Black Box Diaries

In 2015 journalism grad Shiori Ito accepted an invitation for a drink with veteran TV correspondent Noriyuki Yamaguchi. He claimed what happened next was consensual. But the testimony of the driver who dropped them off at Yamaguchi’s apartment backed up Ito’s story, and security footage from the building showed she needed to be carried out of the car. Proving rape — against a respected, national figure, a personal friend of the Prime Minister — meant opening herself up to public contempt and years of legal proceedings. Yet Ito persisted. And as she did so, she recorded her struggle for justice, both in words and on camera.

The embodiment of Japan’s own #MeToo movement, Ito led a courageous campaign to reform laws and traditions deeply rooted in patriarchy. Black Box Diaries plays as a first person true crime thriller, with the young journalist taking on establishment corruption and cover-up with the unwitting aid of a sympathetic cop, who had no idea his candid conversations with Ito were being recorded. Ito’s path is a difficult one, but ultimately this is an inspiring film about perseverance and social change.

An anguished and urgent personal documentary—a film of investigation, confrontation, and action.

Richard Brody, New Yorker

A pulverising illustration of truth and its consequences.

Fionnuala Halligan, Screen International

Shiori Itō changed the world. And Black Box Diaries is a monument to her determination and sacrifice, as well as one of the best documentaries you’ll see all year.

Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone