Tatakarete mo Tatakarete mo, mata Atama o dasu Mogura no yo ni

Abstract

This chapter discusses the growing problem of �soft censorship� in the Japanese media. The notion of �soft censorship� has been used by the Open Society Institute and others to describe a situation where free speech is in theory protected by law, but where various extra-legal pressures are used to deter critical reporting on certain significant political topics. I argue that soft censorship has become increasingly evident in Japan over the past decade, and examine some strategies used by grassroots movements to protect and enhance freedom of speech.