The United Nations (UN) has expressed concern, highlighting the potential of manga, anime, and video games in Japan to promote gender stereotypes and sexual violence. In a report published on October 30, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women criticized these cultural contents. According to the committee, these media can reinforce discriminatory views, perpetuating stereotypes and inappropriate representations.
In response to the report, Japanese officials and politicians expressed criticism, most notably parliamentarian Yamada Taro. He questions the report's foundations, calling for the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to be transparent about the sources and methodologies used in its analysis.
The document recommends that Japan implement legal measures and monitoring programs to restrict materials that, in the UN's view, reinforce gender stereotypes and promote violence against women and girls.
However, Taro claims that Japanese authorities did not confirm discussions about manga and anime during the committee meetings. According to him, the report's content poses a threat to freedom of expression in Japan, as it attempts to regulate cultural productions without appropriate dialogue with the creative sector and Japanese society.
UN calls for action against gender stereotypes in Japanese manga and games
The UN suggests that the Japanese government step up efforts to address gender stereotypes in the media, including manga and video games. Among its recommendations, the document reinforces the need for a comprehensive strategy aimed at promoting a balanced perspective in various sectors, including education and the labor market.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the need to combat sexist messages and stereotypical representations of women and girls in the media and on social media. The UN emphasizes that such content tends to perpetuate violence and discrimination against women, especially among ethnic minorities such as the Ainu, Buraku, and Zainachi Koreans.
Reactions in Japan: Freedom of expression and equality policies
Yamada Taro expressed concern about the report's impact on freedom of expression, particularly for the anime and manga sectors, which are significant in Japanese culture. According to Taro, the committee's recommendations are unilateral and suggest a form of censorship that could harm the country's cultural diversity. He believes anime and manga represent not only forms of entertainment, but also an artistic expression rooted in Japanese society.
However, the UN praises Japan's Fifth Basic Plan for Gender Equality, which aims to eliminate prejudice and promote greater awareness of gender equity. Even so, the committee points out that patriarchal attitudes still prevail in sectors such as education and employment, hindering more effective progress for women.
UN Recommendations to Combat Stereotypes in Cultural Products
The organization recommends the creation of a national policy to address gender stereotypes, especially regarding ethnic minorities. The proposal includes training for public servants and journalists, including guidance on gender-neutral language and the promotion of positive representations of women in the media.
The debate surrounding this issue raises questions about the balance between artistic freedom and the need to address structural inequality. The UN emphasizes that, while recognizing the cultural specificities of each country, it considers it essential to promote policies that do not perpetuate stereotypes. The organization suggests that the proposed guidelines be accompanied by investments and frequent evaluations to ensure effective implementation.
