Japan has been facing international pressure for years to ban child pornography, and finally, its parliament passed a bill banning its possession. But there's a catch:
"Graphic cartoons, even ones showing kids being raped, will stay legal. Why? Because anime animation and manga comics are a multi-million dollar industry with political and lobbying power." (Via CNN)
Anime is simply Japanese animation, comparable to American cartoons, while manga are Japanese comic books. Some are sexual in nature, though there are plenty that are not. (Via TV Tokyo / Naruto: Shippûden)
But back to the ban — Time reports people who are found with child pornography could now be jailed for a year and/or fined $10,000. There's still leeway.
"Japanese nationals in possession of child pornography have one year to discard of the material before finding themselves liable for prosecution."
"Saturday afternoon in Tokyo, a scene that's depressingly easy to find. ... Made-up children chatting with older men ..."
"You look at other countries, they passed this law a long time ago." (Via Al Jazeera)
In 1999, Japan banned the production and distribution of child pornography, but it was still legal to own it, according to the BBC.
While some are concerned the new law could lead to police overreach, others believe it's a step in the right direction.
