If all we knew about Japan was filtered to the rest of the world through their media, we’d think the Japanese is a country full of sick and twisted demented individuals.  From Tokyo gore films to the exploitation of hand drawn children, the country has a unique way of expressing itself in the most colorful art forms.

In an ironic contrast, the country has the lowest crime rate, the highest life expectancy, and is one of the most environment friendly countries in the world.  Despite being built from a bloody and violent past, Japan’s basis is centered around humbleness and respect for all things.  And maybe it’s a model nation the rest of the world can learn from.  Who knows?

Despite all the ironies, the country is taking steps to ban provocative images of “visual depictions” of characters who appear to be 18 and younger.

According to AnimeNewsNetwork.com, legislation is trying to “amend Metropolitan Tokyo’s youth welfare law on child pornography to include sexually provocative, “visual depictions” of characters who sound or appear to be 18 years old or younger.”

In addition, the country is taking steps to block images of “nonexistent youths” through filtering software.  If this were to be passed, it would be limited to Tokyo only with the intent to eventually ban all related material within the whole country.

While I’ve always found sexual portrayals of comic characters pretty hilarious and way out of the ordinary, it’s a bit odd that the country is taking steps to ban such images.  The impact of the laws will have a greater impact on the gaming and manga industry, and it’d probably cause the country more trouble than what it’s worth.

Not to mention, how do you judge a legal age for a virtual character?  She looks she’s 14 years old.  Well, actually she is 95 years old, but who am I to judge.

I mean, aren’t there more pressing issues at stake, like trying to crack down on actual child pornography?  It’s an interesting subject, I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork.com