Shiori Ito: A Voice for Change in Japan
If there’s one question that Shiori Ito dreads, it’s the seemingly innocuous yet profoundly frustrating inquiry: “What’s next for you?” Ms. Ito, now 36, is not just any journalist; she has emerged as a pivotal figure in the #MeToo movement in Japan. Her journey began when she bravely came forward with allegations of rape against a prominent television correspondent following an encounter in a Tokyo hotel room nearly nine years ago. Her courage in this deeply personal battle culminated in a significant victory when she won a civil lawsuit against her assailant.
As she gears up for the American and British theatrical release of her documentary, “Black Box Diaries,” scheduled for Friday, Ms. Ito finds herself grappling with the weight of expectations. The documentary offers a raw, unfiltered look at her struggles against Japan’s patriarchal justice system, and with its release, she is confronted with a barrage of questions regarding her future endeavors. “Are you planning to become a politician? What actions will you take next?” The audience members and journalists alike seem to demand answers after viewing the film. Frustrated, she wishes to respond, “What are you going to do about it?”
With a fierce sense of defiance, she continues, “You’ve seen the film. Now it’s your turn to take on this responsibility; it’s not solely mine. I’ve done all I can from my side. Please, stop asking me.” This unyielding spirit has made Ms. Ito a feminist icon in certain circles, while simultaneously making her a target for criticism from others who are uncomfortable with her bold stance.
During a candid conversation over dinner in Fukuoka, located in southern Japan, Ms. Ito opened up about her emotional journey. This intimate dialogue took place earlier this month as she traveled between film festivals in Busan, South Korea, and Zurich. She reflected on her tumultuous path—one that oscillated between despair, stemming from feelings of betrayal by the police, prosecutors, and the media, to triumph, exemplified by a moment of joy when she performed a spirited karaoke rendition of “I Will Survive” following the Sundance screening of her film.