Shiori Ito’s 'Black Box Diaries' Exposes Systemic Failures in Addressing Sexual Violence in Japan

The Oscar-nominated documentary recounts Ito's personal fight for justice and sheds light on the societal and institutional barriers faced by survivors of sexual violence in Japan.

• Shiori Ito's 'Black Box Diaries' documents her personal journey to seek justice after being drugged and raped by a prominent journalist in 2015.
• The film highlights the systemic failures of Japan's justice system, where only 4% of rape victims file complaints, and societal reluctance to confront sexual violence.
• Key evidence, including surveillance footage and testimonies, was dismissed by authorities, illustrating the challenges Ito faced in pursuing her case.
• The documentary expands beyond Ito's case, examining the cultural and institutional factors that perpetuate silence and impunity around sexual violence in Japan.
• 'Black Box Diaries' has been nominated for an Oscar in the documentary category, marking a significant milestone for the #MeToo movement in Japan.

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