Japanese journalist Itō Shiori will release her documentary Black Box Diaries in Japan for the first time on December 12, following controversy over its alleged use of footage without consent.
The film chronicles Itō’s experience as a sexual assault survivor and her pursuit of justice. It screened at more than 50 international film festivals and earned a spot on this year’s Academy Award shortlist for Best Documentary Feature. Distributor Toei Agency said the Japanese version reflects feedback from people involved.
The upcoming release follows years of legal battles, public debate, and growing awareness of how Japan’s justice system treats survivors. The debut marks a major milestone for Itō, whose story pushed the country’s #MeToo movement into the public spotlight.
Itō Shiori’s documentary on her own case is set for its first Japan release
Picture: Albert Siegel / Unseen Japan
Japanese journalist Itō Shiori’s documentary Black Box Diaries, which chronicles her own experience of sexual assault, is set to be released in Japan on December 12. Distributor Toei Agency announced the release on November 6, saying the film will premiere at T·Joy PRINCE Shinagawa in Tokyo.
Itō claimed that former TBS journalist Yamaguchi Noriyuki raped her on April 13, 2015. In a civil lawsuit seeking damages, the Tokyo District Court ruled on December 18, 2019 that Yamaguchi must pay Itō 3.3 million yen in compensation. The court acknowledged that Itō had not consented to the act and had no motive to make false claims.
The presiding judge also recognized that Itō’s actions were motivated by “public interest and social purpose.” The court further pointed out inconsistencies in Yamaguchi’s testimony and dismissed his countersuit for defamation.
Itō’s decision to come forward and identify herself by name challenged long-standing social taboos surrounding rape and victimhood. After four years of legal battle, Itō won her case. Today, she continues to pursue truth as a journalist.
Black Box Diaries follows her journey from that night in 2015. It documents her investigation into her own case and her determination to seek justice. The film combines personal narrative with investigative reporting. It offers viewers an intimate look at the challenges of confronting institutional silence in Japan.
Despite global acclaim, Itō’s documentary faced controversy
Following its success abroad, Black Box Diaries has drawn both praise and scrutiny. The documentary was shortlisted for this year’s Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It has been screened at more than 50 international film festivals, earning wide acclaim. The film also received positive reviews from international audiences for its raw honesty and cinematic storytelling.
However, the film also faced criticism over its use of materials without permission. Former civil case attorney Nishihiro Yoko and others said it included hotel surveillance footage provided under the condition that it be used only for trial purposes. They also said that it contained audio and video of police officers discussing the investigation, and phone recordings with lawyers involved in the civil case.
Planning a trip to Japan? Get an authentic, interpreted experience from Unseen Japan Tours and see a side of the country others miss!
“Noah [at Unseen Japan] put together an itinerary that didn’t lock us in and we could travel at our own pace. In Tokyo, he guided us personally on a walking tour. Overall, he made our Japan trip an experience not to forget.” – Kate and Simon S., Australia
See a side of Tokyo that other tourists can’t. Book a tour with Unseen Japan Tours – we’ll tailor your trip to your interests and guide you through experiences usually closed off to non-Japanese speakers.
Want more news and views from Japan? Donate $5/month ($60 one-time donation) to the Unseen Japan Journalism Fund to join Unseen Japan Insider. You’ll get our Insider newsletter with more news and deep dives, a chance to get your burning Japan questions answered, and a voice in our future editorial direction.
The controversy emerged shortly after the film’s international screenings, prompting renewed discussion in Japan about documentary ethics and privacy. Critics argued that even socially important works must uphold standards of consent and transparency.
Supporters, on the other hand, said Itō’s film shed light on systemic failures that often silence survivors and discourage reporting. Reporter Jake Adelstein, writing for Unseen Japan, called Nishihiro’s act a “betrayal” of Itō and her cause.
In response, Itō issued an apology on her official website on October 25 for filming a taxi driver featured in the documentary without his consent. She apologized to the driver and his family. In her statement, Itō described the driver as “an irreplaceable witness who saw both the victim and perpetrator at a crucial moment just before the assault, and who cooperated with the judicial process.”
Regarding the footage, Itō wrote that “my apology was accepted, and I was granted permission to use a new version of the scene.”
Revised Japan version released as Itō issues message of reflection and social change
In announcing the film’s release, Toei Agency said the version was completed “after making some revisions and adjustments based on feedback from those involved.” It added that the screening will feature the “Japan release version.”
The decision to revise the film reflects Itō’s stated goal of respecting those connected to the case while preserving the integrity of her story. Toei said the updated version was completed after discussions with people involved in the events depicted.
Itō’s attorney commented, “We obtained consent where necessary or deleted the footage when consent could not be obtained. We cannot discuss individual cases due to confidentiality obligations toward the other parties.”
However, according to a representative for attorney Nishihiro Yoko, who represented Itō in the civil trial, Itō’s side has not provided details about the revisions or shown the updated footage. “Our position remains unchanged,” the representative said.
Planning a trip to Japan? Get an authentic, interpreted experience from Unseen Japan Tours and see a side of the country others miss!
“Noah [at Unseen Japan] put together an itinerary that didn’t lock us in and we could travel at our own pace. In Tokyo, he guided us personally on a walking tour. Overall, he made our Japan trip an experience not to forget.” – Kate and Simon S., Australia
See a side of Tokyo that other tourists can’t. Book a tour with Unseen Japan Tours – we’ll tailor your trip to your interests and guide you through experiences usually closed off to non-Japanese speakers.
Want more news and views from Japan? Donate $5/month ($60 one-time donation) to the Unseen Japan Journalism Fund to join Unseen Japan Insider. You’ll get our Insider newsletter with more news and deep dives, a chance to get your burning Japan questions answered, and a voice in our future editorial direction.
Itō herself released a statement expressing her intent behind the film.
This film documents the reality I faced in Japan immediately after the assault. The arrest was stopped at the last moment, and the evidence and testimony were blacked out. Still, I connected the fragments of truth I gathered to make this work.
Please, for a moment, forget my name and watch it as if it were the story of someone close to you. If the same thing happened to you or someone you love, what would you believe, and how would you act?
I believe that even a small conversation after watching can break the silence, protect someone else, and slowly change society.
Her statement reflects the larger purpose of the project: to encourage dialogue about sexual assault, violence, and justice in Japan. For Itō Shiori, Black Box Diaries is not only a documentary but also a call for social reflection.
Sources
伊藤詩織さん監督のドキュメンタリー映画、日本公開が12月に決定 朝日新聞
伊藤詩織さん、承諾ない撮影認めタクシー運転手に謝罪 監督映画で 朝日新聞
伊藤詩織さんの｢勝訴｣になぜ世界は騒ぐのか 日本人に感じる当事者意識の低さ 東洋経済ONLINE