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Shiori Ito’s Black Box Diaries Opens in Japan Following Edits and Apology

Critics question consent for recordings used in the film during its domestic debut.

Overview

  • The documentary began theatrical screenings in Tokyo on December 12, with the first showing selling out and drawing applause.
  • Ito apologized at the stage greeting, saying she reflected on the production process and described confronting her emotions during editing.
  • Ahead of the opening, she posted explanations of edits and responses to objections on her website.
  • Former attorney Yoko Nishihiro stated legal questions remain unresolved over the film’s use of hotel CCTV, police recordings, and a phone call without permission.
  • The film has drawn international attention after more than 50 festival screenings and a run as a candidate for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, against the backdrop of a 2022 civil ruling that found the sexual act at issue was non‑consensual.