Podcast Summary: "A Japanese Journalist Investigates Her Own Sexual Assault in 'Black Box Diaries'"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host/Author: WNYC
• Episode Title: A Japanese Journalist Investigates Her Own Sexual Assault in 'Black Box Diaries'
• Release Date: January 13, 2025
• Host: Alison Stewart

Introduction

In this poignant episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, listeners are introduced to Shiori Ito, a Japanese journalist who courageously investigates her own case of sexual assault. The episode delves deep into Shiori's personal journey, the societal and legal challenges she faced in Japan, and the creation of her documentary film, "Black Box Diaries," which chronicles her struggles and quest for truth.

Shiori Ito's Assault and Initial Response

[00:34 – 02:39]
Alison Stewart begins by outlining Shiori Ito's harrowing experience. Shiori, a young journalist in Japan, attended what she believed was a professional business meeting with a powerful television journalist. Instead, the encounter devolved into a one-on-one dinner that led to her being incapacitated and allegedly raped.

Shiori Ito: "On video? Well, first two years it was just protection. Reason I didn't believe the police was doing their job. It was possible cover up and so I started documenting what was happening around me."
[02:45]

Shiori initially turned to self-documentation as a means of protection and due to a lack of trust in the Japanese justice system. Her attempts to seek justice were thwarted, compelling her to take matters into her own hands by filming her journey with the support of friends.

Coping Mechanisms and Survival

[03:18 – 05:00]
When Alison inquires about Shiori's self-care during this tumultuous period, Shiori reveals her coping strategies.

Shiori Ito: "Documenting, filming what is happening in front of me was rather easier because I was treating this case as it's happening to someone else. That was my coping mechanism, I guess my survival method to act as a journalist and filmmaker."
[03:26]

Shiori compartmentalized her trauma by distancing herself emotionally, allowing her to continue her work as a journalist without being overwhelmed by her own victimization. However, revisiting the footage during editing proved emotionally challenging.

Cultural Barriers and Language Limitations

[05:00 – 06:12]
The conversation shifts to the cultural and linguistic barriers Shiori faced.

Shiori Ito: "Growing up as a Japanese woman in Japan, I never knew how to say no. Our no is taking us yes. Sometimes it's complicated. Language, culture."
[05:12]

Shiori discusses how deep-seated cultural norms in Japan make it difficult for women to assert consent, often rendering their "no" ineffective. This cultural backdrop significantly impacted her ability to resist and communicate during the assault.

Acquiring Evidence and Legal Challenges

[06:12 – 07:57]
Shiori elaborates on the difficulties in obtaining crucial evidence for her case.

Shiori Ito: "It was really complicated relationship around there and who you want to protect and so on. But in the end of the day, yeah, we managed to get it."
[06:28]

The process of securing hotel footage that captured the assault was fraught with challenges, primarily due to the perpetrator's influential status. Despite these obstacles, Shiori and her team persisted, eventually obtaining the necessary evidence to bolster her case.

Societal Reactions and Personal Impact

[07:57 – 10:11]
The episode delves into the societal backlash Shiori faced after going public with her accusation.

Shiori Ito: "Some people who witnessed what was happening came forward, but they had to risk their job in life and that was really hard for them to also stand up against the power."
[08:01]

While a few brave individuals supported Shiori by coming forward as witnesses, the majority remained silent due to fear of retaliation and societal stigma. This environment of silence underscored the pervasive challenges in addressing sexual violence in Japan.

Legal Framework and Its Limitations

[09:16 – 11:02]
Shiori provides an overview of Japan's antiquated legal definitions surrounding consent and sexual assault.

Shiori Ito: "Our age of consent used to be 13 years old. Like think about that. What did you know about consent when you're 13?"
[09:27]

She highlights significant legal reforms, such as raising the age of consent from 13 to 16 years old in 2023 and allowing men to report rape for the first time. However, the definitions and requirements for proving rape remain stringent, making legal recourse challenging for survivors.

Motivations for Going Public

[10:11 – 11:23]
Alison probes into Shiori's motivations for making her case public.

Shiori Ito: "I was starting my career as a journalist and I felt like if I cannot seek the truth, what happened to me I shouldn't be a journalist, which was my dream."
[10:13]

Shiori's dedication to journalistic integrity and her desire to prevent future generations from enduring similar trauma propelled her to publicly accuse the perpetrator and document her story.

The Perpetrator's Influence and Societal Taboos

[11:23 – 12:40]
Shiori discusses the influence of the accused, a close friend of then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the cultural taboos surrounding sexual violence in Japan.

Shiori Ito: "Just talking about sexual violence in Japan is such a taboo topic."
[11:47]

The perpetrator's powerful connections complicated Shiori's pursuit of justice, as societal norms discourage open discussions about sexual violence, further marginalizing victims.

Public Backlash and Personal Struggles

[12:40 – 15:26]
The episode explores the mixed public reactions Shiori received, including both support and victim-blaming.

Shiori Ito: "When I published my book, it was exactly same time when MeToo happened in here and thinking, wow, it's all about solidarity here and it wasn't the case back home in Japan."
[14:17]

While the global MeToo movement provided a supportive backdrop, Japanese society's patriarchal and hierarchical structures led to significant backlash against Shiori, including accusations of being a troublemaker and reinforcing systemic inequalities.

Filmmaking Decisions and Ethical Dilemmas

[15:54 – 17:20]
Shiori shares her internal conflict over potentially interviewing the perpetrator for her documentary.

Shiori Ito: "I as a journalist I felt like he also maybe needs to say something and I felt so somehow not fair about telling my own one sided story."
[15:55]

Despite her instinct to seek a balanced narrative, her filmmaking team advised against it, emphasizing the documentary's focus on her personal journey and the broader implications of her case.

Threats and Relocation for Safety

[17:20 – 19:41]
Shiori recounts the threats she received and her decision to leave Japan for her safety.

Shiori Ito: "I had to move away from Japan once to London to make this film and write the book."
[18:29]

Facing severe online threats and physical intimidation, Shiori relocated to London to continue her work in a safer environment, illustrating the personal costs of challenging entrenched power structures.

Emotional Vulnerability and Filmmaking Moments

[19:41 – 21:31]
A particularly emotional moment in the documentary is discussed, where Shiori contemplates suicide, offering a raw glimpse into her mental state during her ordeal.

Shiori Ito: "It was my way of, I guess surviving. So when I saw that piece of footage, I thought, okay, it has to be in a film."
[20:08]

Including this footage was a deliberate and challenging decision, intended to underscore the depth of her suffering and the resilience required to tell her story.

Support Systems and Community

[21:31 – 22:42]
Shiori acknowledges the critical support she received from friends and collaborators, which was instrumental in her survival and the completion of her documentary.

Shiori Ito: "Having that sort of, you know, borderless support helped me. Because when you think you can't live anymore in that particular society, it's opening the door when you know you can maybe escape somewhere else."
[21:38]

This network of support not only provided emotional and physical safety but also facilitated the creation and dissemination of her film.

Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations

[22:31 – 22:42]
Shiori expresses her hopes to continue working as a journalist and filmmaker.

Shiori Ito: "I want to make more film. That's for sure too."
[22:36]

Her unwavering commitment to storytelling and advocacy underscores her role as a catalyst for societal change.

Addressing Criticism and Naming the Perpetrator

[22:43 – 23:22]
Alison raises a concern from a listener regarding the naming of the perpetrator, leading to a significant moment of empowerment for Shiori.

Shiori Ito: "No, I feel that. But you know what? That gave me empower that I should be able to have no feeling to name it."
[23:22]

Shiori decides to name the accused, Nori Yuki Yamaguchi, asserting her agency and challenging societal norms that often silence victims.

Global Reception and Universal Relevance

[23:22 – 24:01]
Shiori shares the international response to her documentary, highlighting its universal resonance and the shared experiences of survivors worldwide.

Shiori Ito: "No matter where there is a better law to protect Survivor. I see every single audience eyes that they are carrying something similar or they know someone they love."
[23:26]

The film's screenings across over 30 countries have fostered connections among survivors, reinforcing the global nature of the struggle against sexual violence.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of Shiori Ito's work and the availability of "Black Box Diaries" on Paramount Plus. Listeners are reminded of the ongoing need for support and solidarity in addressing sexual assault and advocating for systemic change.

Alison Stewart: "This is very interesting."
[22:43]

Notable Quotes:

• Shiori Ito on Documentation as Protection:

  "Reason I didn't believe the police was doing their job. It was possible cover up and so I started documenting what was happening around me."
  [02:45]

• On Cultural Barriers:

  "Growing up as a Japanese woman in Japan, I never knew how to say no. Our no is taking us yes."
  [05:12]

• On Legal Challenges:

  "Our age of consent used to be 13 years old. Like think about that. What did you know about consent when you're 13?"
  [09:27]

• On Facing Backlash:

  "When I published my book, it was exactly same time when MeToo happened in here and thinking, wow, it's all about solidarity here and it wasn't the case back home in Japan."
  [14:17]

• On Empowerment:

  "That gave me empower that I should be able to have no feeling to name it."
  [23:22]

Final Thoughts:

This episode of All Of It offers a compelling and intimate look into Shiori Ito's struggle against sexual violence and systemic injustice in Japan. Her story not only sheds light on personal trauma but also highlights broader cultural and legal issues that affect countless individuals. "Black Box Diaries" stands as a testament to her resilience and determination to foster change, making this episode a vital listen for those interested in culture, justice, and the power of storytelling.