The Film Classification and Rating Organization (映画倫理機構), also known as Eirin (映倫), is Japan's self-regulatory film regulator. Eirin was established on the model of the now-defunct American Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association's Production Code Administration in June 1949, succeeding the US-led occupation authorities' role of film censorship during the Occupation of Japan. It classifies films into one of four categories depending on their suitability for viewing by minors of different ages.

Description

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. Although the ratings are sometimes controversial, Eirin's defenders argue that its independence shields film makers from the more draconian alternative, government censorship. 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.

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. The Motion Picture Code of Ethics Committee (映画倫理規程管理委員会) was established in 1949 and was the predecessor to Eirin. 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's Season 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.

Ratings

Early ratings set

In 1956, there were only two ratings.

Introduction of Limited General Film rating

In 1976, Limited General Film rating was introduced.

Introduction of PG-12 rating

On May 1, 1998, all ratings were renamed and PG-12 was introduced.

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.

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).

Criteria

The eight criteria are the main focus of rating a film, those are themes, language, sex, nudity, violence, horror, drugs and crime.

Themes

Language

Sex

Nudity

Violence

Horror

Drugs

Crime