The United Nations (UN) 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 inadequate representations.
In response to the report, Japanese authorities and politicians expressed criticism, most notably parliamentarian Yamada Taro. He questions the basis of the report, requesting that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women be transparent about the sources and methodologies used in the analysis.
The document recommends that Japan implement legal measures and monitoring programs, seeking 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 in meetings with the committee. According to him, the report's content represents a threat to freedom of expression in Japan, by attempting 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 intensify actions to combat gender stereotypes in the media, including manga and video games. Among the recommendations, the document reinforces the need for a comprehensive strategy, aimed at promoting a balanced vision 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 this 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, which could harm cultural diversity in the country. For him, 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 equality. Even so, the committee points out that patriarchal attitudes still prevail in sectors such as education and employment, hindering more effective advances for women.
UN recommendations to combat stereotypes in cultural products
The entity recommends the creation of a national policy to combat gender stereotypes, especially in relation to ethnic minorities. The proposal includes training for public servants and journalists. Thus, with guidance on neutral language and the promotion of positive representations of women in the media.
The debate around the issue raises discussions about the balance between artistic freedom and the need to face structural problems of inequality. The UN reinforces that, although it recognizes the cultural specificities of each country, it sees as essential the promotion of policies that do not perpetuate stereotypes. The entity suggests that the proposed guidelines be accompanied by frequent investments and evaluations to ensure effective execution.
