Black Box

Shiori Ito's book "Black Box" details her experience of sexual assault in Japan and the national reckoning that followed, highlighting the legal and institutional barriers victims face. Her account was integral to the #MeToo movement in Japan and led to cultural and legal change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 24 June 2021
Publisher: Tilted Axis Press

Shiori Ito's book "Black Box" vividly recounts her harrowing experience of sexual assault as a young journalist in Japan, and the subsequent national reckoning that followed. In 2015, Ito bravely accused Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a prominent TV journalist, of rape. However, when she sought help from the police, she encountered a frustrating reality: her case was deemed a "black box," meaning it occurred behind closed doors and was therefore unprosecutable. Ito's journey uncovered the alarming prevalence of black boxes within Japan's legal and investigative systems, as well as the inaccessible and costly landscape of legal advice for victims of sexual assault and gender-based violence.

Throughout her ordeal, Ito navigated the complex expectations and obstacles placed upon victims. From the attitudes of investigators to the challenges of retrieving time-limited security camera footage, her experience shed light on the labyrinthine processes victims are expected to endure. Her account played a pivotal role in the #MeToo movement in Japan, sparking cultural and legal change. International outlets, including the BBC's film "Japans Secret Shame," closely followed her story, amplifying its impact and leading to a societal reckoning.

In 2019, Ito successfully won a civil case against Yamaguchi, bringing closure to her personal journey. "Black Box" is not just a personal story; it is a searing journalistic exposé that exposes the pervasive culture of victim-shaming and institutional failures within Japan's police, law, and media. Ito's unwavering pursuit of the truth and her unwavering commitment to justice shine through in this powerful book, which has received critical acclaim and won an English PEN Award.

Through her courageous storytelling, Shiori Ito inspires others to speak out against sexual assault and gender-based violence. Her book serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for justice is not just about individual victims, but about systemic change and the need to create a safer and more equitable society for all.

Weight: 202g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911284598