"The Tragedy Behind the Screen"... 70% of Women in Japanese Broadcasting Industry Are in a Sexual Harassment Blind Spot

The Japanese broadcasting industry is suffering from serious human rights violations and sexual crimes hidden behind its glamorous screen. A shocking survey result has emerged showing that 7 out of 10 female employees in broadcasting stations, which are supposed to uphold public interest, have experienced sexual harassment, causing a significant stir throughout Japanese society.

◆ [University of Tokyo Survey] 70.6% of Women Report "Experience of Sexual Harassment"... Frequent Use of 'Sexual Entertainment'

According to local media including Asahi Shimbun on the 5th (Korean time), a research team led by Professor Tanaka Dogo at the University of Tokyo conducted a survey from May last year to January this year involving 183 current and former broadcasters, revealing that 70.6% (84 people) of female respondents reported experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace. The types of victimization went beyond mere comments to actual criminal levels. Unwanted physical contact (44.5%) was reported, as well as being forcibly mobilized as 'entertainment staff' for executives' drinking parties (14.3%) or even being coerced into sexual relations (10%).

◆ 39 People Said "I Thought About Suicide"... Power-Based Harassment That Erodes the Soul

The aftermath of the victimization was severe enough to threaten lives. Among those who participated in the survey, 39 people reported "considering extreme choices", adding to the shock. There were also 30 individuals who could no longer endure the harassment and either quit their jobs or left the industry entirely. Specific cases revealed that individuals were subjected to humiliating questions about their body in studios and were forced into physical contact, or were regularly made the subject of sexual jokes at entertainment gatherings with powerful figures. Among male respondents, 32.3% reported hearing sexual harassment comments, bringing the overall poor human rights awareness in the industry to light.

◆ Extension of the Issue of Sexual Exploitation in the Entertainment Industry... Critique of Broadcasting Stations' 'Contradiction'

This survey was conducted to identify the overall irregularities in the industry, including the sexual exploitation issues of the former Johnny's Office that shook the Japanese entertainment world last year. The research team strongly criticized the contradictory situation where broadcasting stations, which preach fairness and human rights to the public, are actually neglecting horrific human rights violations internally. It was analyzed that the vertical structure, where employees of external production companies find it difficult to refuse requests from executives of the primary broadcasting stations, is solidifying these crimes.

◆ Demand for a Decision from Japanese Society... "We Must Break the Cartel of Silence"

Experts point out that this survey is just the tip of the iceberg. Due to the unique closed culture of the Japanese broadcasting industry and the fear of 'retaliation', it is expected that there are many more undisclosed victims. Asahi Shimbun emphasized that "there is an urgent need for transparent self-regulation in the broadcasting industry, along with legal and institutional measures to protect victims."