Japan Cracks Down on Sexual Images of Minors in Manga

According to an article in The New York Times, the Japanese government is considering placing tighter restrictions on the provocative depictions of young girls — referred to as “junior idols”— that are prevalent in magazines, DVDs and Web videos.

Their biggest target is Manga comics that depict pubescent girls in sexual acts, which constitutes a lucrative segment of the $5.5 billion Manga industry.

A newly revised ordinance by Tokyo’s metropolitan government, which restricts the sale of such material, has prompted a national debate between its publishers and critics inside and outside Japan, who say the fare exploits children and may even encourage pedophilia. Other local and regional governments, including the Osaka Prefecture, are considering similar restrictions.

To read the full article, head to http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/10/business/global/10manga.html

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