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In October we reported on journalist Ito Shiori’s pending lawsuit against reporter Yamaguchi Noriyuki who allegedly raped her on April 4, 2015. More than two years after her initial allegations, Ito’s long quest for reparations and justice has paid off. Yamaguchi must pay Ito over 3.3 million yen ($30,000) in compensation. While far less than the original amount requested — 11 million yen ($98,000 USD) — it's still a landmark victory for Ito and sexual assault victims nationwide.

(JP) Link: “Sexual Intercourse Without Consent” – Ito Shiori Wins Case, Tokyo District Court Orders Former TBS Journalist to Pay 3.3 Million Yen

Ito's journey was far from easy. Let's take a look back on the many hurdles Ito jumped that ultimately led her to victory.

A Struggle to be Heard

Ito faced hurdles right from the start. The police officers on duty discouraged her from filing a rape complaint in the first place. They honored her request to speak to a female officer, but when Ito told her what happened, the officer apologized and said she couldn't do anything — she worked in the traffic department. Ito would have to not only recount her assault to male police officers but also act out her assault with a dummy while they asked questions. Even then, they told her to give up. She didn't cry and act like a victim, they said. Also, the man she accused was not only a high-ranking TV journalist but Prime Minister Abe's official biographer. The chances of an arrest, let alone a criminal trial, were slim.

Humiliated and angry, Ito began relying on her journalistic instincts to help her navigate the process of seeking justice. The more research she did into court handlings of sexual assault cases, the more determined she became to change Japan's treatment of sexual assault victims. She started wearing a recorder in her bra whenever she went to the police during the investigation. These recordings would later form the bulk of her book Black Box (ブラックボックス).

Ito Faces the Media

Ito decided to face the media and force the public to address sexual violence in Japan. She held a press conference at the Tokyo District Court on May 29th, 2017. With her lawyer present, Ito – who only introduced herself by her first name, Shiori – detailed her grievances against Yamaguchi and forwarded a request to Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution to review her case. According to Ito, a warrant for Yamaguchi's arrest had been issued, but ultimately never carried out due to an “order from higher up”. Rumors swirled that PM Abe had a hand in protecting Yamaguchi.

A sexual assault victim braving the cold glares of cameras and media speculation was incredibly rare in Japan. While murmurs of #MeToo could be heard in Japan, no one had as yet gone public with his or her own experiences of sexual harassment or assault. As a result, Ito inevitably became the unofficial spokesperson of Japan's #MeToo movement.

While some women and even men found the courage to share their stories after Ito’s press conference, Ito herself faced an onslaught of hate mail and criticisms. People attacked her appearance, saying her clothing was too suggestive for a sexual assault victim. They also ridiculed her for drinking too much in the first place and “leading Yamaguchi on.”

In the BBC mini-documentary “Japan's Secret Shame” there's a segment of Ito watching videos and reading hate comments. They called her a bitch, prostitute, a puppet for the far-left movement. Her journalistic background was questioned. Her family wasn't safe either from the malicious onslaught. A visibly upset Ito said, “I don't want anyone to go through this.”

Opening the Black Box

In June 2017, the government made its first changes to its 1907 rape laws, lengthening prison sentences for rape. Talks for change had been in stewing for a while, but the timing couldn't have been more ideal for Ito. While a definite step towards progress, she knew it wouldn't be enough to changes things on a societal level. The thought of writing a book about her experiences began to take root further root.

In October 2017, only a few months after her game-changing press conference, Ito published a 256-page memoir titled Black Box (ブラックボックス). Ito sat down with HuffPost Japan and explained her reasoning for writing the book and the title:

日本の至る所にあるブラックボックスに、どう光を当てるのか。外からは、わからないと言われている様々な「箱」を開けて、みんなで話し合って、考えていきたいと思いました。 “How do you shine a light on the black boxes that are everywhere in Japan? I wanted to open these supposedly unknown ‘boxes' from the outside, talk and think about them with everyone.”

In 2018, BBC released an hour-long mini-documentary titled “Japan’s Secret Shame” focusing on Ito’s case and the taboo of rape in Japanese society. The mini-documentary received rave reviews from international media outlets but wasn't aired in Japan. Despite this, reactions were mixed in Japan. Some who watched it complained the program painted a bad image of Japan. Attention narrowed on a clip featuring LDP lawmaker Sugita Mio (杉田 水脈) who basically blamed Ito for putting herself in such a situation. While Sugita tried to defend herself, the damage was already done.

Ito's Victory in Court

In April 2019, several supporters of Ito established the group “Open the Black Box” to help Ito with her civil court proceedings. Thanks to the group's efforts, Ito was able to file a civil lawsuit in October, and on December 18, the Tokyo District Court ruled in favor of Ito.

No Title No Description A tearful Ito addresses the throng of cameras and reporters after winning her civil case.

Ito also held a press conference, and her words for fellow survivors of sexual violence left many reporters teary-eyed.

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Not keen on letting Ito have the last word, Yamaguchi held a press conference of his own. He lamented the court’s failure to accurately hear his side of the story, as well as stating he would retaliate with a defamation suit of his own. However, he noticeably stumbled when he noticed Ito in the room, listening and taking notes.

Of course, if justice had really been served, Yamaguchi would be serving a jail sentence for his crimes. However, Ito winning this case now sets a precedent for other sexual assault victims in Japan. She's accomplished more than anyone thought possible. If Ito can win a modicum of justice, who's to say other victims can't?

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