Sanseito Party’s Proposal to Regulate Anime and Games Sparks Backlash in Japan
As Japan prepares for the upcoming July 20 House of Councillors election, a controversial proposal from the populist political party Sanseito has stirred intense debate online. The party has suggested the state regulation of anime and games to ensure content remains “wholesome,” drawing widespread criticism from fans and creators alike.
Sanseito Party’s Proposal to Regulate Anime and Games Sparks Backlash in Japan
On its official platform, Sanseito refers to Japan’s entertainment industry — including anime, manga, and video games — as a “core industry,” noting that its annual revenue rivals that of semiconductor exports. The party emphasizes the global influence of Japanese pop culture and sees it as a key tool for cultural diplomacy.
To support this industry, Sanseito outlines plans that align with aspects of the government’s existing “Cool Japan” strategy. These include investing in talent development, improving working conditions for creators, and helping companies expand internationally.
However, what set off alarm bells was the final point in their proposal: “Delegating authority to the Agency for Cultural Affairs to ensure the wholesome development of manga, anime, and games as culture, rather than judging their value based on economic rationale.”
Critics argue that this vague wording opens the door to state censorship and moral policing. On X (formerly Twitter), many users expressed frustration and disbelief. One user noted, “I thought this idea about handing creative authority to the government was a misunderstanding, but I checked their site and it’s really there. What do they think creators are?”
Others voiced concerns about creative rights: “What does ‘delegating authority’ even mean? Creative works belong to the artists, not the government. Copyright is sacred for those who’ve poured their hearts into these works.”
Another commenter added, “Only consumers can determine the value of entertainment — whether it’s anime, games, or music. No creator would willingly surrender control to the state.”
While Sanseito’s proposal does not explicitly mention transferring copyrights, its push for state regulation of anime and games has generated strong backlash — especially at a time when public sensitivity to censorship in entertainment is growing.
via Automaton
