Petition against Rules of manga and anime.

1. Why is the petition drive taking place?

Currently a revision of the Japanese child pornography law is being debated in the Japanese national legislative assembly.

At this time (August of 2008,) the ruling parties' revision draft is focused on the immediate criminalization of the possession of child pornography and provisions that stipulate research to set the ground work for the prohibition of fictional depictions of minors involved in sexual situations to be established in the future.

Current Japanese definition of what constitutes child pornography is much broader than what is common in other nations, and for this reason the criminalization of possession of child pornography in Japan under current legal framework will most likely provide Japanese police with extraordinary powers.

Broadening the definition of child pornography to include fictional depictions will bring about detrimental damage to the freedom of speech, and works of Japanese manga and anime that is not meant for adult audiences will most likely also be profoundly impacted.

Unless objections to this revision is voiced through a petition drive at this time, grave consequences may result in the future of Japanese animation and comic books.

For more information, we suggest that you conduct research on the web or look at web pages such as THIS
[http://www.translativearts.com/log20080812special_ej.html]
written by one of the co-signers of this petition.


2. Can non-Japanese people participate in this petition?

Yes, they can.

This petition is not restricted to any specificnationality or age group.


3. How can I participate in this petition?

Please download the form provided HERE
[http://www.savemanga.sakura.ne.jp/syomei01.pdf]
and print it out the sheet of white paper approximately A4 sized paper (210mm x 297mm) and sign it using a ballpoint pen or some type of writing instrument that utilizes permanent ink.

Make sure to use your real name and address in filling out this form.

Please enter your name on the left hand column and your address on the right hand column.

Once you have included your name and address, please mail the form to the following address:

Petition Administrative Office
c/o LINK LAW OFFICE Kito and Partners'
Jibiki No.2 Buildling, Room #407
4-7-8 Kojimachi
Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo 102-0083
JAPAN

The first deadline in tallying the petition is Sept. 10th of 2008, but
we will continue to add to the list even after this first deadline.


4. How will this petition be employed.

The collected petition will be submitted to the Japanese Diet during its legislative session.

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This petition seeks to:

1. Oppose the creation of regulations that would restrict the depictions of minors that do not exist in fictional works, such as comic books, animation and video games to be conducted as part of revisions to the Act on Punishment of Activities Relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and the Protection of Children, or to be enacted in a separate legislation independent from the above law.

2. Oppose the criminalization of possession of child pornography as part of the revisions to the Act on Punishment of Activities Relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.

3. Remove current legal impediments that prevent the enhancement in the safety and welfare of children who were victims of abuse by specifying that the Act on Punishment of Activities Relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography shall be administrated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

 

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