PRESS CONFERENCE

Kaga Kenzo, Film director, Screenwriter
Midori Suiren, Actor, Writer
Shin Hayasaka, Cinematographer
14:00-15:00 Thursday, December 7, 2023
(The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation)

The posthumous disgrace this year of pop Svengali Johnny Kitagawa served notice to millions that Japan’s entertainment world is rife with abuse. There are multiple claims of similar problems in the pop, television and cinema industries. In 2022, for example, reports emerged of sexual assaults by film director Hideo Sakaki. Other cases have since come to light, suggesting this is the tip of the iceberg.

Midori Suiren is one of those who have accused Sakaki of assault, along with his fellow actor Kenzo Kaga. Since making these claims, they say the film industry has failed to respond satisfactorily. So, as with the case of Kitagawa's victims, they are reaching out to the foreign media. In addition to the abuse claims, among the issues they wish to discuss are what they say is the "structural problem" of sexual violence in the movie industry here.

As seen with the Kitagawa case, coming forward to make such claims initially invites not just denial but a fierce backlash online, and sometimes a dismissive shrug in the mass media. Today’s speakers say: "Sexual assaults in the entertainment world are treated as "gossip" and not covered as news. Due to the lack of reporting and awareness, domestic and overseas enablers help perpetrators return to work."

How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, the name of your media outlet, and FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions attendance will be limited. Doors open 15 minutes before the event. Please sign in, giving your name and contact details at the reception, and have your temperature taken before proceeding.

How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live
Livestreaming of the press events will be available and video of this event will be uploaded to our FCCJ YouTube channel.

How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/QyPDF1whKFKAagiv5　
Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form.

TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event.

Professional Activities Committee