the spirit of laws moreso than the letter of laws. Despite the censorship in all of their pornography and hentai there is still a great abundance of it and no one is "spared" from it because of blurs or censor bars. If they feel there is a problem regarding the sexuality of minors they need to look someplace besides freedom of artistic expression.
Posted by Jack on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 20:54pm | #281
must. support. loli.
Posted by on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 21:06pm | #282
I support.
Posted by AC on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 21:13pm | #283
I suppourt you all! japan will never suceed in this horrible constriction of both the expression of art, and the general expression of people in general. not to mention f they did prohibit such drawings, they would have to remove many animes from existance, including of all things... pokemon, and dragon ball, the "progenetors" of anime in america (in a way, personally i hat eboth of them but they make an excellent example) Not to mention they would need to seize hundereds of thousands, if not millions or more, of expliccit and artistic material, some of it might not be made by japenese. I hpe that the japenese sees this a sbeing like the crusades..... you send thousands to ruin (artists) for a caus eeveryone only half-belives in.... who wants to bet that the 60% of the japenese government is into this stuff to start off with.... I bet my island on it.
Cheers.
Posted by Bill Gates on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 21:36pm | #284
I support!
Posted by Jin! on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 21:42pm | #285
Support
Posted by Patrick on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 21:44pm | #286
I support the creators! Down with censorship!
Posted by DDRFlip on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 21:54pm | #287
((in japanese))
私は去ったのために開いたほしい従って長く離れた今を取られるべきでない何あなたの努力の右の引くこと支えるそれはちょうど不公平であり、ところで引力の Shuichi は18 を見なかったり従って私がない考える刑務所にMaki Murakami を置かなければならないその平均をする!
((in english))
I support you in your efforts the right draw what you want has been left open for so long it shouldn't be taken away now, It's just unfair and by the way Shuichi in gravitation doesn't look 18 so does that mean they'll have to put Maki Murakami in jail I think not!
Posted by Bridgette Trimble on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 22:01pm | #288
I support the freedom of expressing art from manga artist. Rather than blaming the high rate of child abusing criminal has relationship with any manga and anime pictures, police, politician and many agencies better work to fight this issues rather than looking another scapegoat to hide their inability to fight the child abused criminal.
Posted by Time Diver on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 22:13pm | #289
I support! Censoring is ebil! ><
Posted by Beagles on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 22:14pm | #290
Freedom of expression is a right that cannot be lost. I support creativity!
Posted by h_rayz on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 22:27pm | #291
Support.
Posted by MasterBlaster on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 22:33pm | #292
I support
Unless this in response to some proof that it is indeed harmful. Say if it explains an increasing rate in which real children are attacked by pedophiles. Art is Art, Porn is Porn, but hurting a kid is hurting a kid!
Posted by Mark on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 22:37pm | #293
I support.
Posted by Some1 on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 23:21pm | #294
I support. Censorship is wrong, and victimless crimes shouldn't be crimes at all.
Posted by Liam on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 23:37pm | #295
Good luck Japanese creators and I hope this silly law gets struck down.
Posted by psianogen on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 23:41pm | #296
I don't like such a law, censorship is not good at all.
If they want to fight against "crime" this is not the way (forbidding people to see certain things makes them find those things more interesting and enjoyable (x_x) ).
I like BL a lot, and I don't wan it to be affected by it!
Good luck, japanese authors!
ファイト！
Posted by Inma on Sunday, 05.7.06 @ 23:44pm | #297
i totally support the japanese artists and mangakas
cencorship is one of the things that hinders creativity and artistry in art.
Posted by sephiroth on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 00:00am | #298
I support - Good luck!!!
Posted by cat on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 00:44am | #299
Censorship harms art, expression and creativity. Let's hope this law isn't passed for the sake of all manga creators and fans.
Posted by Sharon Lees on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 00:48am | #300
it's all the US's fault, I know it... I hate living here for that, and the immigration laws. best of luck to you guys, I love your work.
Posted by Chops on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 00:59am | #301
I support! I support big time, you cant put censorship on art.you just cant do that.its not right
Posted by Belial on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 01:49am | #303
I'm not into lolicon, but laws like this are not only foolish and stupid, but penalise a victomless crime. Additionaly, making laws against depictions of females who are under the age of 18 very foolish sense that would make most doujinshi illegal as most anime characters are under the age of 18. I SUPPORT the Japanese creators on this one!!
Posted by Akin on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 01:57am | #304
I support!!!!
Posted by wendy tran on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 01:59am | #305
I support.
Posted by meimei on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 02:27am | #306
I support.
Firstly - under hair? Do they have any idea how early that starts developing? It is in no way a sign that someone is over 18.
We have age restrictions for some very good reasons. These are drawings intended for people mature enough to not act out what they see.
A lot of RP books have a disclaimer - 'this is not a depiction of reality and is not intended for those who are unable to tell the difference between fantasy and reality.' Maybe anime should have something similar.
If mentally ill people are harming children or being harmed by watching pornography, more resources should be put into identifying such people and caring for them.
Posted by Adam on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 02:33am | #307
i support freedom of expression and oppose the proposed censorship law to restrict the depiction of sex in manga and anime!
Posted by m_r on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 02:38am | #308
This proposed law has no place in a modern civilised society.
Those proposing it do not understand what child pornography is. Child pornography isn't wrong because it includes sexual depictions of children or anything like that, it is wrong because it is a record of abuse. There is no comparison to be made between those who would watch a record of abuse to get their kicks, and those simply enjoying a harmless fantasy. And anybody who would compare the two is guilty of judging people they know nothing about.
This proposed law is a result of hatred and ignorance, so much so that its proposers don't seem to think they need any actual evidence! It is entirely bereft of logic or understanding. It must not come to pass.
Posted by Benjamin on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 02:48am | #309
I fully support them!
Posted by ginnie on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 04:19am | #310
I support.
Censorship has always been a crock of shit, but nowdays it has been getting far out of hand.
Now what, people can't put an under 18 in their art if it happens to be risque, because some people *might* be offended?
Grow up. Not everyone shares your views on what is offensive and what isn't. Don't try to force your opinions on people because you think it's wrong. Your opinion is not absolute. Let the artists draw what they want.
Besides, what the hell is this anyway?
A artist could draw a 10 year old being mutilated by some creature, yet another artist couldn't draw a 17 year old at all in a sexual light. There is no sense in this.
Let the artists draw what they want to draw. If it offends you, don't look at it.
Posted by Hyperbeast on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 04:19am | #311
Isupport
Good Luck Japanese Creators,
Posted by Maria on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 05:50am | #312
An artist myself, I believe it's an act against personal freedom of choice. A law like this must NOT be approved.
Posted by X on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 06:49am | #313
Censorship can be ridiculous at times. Actually, it shouldn't be there, only warnings are enough. Freedom of the mind means freedom of art. An artist must have the right to express anything he/she wants. You cannot forbid/control the existence of Shota/lolicon anyways.
Posted by Kinlyu on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 07:16am | #314
I support! Censorship, especially in drawing arts that ARE NOT REAL in any level, is not to be approved!
Good Luck to all the Japanese Creators!
Posted by Henri on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 07:17am | #315
politics are retards, period. They always try to ban anything the don´t like, then why not ban violent movies, pictures, songs for example, but no they have to take it away. Morons, lets belive in the freedom and fight hard for it.
Posted by elferio on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 07:24am | #316
politics are retards, period. They always try to ban anything the don´t like, then why not ban violent movies, pictures, songs for example, but no they have to take it away. Morons, lets belive in the freedom and fight hard for it.
Posted by elferio on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 07:25am | #317
I support. The art must be free of restrictions.
Posted by s_i_m on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 08:08am | #318
I support censorship sucks it's just hiding away what everyone knows or is gonna know about anyways.
Posted by Sarah on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 08:14am | #319
I completly support the artists
Posted by pipila on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 08:37am | #320
I support the artists.
But to add my two cents: a friend an I have a feeling that this law will either fail to pass or be repealed altogether once realized that it isn't working in your favor.
Not too different from the loopholes from the already half-arbitrary statutory rape laws which are being modified so as not to hurt relationships in which girls are, quite frankly, usually dating older guys.
Posted by Siren on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 08:43am | #321
I support
Posted by James on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 08:53am | #322
I support
Posted by Eron on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 09:24am | #323
I support.
The creators should be allowed to create.
Posted by Ethan on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 09:44am | #324
Censorship is an impairment of artistic freedom and a threat to the freedom of speech. Therefore, I give my wholehearted support to anyone trying to prevent such abominable laws.
Posted by Björn on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 09:51am | #325
I support the creators. Enough of this state control telling artists what they should and shouldn't draw/write etc.
Posted by Chris on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 09:58am | #326
I support their right to artistic expression. When a culture rejects ideas, it declines. We've seen it happen in America--I don't want to see it happen in Japan.
Posted by TERROJA on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 11:06am | #327
Of course I'll support! As a artist-in-training I wouldn't want censorship to ruin creativity! Good luck to the Japanese creators! Hope everything works out in your favour!!
Posted by Onery on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 12:05pm | #328
I support completely. In this world where everyone talks of freedom, the freedoms we do have are continually stripped away and society turns a blind eye in general. It's time for this to stop.
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 12:07pm | #329
I support the fight against censorship & moralism!
Posted by Johan on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 12:12pm | #330
I'm very surprised to see so many people going against this law.
Look, it's one thing to create nude figures in art and things like that but I think you people fail to realize that pedophilia is a HUGE ISSUE across the entire world. Any attempt to quell it should be favoured and admired, "art" or not. I for one salute Japan for finally addressing this major issue. Lord knows if I was in charge of my country I would round up every pedo I could get my hands on and throw them to the tigers.
Posted by Muchacho Perdido on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 12:28pm | #331
I support completely. In this world where everyone talks of freedom, the freedoms we do have are continually stripped away and society turns a blind eye in general. It's time for this to stop.
Posted by Stoke on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 13:11pm | #332
I support. People who want to stifle free expression are criminals.
Posted by RK on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 13:45pm | #333
I support the creators!!
Posted by Casey M. on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 13:49pm | #334
Let's hope Japan doesn't become like my country(Italy)
Every, EVERY manga, wether it be Captain Tsubasa, Guru Guru Ponchan or any other "normal" manga you can think of, has a disclaimer stating that "every character is beyond 18 and anyway they're all graphical representations"...
NonsenseT_T
I support you all the way!
Posted by Ren on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 14:00pm | #335
I support the creators in being able to express themselves without fearing for their careers.
Posted by .Faust on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 14:40pm | #336
i totally support the creators. >_< stupid law....if it were real life, MAYBE i'd understand...but...manga and anime...jeeez...
well anyhow..i hope this law doesn't get passed! best wishes!
Posted by ryuuza on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 14:42pm | #337
I support wholeheartedly.
Posted by DKH on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 14:56pm | #338
I support!
censorship IS bad! really bad!
yay for freedom of expression.
Posted by logvm on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 15:09pm | #339
I absolutely support the creator
I really really hate censorship
Uncensored is true art of humanity!!
Posted by Supporter on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 15:36pm | #340
artistic freedem forever
Posted by James on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 16:19pm | #341
I support.
Posted by Andrew on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 16:37pm | #342
I support. It's against democracy and freedom.
Posted by BlauGran on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 16:39pm | #343
I support the freedom of artistic expression.
Posted by Ashleigh on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 16:40pm | #344
The way i see it all artists will end up in prison if this so called law to protect children from sexual predators and believe me i am so against this pointless law. I hope it never gets passed because then they'll go after everything else that is entertainment Then what? No television, no art, no creativity in games, music,and all that is made by the imagination!. I support the freedom of expression because if that is gone all we have is a controlled society and our forefathers would never want that.
Posted by artguy on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 16:41pm | #345
and i'm way against kiddie porn
Posted by artguy on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 16:45pm | #346
and i'm way against kiddie porn
Posted by artguy on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 16:45pm | #347
I support!
Posted by M.D.S on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 17:11pm | #348
this is just another restriction, probably influence by the us goverment...of course i support japanese and every artist, i mean they are just drawings...people can draw whatever they want and see whatever they want as long as it doesn't damage antbody, and art DOES NOT DAMAGED ANYBODY..so i think that is just stupid....i like japan because of their freedom and everything i though the goverment was more open minded than that...i support japanese art of course i do!!!!
Posted by Gore_Neko on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 17:16pm | #349
I am against this law. It is something that has always been and should always be.
Posted by Yuki-chan on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 17:17pm | #350
I support all, and any type of, art. Keep it alive and good like Creators!
Posted by Taikotsu on Monday, 05.8.06 @ 17:29pm | #351