Japan looks at new laws after Hana Kimura’s death, but can it stamp out its bullying culture?

Cyberbullying was blamed for the death of the wrestler and star of the Netflix show Terrace House, prompting the Japanese government to take action

But counselling services say bullying is almost ingrained in Japanese society, and many are reluctant to get involved in other people’s problems

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Hana Kimura, a professional wrestler and cast member of popular reality TV show Terrace House, died on Saturday, apparently after becoming the target of cyberbullying. Photo: Twitter

Published: 7:00am, 28 May 2020Updated: 9:44pm, 28 May 2020

Counselling services in Japan have expressed optimism that the government’s plans to crack down on cyberbullying will have a positive impact, but they are concerned that a culture of bullying in schools, the workplace and society in general will be difficult to eradicate entirely.

The government announced it will draw up proposals to revise and strengthen legislation against cyberbullying following the death of Hana Kimura, 22, on Saturday. The professional wrestler and star of the Netflix reality television show Terrace House is believed to have taken her own life after becoming the target of online abuse.

“It is necessary to properly implement procedures to disclose information on message senders in order to curb online abuses and protect victims,” said Sanae Takaichi, the communications minister. Lawmakers hope to introduce the new legislation before the end of the year.

The new measures under consideration include requiring internet service providers to release information on people who send threatening or abusive messages.

An industry organisation representing operators of social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, said it would take additional steps to halt online abuse, such as banning repeat offenders. The companies insisted, however, that they will respect freedom of expression and the privacy of their users – but will comply if the new legislation compels them to provide data to law enforcement officers.

Japan looks at new laws after Hana Kimura’s death, but can it stamp out its bullying culture?

Cyberbullying was blamed for the death of the wrestler and star of the Netflix show Terrace House, prompting the Japanese government to take action But counselling services say bullying is almost ingrained in Japanese society, and many are reluctant to get involved in other people’s problems

Cyberbullying was blamed for the death of the wrestler and star of the Netflix show Terrace House, prompting the Japanese government to take action

But counselling services say bullying is almost ingrained in Japanese society, and many are reluctant to get involved in other people’s problems