Milton Public Library

Black box, the memoir that sparked Japan's #MeToo movement

eng

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Black box

electronic resource

the memoir that sparked Japan's #MeToo movement

Black Box is a riveting, sobering memoir that chronicles one woman's struggle for justice, calling for changes to an industry-and in society at large-to ensure that future victims of sexual assault can come forward without being silenced and humiliated. In 2015, an aspiring young journalist named Shiori Ito charged prominent reporter Noriyuki Yamaguchi with rape. After meeting up for drinks and networking, Ito remembers regaining consciousness in a hotel room while being assaulted. But when she went to the police, Ito was told that her case was a "black box"-untouchable and unprosecutable. Upon publication in 2017, Ito's searing account foregrounded the #MeToo movement in Japan and became the center of an urgent cultural and legal shift around recognizing sexual assault and gender-based violence. As international outlets covered every step of her story-even documenting it in the BBC film Japan's Secret Shame-this book launched a societal reckoning. At the end of 2019, Ito won a civil case against Yamaguchi. With careful and quiet fury, Black Box recounts a broken system of repression and violence-but it also heralds the beginning of a new solidarity movement seeking a more equitable path toward justice. "This unflinching, heavily researched book shimmers with vulnerability, introspection, and purpose as the author skillfully lays the facts alongside the physical and emotional tolls they had on her. A memoir about sexual assault written with devastating moral and emotional clarity." "Ito's determination to seek justice, for herself and for other survivors of sexual violence, is inspiring." "Astonishingly courageous-a blueprint for systemic change." "Such a beautifully written book, which means so much more when layered with the pain and injustice it covers." "Behind Shiori Ito's words are the cries of countless others who did not speak up because of the intense pressure against them. I hope that these cries will not be silenced. This book is a step toward making such hopes not an impossible dream." "Black Box is a moving study of sexist Japan, political corruption, police failure to investigate rape, and justice sought and won by Ito's own efforts and investigation." "Ito's account of her courageous fight against sexual violence rejects the harmful trope of the cardboard victim, reclaiming her identity as an adventurous, lively, determined, blithe spirit." "A master class on how to refuse to be silenced, even when an entire government is set against you." "Deeply researched and impeccably reported."

adult

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