Japanese political parties put forward bill banning “possessing child porn”

A three-party group has put forward a bill proposing to extend the ban on so-called child porn to anyone even just possessing it.

The ruling LDP and its allies Komeito and Japan Restoration Party (led by Shintaro Ishihara and Toru Hashimoto) proffered the new bill to the Diet at the end of May.

The manga and anime industries have already reacted in horror to the new draconian bill.

But what does this mean for the law and the average person?

Well, if you are just possessing a picture showing a Gravure idol or swimwear idol under 18, then you are liable for arrest. “Possession” extends to having pictures on your computer or smartphone etc. (This also makes it very easy to set up people you don’t like — just email them a picture of an “underage” idol and tip off the cops.)

Of course, one of the many issues here is — how do you prove their age? Especially with idols who are often made to look younger than they are, this is a tough one.

America has already seen its own share of problems with zealous application of its “child porn” laws, such as when a mother was arrested in Texas in 2003 for having photos of her own child in the bath. There have also apparently been cases of women trying to get one over on their husbands in the divorce courts by sneaking “child porn” pictures onto their laptops.

There is also the famous case of Simon Lundström, whose wife tipped off cops in Sweden when battling him for custody of their child. They found ero manga on his computer (in the garbage can) and he was charged with possessing child pornography. However, Lundström is a manga translator and the downloads were part of his job research. Eventually, after several years in the courts and huge professional and personal losses, he was exonerated and all charges dismissed.

So guys… you have been warned. Get ready to go through your harddrives and get rid of anything even resembling a girl (photo or manga!) who might look like she is under 18. Both the cops and your ex’s might be after you!