Black Box

1. Shiori Ito's journey from victim to advocate exposes Japan's flawed justice system

"I am not running away or hiding—if so, please disclose these details and promptly return to Japan. I am being calm. How dare you say that to a woman who has been raped and might now be pregnant?"

A shocking assault. Shiori Ito, a young journalist, was allegedly raped by Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a prominent TV journalist, in 2015. The incident occurred after a work-related meeting, where Ito lost consciousness and woke up in pain in Yamaguchi's hotel room.

A flawed investigation. Ito's attempts to seek justice revealed deep-rooted problems in Japan's legal system:

• Police initially discouraged her from filing a report
• Investigators asked invasive questions about her sexual history
• An arrest warrant for Yamaguchi was mysteriously called off at the last minute
• The case was eventually dropped by prosecutors

Becoming an advocate. Frustrated by the system's failures, Ito decided to go public with her story, holding a press conference in 2017. This unprecedented move for a Japanese rape victim sparked a national conversation about sexual violence and the need for legal reform.

2. The prevalence of sexual assault and the challenges of reporting in Japan

"According to data compiled in 2013 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the number of rapes by country, per 100,000 population, is as follows: ... 87. Japan 1.1"

Underreported crimes. The low official rape statistics in Japan mask a serious problem:

• 1 in 15 Japanese women report being forced into intercourse
• Only 4.3% of sexual assault victims go to the police
• Shame, fear of retaliation, and lack of faith in the system deter reporting

Societal barriers. Japanese culture often discourages victims from speaking out:

• Victim-blaming attitudes are common
• There's a strong emphasis on avoiding "causing trouble"
• Sexual violence is often seen as a private matter, not a criminal one

Lack of support systems. Japan lags behind other countries in providing resources for sexual assault victims:

• Few specialized rape crisis centers
• Limited availability of rape kits and forensic exams
• Insufficient training for medical professionals and law enforcement in handling sexual assault cases

3. Institutional barriers and societal pressures silence victims of sexual violence

"The angry voices of the powerful and entitled will resound without anyone's help. But not those murmurs. They don't reach the ears of the state or the general public. Indeed, the mission of a journalist is to act as their intermediary."

A culture of silence. Japanese society often prioritizes maintaining harmony over confronting uncomfortable truths:

• Victims are pressured to stay quiet to avoid "causing trouble"
• There's a strong stigma associated with being a victim of sexual violence
• Many fear social ostracism if they speak out

Institutional failures. The legal and law enforcement systems are ill-equipped to handle sexual assault cases:

• Police often discourage victims from filing reports
• Prosecutors are reluctant to take on cases without overwhelming evidence
• The court system can be traumatizing for victims who do pursue justice

Media complicity. Japanese mainstream media often fails to report on sexual violence:

• Concerns about libel laws and powerful figures lead to self-censorship
• There's a lack of investigative reporting on systemic issues
• Victims' stories are often sensationalized or ignored entirely

4. The "consent wall" and the legal complexities of proving rape in Japan

"To put it in extreme terms, if the suspect were to say, 'I didn't realize that she was unwilling,' it would potentially be enough—from a legal standpoint—to establish that there was consent."

The burden of proof. Japan's legal system places a heavy burden on victims to prove non-consent:

• Victims must show they resisted "to the utmost of their ability"
• There must be clear evidence of physical violence or threats
• The victim's behavior before and after the assault is scrutinized

The "quasi-rape" loophole. Japan's criminal code includes a category called "quasi-rape" for cases where the victim was unconscious or incapacitated:

• This can make it even harder to prove lack of consent
• It creates a legal gray area that defendants can exploit

Legal reform challenges. Efforts to change these laws face significant obstacles:

• Conservative attitudes towards gender and sexuality
• Resistance from powerful political and business interests
• Lack of public awareness about the extent of the problem

5. Date-rape drugs and their role in sexual assault cases

"Dr. Nagai's research began after treating a patient named M. She had gone out for drinks after work with a female colleague and two male superiors. When she regained consciousness, she was in a hotel, naked, being assaulted by the two men, she said."

A hidden epidemic. The use of date-rape drugs in Japan is more common than many realize:

• Commonly prescribed sleeping pills and tranquilizers are often used
• These drugs can cause memory loss and inability to resist
• Victims may appear conscious but have no recollection of events

Investigative challenges. Date-rape drug cases are notoriously difficult to prove:

• Many drugs leave the system quickly, making detection challenging
• Victims often don't report immediately due to confusion or shame
• Law enforcement and medical professionals may not recognize the signs

Need for awareness. There's a critical lack of public knowledge about date-rape drugs in Japan:

• Many people don't know the risks or how to protect themselves
• Healthcare providers may not be trained to recognize and respond to cases
• Better education and prevention efforts are urgently needed

6. The power of media and the risks of speaking out against influential figures

"I am grateful to have such close friends around me, and I thank them for the support they have given me."

Breaking the silence. Ito's decision to go public with her story was unprecedented in Japan:

• She held a press conference, revealing her name and face
• This sparked a national conversation about sexual violence
• It also led to significant backlash and personal attacks

Media manipulation. Ito's case revealed the complex relationship between media, power, and justice in Japan:

• Many mainstream outlets were reluctant to cover her story
• There were allegations of political pressure to suppress reporting
• Social media became a battleground of support and criticism

Personal cost. Speaking out came with significant personal and professional consequences for Ito:

• She faced threats and harassment
• Her career prospects in Japanese media were severely damaged
• Her relationships with family and friends were strained

7. Personal recovery and the importance of believing in oneself after trauma

"Exercise worked wonders for my mental stability, more than any medicine ever could have."

Reclaiming control. In the aftermath of her assault and the public scrutiny, Ito found ways to regain her strength:

• She took up running and martial arts
• Physical activity helped manage her PTSD symptoms
• She learned to trust in her own abilities again

Professional resilience. Despite fears that speaking out would end her career, Ito found new opportunities:

• She reached out to international media organizations
• She secured work on documentary projects
• Her story became a catalyst for her advocacy work

Ongoing healing. Ito's journey highlights the long-term nature of recovery from sexual assault:

• She continues to deal with PTSD and its effects
• She emphasizes the importance of support systems
• Her story shows that healing is possible, even in the face of systemic obstacles

Last updated: November 19, 2024