Media Invents Eroge Ban

The recent reports of an “eroge ban” in Japan appear by all accounts to have been (almost) entirely fabricated by the mass media, presumably a consequence of wishful thinking.

The previous version of events was that the industry group EOCS had opted to ban the manufacture and sale of “rape eroge”, which was portrayed as a complete ban, though it would only have affected members of that organisation.

This report was carried by major broadcaster TBS (above). However, no other news agencies carried the story (though there were many derivative reports), and a number anonymous commenters subsequently provided supposed insider details directly contradicting the story:

According to the EOCS:

1.    They received some enquiries from TBS about Rapelay a little while ago.

2.    They agreed to participate, but TBS broadcast its material edited in a way not agreed to.

3.    Another request for information came.

4.    Because of what happened earlier, they were refused.

5.    Yesterday the broadcast came out of nowhere.

Detailed information is apparently due to be available on the 2^nd of June.

In summary, it seems the EOCS is set to meet to discuss a ban or some restrictions, but no firm actions have been decided.

It should be said of course that no official word from the EOCS is yet forthcomiong.

It seems possible that all this may actually work against those hoping for a ban, since the strong reaction against the supposed ban may illustrate to the EOCS the wisdom of resisting any depredations by censorship groups.