Japan enforces GTA censorship

News - Saitama-ken imposes 18-rating

Despite effectively being a home-from-home for violent videogames and adult entertainment, it appears Japan isn't immune from the anti-publicity surrounding Rockstar's increasingly controversial Grand Theft Auto series. Kanagawa prefecture has already enforced a mandatory 18-rating on the original GTA3 for the PS2, and now Saitama prefecture has followed suit. The game is published by Capcom in Japan, and the publisher challenged Kanagawa's crack-down citing freedom of speech fears and suggesting that the legal restriction undermines existing voluntary ratings. Whether Capcom will now challenge Saitama's decision is unknown, but Capcom will be concerned that action at a national level is looming.

Unlike Europe, Japan - like North America - currently has no national framework for limiting the sale of adult games to minors, though trade body CESA is currently trying to introduce voluntary censorship in order to halt any wider concern which could spark government attention.

"I've seen the game myself and it's far too violent and obviously harmful," Saitama governor Kiyoshi Ueda told the Mainichi Daily News. "Freedom of expression is one thing, but the wholesome upbringing of youths is also important and this was the only option."

Retailers in Saitama (which borders Tokyo) will be fined 300,000 Yen (about 2,800 USD) if caught selling GTA3 to those under 18 years of age. GTA: San Andreas is currently awaiting a release in Japan, more soon.