Title: Revealing the situation of women in Japan's sexual assault culture
In the UK, there are around 510 rape allegations per 1 million people, while in Japan the figure is only 10. Can these data lead us to conclude that Japanese women have safer lives? However, when we delve deeper into the issue of sexual assault in Japan, we find an unbearable reality.
Let's pull the timeline back to 2013, when Shiori Ito was a sophomore at university and she met Keiyuki Yamaguchi, biographer of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. At that time, Yamaguchi was already a high-ranking chief press officer, and there were rumors among them that they were very close. For Ito, being able to socialize with big bulls in his profession is an exciting thing.
However, things gradually became scary. After Ito drank quite a bit during his meeting with Yamaguchi, his consciousness began to blur. Then she woke up in the hotel where Yamaguchi was staying, and her body was in abnormally painful. She tried to escape, but her efforts were fruitless.
As an independent woman with a higher education, Ito resolutely chose to file rape charges against Yamaguchi. However, in the public appearance of the show, Yamaguchi denied everything and put the blame on Ito. Such remarks are undoubtedly a secondary injury to the victim Ito, and she has to face the doubts and accusations of public opinion.
Japan's culture of sexual assault is closely linked to social attitudes. In Japanese society, the objectification of women by men is acceptable. The industry was legalized in Japan, and pornographic magazines were even unabashedly placed on conspicuous shelves. In this cultural context, women's social status is clearly inferior.
The employment situation of Japanese women also exacerbates their vulnerability. In Japan, women's wages are relatively low and the wage gap is significant. This has led to a generally lower social status of Japanese women. For many women, becoming a housewife becomes the only option. However, such a choice can fall into a vicious circle, and the degree of objectification of women will increase further.
In such a culture, many women choose to remain silent when faced with similar events. In Japan, women are considered "de-feminine" to express their views, and women are afraid to speak out about the sexual assault they have suffered. This has led to many cases being covered up and blocked, and the public has not paid sufficient attention to the issue of sexual assault.
Ito's case is one of many sexual assault cases in Japan, but she bravely came forward and made her true story public. Although her actions received a lot of negative comments and accusations, it also inspired other women to come forward and share their experiences.
Fortunately, as the voices of victims such as Ito spread, the Japanese government's attitude towards the issue of sexual crimes has begun to change. The minimum penalty was increased from three to five years, and men could also be accused of rape. These changes, while imperfect, represent a beginning.
Shiori's courageous actions show us that silence is not the only option when we encounter injustice. It takes action to make real change. As one supporter put it: "The roar of those with power and titles will resound in the world, but it is the weak and small voices that need our support, which is the mission of journalism." ”
Let's speak up for the rights of victims of sexual assault in Japan, promote social change, and create a safe and just environment for them.
