Hushicho's Hidden Shrine

Oppose Bill 156

Even amid this disaster, supporters of the anti-otaku bill championing imaginary youth — yes, imaginary youth that don’t actually exist — are still pushing through with their disgusting attempts.

Read more here:

http://www.crunchyroll.com/newsletter/2011/03/21/support-the-earthquake-relief-effort-bill-156-and-more-anime-news

If you’re uninformed enough to think this is just some anti-loli, anti-shota bill, it’s not. It also will make yaoi, boys love, and various other things censored, banned, or criminal. This will of course also make it easier for the government to step in and affect real life things. It’s a horrible, bigoted, discriminatory law that has no place being promoted in a Japan that needs solidarity.

It also is ridiculous as it affects imaginary characters in imaginary situations. It was drummed up by a bunch of busybodies, some of which call themselves Buddhist. Well take it from me, these jackasses aren’t Buddhist in the slightest.

The largest and most important publishers in Japan have boycotted the Tokyo Animation Fair, which is likely to be cancelled if they do not change their minds. Most of them don’t even publish things that are likely to be affected by this law, but they, as well as many very important manga authors, artist, and animators, have decided to take a stand against this horrible, horrible law.

Manga is read by most people in Japan, regardless of age. Furthermore, ‘otaku’ culture has supported a massive part of the economy of the country for over 15 years now. Piss off the otaku, take away the incentive to buy…

…bye-bye Japan’s economy. And in a time when Japan needs a thriving economy the most.

It’s not like there isn’t plenty of censorship in Japan already.

What can we do, outside of Japan? Well, not much other than voice our opinions and make known our opposition to this. If you have friends in Japan, let them know. Japanese people are already protesting, and you know it’s serious if there are actual protests in Japan. These are not generally a protesting people.

If you are on Pixiv, create some pieces of art noting that you oppose Bill 156.

Spread the word to your friends and colleagues. This could have disastrous effects for any and all who have anything to do with Japan, and right now politics need to be focussed on disaster relief, not trying to push through things that will harm the country more than anything else.

Japan needs unity. And Japan needs progress, not stepping backwards into the 1950s. I am not exaggerating. It is desperate. This bill needs to be opposed at every turn. For the Japanese people, and for the world, especially at this delicate time of crisis and tragedy.

Please spread the word.