SpainIn December 2025, Japanese journalist Shiori Itō presented her film 'Black Box Diaries,' detailing her personal struggle after being sexually assaulted by journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi, who was close to former Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. Her courage led to legal reforms in 2017, which redefined rape and sexual assault laws and improved protections for victims. However, despite these changes, a 2020 government survey revealed that one in fourteen Japanese women still reported experiencing forced sexual relations. Activists continue to push for further progress, as many women remain hesitant to report due to societal stigma and perceived inefficacy of the justice system. In 2024, a court in Osaka acquitted two medical students accused of raping a classmate, citing insufficient evidence of lack of consent, prompting feminist protests.
Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights the ongoing struggles of women in Japan regarding sexual violence and emphasizes the impact of movements like #MeToo, which has inspired activism and legal reform. While it acknowledges the progress made through legislative changes, it also critiques the persistent challenges,
