U.N. Tells Japan to Ban Manga With Child Porn Content

U.N. Tells Japan to Ban Manga With Child Porn Content

TOKYO — The U.N.’s special rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, has asked Japan to ban manga comics that have "extreme child pornographic content," a move that critics say would limit artistic freedom of expression.

Japan did ban the possession of child sexual imagery in June 2014, but such depictions are not forbidden in manga comics, video games or animated movies. 

"ASACP was very gratified when Japan finally criminalized child pornography involving actual children," Tim Henning, executive director of the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP), told XBIZ. "Criminalizing sexually explicit images that do not depict real children or virtual child pornography, which arguably includes manga and anime, is a much more debated topic globally."

"While some countries have outlawed this material others have not," added Henning. "The viewpoint of those that have outlawed it is that it contributes to the abuse of actual children and therefore society needs to be protected from it. Those that have not believe there is no evidence to support that it contributes to the abuse of actual children and since no actual children have been harmed or exploited in the creation of the content — it falls under the protections of artistic freedom of speech and expression — as is currently also the case in the U.S."

Manga translator Dan Kanemitsu believes de Boer-Buquicchio is "mixing reality with fiction,” because he sees a distinction between images featuring actual children and the childlike characters in manga comics. 

“There is no such thing as manga and anime child pornography,” Kanemitsu said. “Child pornography entails the involvement of children, and we must confront it for that reason. [De Boer-Buquicchio] meant sexualized depictions of childish looking characters in manga and anime. Many male and female artists in Japan draw characters in an art style that looks childish to western eyes. Therefore it is a rejection of an art style popular in Japan.”

De Boer-Buquicchio recently concluded an eight-day inspection of sexual abuse crimes in Japan, where she met with victims, various nongovernmental organizations, public officials, law enforcement representatives and the judiciary. 

“Investigations and prosecutions are hardly ever initiated without a complaint lodged by the child victim," she said. "The few cases that are prosecuted often end up with convictions that are suspended or entail low penalties, such as fines." 

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

European Commission to Assess Pornhub, XVideos, XNXX Compliance With Digital Services Act

The European Commission plans to conduct a study to determine how well adult sites Pornhub, XVideos and XNXX are addressing illegal content and other potential harms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

German Higher Court Upholds Ban on PornHub, YouPorn

The Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland-Palatinate on Thursday upheld a “network ban” on Aylo-owned adult sites Pornhub and YouPorn for failing to comply with German age verification regulations.

Alabama Notifying Adult Sites of New Tax Set to Take Effect Sept. 1

The Alabama Department of Revenue has begun sending notices to adult site operators about a new 10% tax on their revenues, set to be enforced starting Sept. 1.

Ondato, CCBill Announce Strategic Partnership for Global High-Risk Market

Age and identity verification firm Ondato and payment processor CCBill have formed a strategic partnership to serve the global high-risk market.

Ofcom Investigates 4 More Adult Companies for OSA Compliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into whether four companies operating adult websites have implemented requisite age assurance measures under the Online Safety Act, the agency announced Thursday.

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Show More