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As in other countries, Eirin classifies films to indicate their suitability for minors. It considers eight criteria, such as whether the film contains sexual or violent material, and gives the film a rating in one of four categories.[1] Although the ratings are sometimes controversial, Eirin's defenders argue that its independence shields film makers from the more draconian alternative, government censorship.[2]
During the opening credits (or in some cases, on the copyright screen immediately following the ending credits) of an Eirin-approved film, the Eirin logo is displayed prominently underneath or beside the movie's title. Eirin has no legal power to ban films, but the Japan Association of Theatre Owners forbids its members from screening films that haven't been classified by Eirin.[2]
History
During World War II the government of Japan censored films. The job of censoring was the responsibility of the Interior Ministry's Police Bureau. In time censorship was subsumed with the motions picture law of 1939. After the end of World War II, the General Headquarters of the Allied Forces who had occupied Japan took on the role of censoring movies. In 1949 Japan's motion picture industry formed its own self-regulating organization which was based on the code of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, which later became the Motion Picture Association of America.
The Motion Picture Code of Ethics Committee (映画倫理規程管理委員会, Eiga Rinri Kitei Kanri Iinkai) was established in 1949 and was the predecessor to Eirin.[2] The organization was criticized for hiring examiners who were part of the same movie industry that financed the organization, resulting in a conflict of interest. There was also criticism of the content of some films which came out at the time, such as Nikkatsu'sSeason of the Sun based on the award-winning book by Shintaro Ishihara.
In response to the criticism Eirin began to bring in outsiders to join the commission in 1956, and reorganized into a self-financing, independent body. At that time it also changed its name to Eirin Kanri Iinkai, and is the foundation of today's rating body.[2]
General Audiences (一般指定, Ippan Shitei): Patrons of all ages are admitted.
Adult Audiences (成人指定, Seijin Shitei): Patrons under 18 years old and high schoolers are prohibited from admission.
Introduction of Limited General Film rating
In 1976, Limited General Film rating was introduced:[3]
General Audiences (一般指定, Ippan Shitei): Patrons of all ages are admitted.
Limited General Film (一般映画制限付, Ippan Eiga Seigen-tsuki): Patrons under 15 years old and junior high schoolers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. In the following year, however, admission of patrons under 15 years old and junior high schoolers were prohibited even with parents, due to the rating not being enough enforced by most cinemas. The first Japanese film to use this rating was Ninkyo Gaiden: Genkai Nada (任侠外伝 玄界灘, Ninkyō Gaiden: Genkai Nada, released May 29, 1976) and the first non-Japanese film to use this rating was Snuff (released June 19, 1976), a movie claiming to show actual scenes of homicide.
Adult Audiences (成人指定, Seijin Shitei): Patrons under 18 years old and high schoolers are prohibited from admission.
Introduction of PG-12 rating
On May 1, 1998, Limited General Film and Adult Audiences were renamed and PG-12 was introduced:[1][4]
General Audiences (一般指定, Ippan Shitei): All ages admitted.
PG-12: Accompaniment required for under 12 years old and elementary schoolers.
R-15: Prohibited admission for under 15 years old and junior high schoolers.
R-18: Prohibited admission for under 18 years old and high schoolers.
Current ratings sets
On April 1, 2009, all ratings got renamed and revised, PG12 became advisory and school grades are not required to be admitted anymore:[1][4]
G: Anybody can view.
PG12: Parental guidance and advice required for under 12 years old.
R15+: Viewing is prohibited for those under 15 years old.
R18+: Viewing is prohibited for those under 18 years old.
The themes or subjects represented in films in this category, and how they are handled are not disturbing or shocking for children of elementary school age or younger. They are carefully restrained so as not to shock them, although brief scenes of sex, violence, drugs, crime etc. are included, they are limited for necessary development of the story, and overall, it is a calm work. Some works in the G category are more adult-oriented, otherwise, in works that are mainly viewed by kindergartners and elementary schoolers, more careful depiction and expression are made.
The themes or subjects represented in films in this category and the way in which they are handled are stimulating and not suitable for viewing by elementary school students. Although some important content is also included, in general, it is unsuitable for viewing by kindergartners and lower graders of elementary school, and in the case of upper graders, since there are individual differences in the growth process, knowledge and maturity level, Eirin expect advice and guidance from parents or guardians.
Restricted
Cinemas are legally required to check the ages of patrons prior to admission to age-restricted films. Admitting underage patrons to such films is considered a criminal offense and can be punished with fines/imprisonment.[citation needed]
Films in this category are strongly stimulating in their subject matter and depiction of material and not suitable for children under the age of 15 in terms of comprehension and judgment. Contains inappropriate content, therefore, the target audience is 15 years old and over and those under 15 years old are prohibited from viewing.
Films in this category are suitable for viewing by those over the age of 18. The subject or material and its treatment are extremely stimulating, for this reason, people under the age of 18 are prohibited from viewing.
Not applicable for examination
Films considered "Not applicable for examination" (審査適応区分外, Shinsa tekiō kubun-gai) contains more extreme depictions than R18+, will be treated as not suitable for screening by Eirin, and will be refused screening at movie theaters affiliated with the National Federation of Entertainment and Public Health Industry Associations (全国興行生活衛生同業組合連合会, Zenkoku kōgyō seikatsu eisei dōgyō kumiai rengō-kai).[3][6]
