October 17, 2025

The Federation of Cinema and Theatrical Workers Union of Japan (Ei-en Roren), at its regular convention held in Tokyo on October 16, confirmed that, as a key player in the film and entertainment industries with the power to influence public opinion, it will resolutely fight against the rising far-right xenophobia that distorts reality.

Chairman Iino Takashi pointed out, “The LDP’s new president, Takaichi Sanae, is the person who once pressured TV networks to stop airing programs critical of the government by hinting at the possibility of suspending their broadcasting licenses. The newly-emerging xenophobic “Sanseito” party excluded reporters they dislike from their press conferences. Conversely, regulations against hate speech remain extremely lax.”

Iino said, “During the prewar and wartime period, the motion picture and theater industries were used for war propaganda, while their antiwar and pacifist appeals were suppressed. Today, headwinds threatening freedom of expression are beginning to blow once again,” and called on union members to stand firm against any attempt to curtail freedom of speech and expression.

Experiences reported at the convention include: a freelance cameraman for NHK programs had his contract terminated after demanding higher pay, and he is currently fighting for his reinstatement; Ei-en Roren, in joint efforts with the Japan Federation of Commercial Broadcast Workers’ Unions (Minpororen), protected workers from layoffs caused by the withdrawal of Shochiku’s affiliate from BS broadcasting; and at Kadokawa Pictures, union membership has grown, making it easier for union demands to be met.