A documentary titled “Black Box Diaries,” directed by a Japanese woman and exploring her quest for justice after reporting a rape, is among the contenders for an Oscar at the Academy Awards but cannot be viewed in the director’s home country of Japan. Shiori Ito, the filmmaker and a journalist, details her own experience after she accused a prominent TV journalist of raping her at a hotel. The documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has been released in theaters in the United States and over 30 other countries, is being hindered from release in Japan due to the streaming services’ and theaters’ lack of interest.

Furthermore, the release has been complicated by legal challenges, as Ito’s former lawyers and supporters have spoken out against the use of footage without consent from those featured in it. Despite this, Ito emphasizes that the film addresses critical issues of power, corruption, and systemic problems in the legal system and society regarding how women who report sexual assaults are treated.

There has been a history in Japan of not showing films that portray unflattering images of the country, even when they were well-received overseas. Ito’s case has made her a symbol for the underdeveloped #MeToo movement in Japan, with the documentary serving as a catalyst for change. She has faced significant stress and backlash from the situation, including the cancellation of a news conference and criticism from those she previously fought alongside.

Ito has apologized for the unintended harm caused by the footage and is working on a revised version of the film to address privacy concerns while maintaining the integrity of her story. The film’s producers are also seeking a balance between addressing the criticisms regarding privacy and keeping the documentary’s exposé of her experiences intact.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/world/asia/japan-oscars-documentary.html