In Japan, US book on transgender surgery for young people sparks threats, heated debate

The furore started after a conservative newspaper released a translated version of ‘Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters’

Sankei, the newspaper that published US journalist Abigail Shrier’s book, called the ‘outrageous’ backlash an attempt to stifle free speech in Japan

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The cover of the Japanese edition of Abigail Shrier’s book, “Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters”, published by Sankei Shimbun Publishing. Photo: X/vocgensan

Published: 2:00pm, 21 Apr 2024Updated: 2:16pm, 21 Apr 2024

A decision by a conservative-leaning newspaper in Japan to defy threats and push ahead with the translated publication of a book critical of gender-altering procedures for young people has stirred debate over their exposure to life-changing decisions and the different views on freedom of expression.

Earlier this month, Sankei Shimbun Publishing released the Japanese-language version of Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters, a book by US journalist Abigail Shrier.

Police say bookstores carrying the title, as well as the newspaper, have received threats from unidentified parties opposed to its publication. In one case, a message sent to a major bookstore warned that a fire would be started in the shop on the day the book was released.

The Sankei newspaper’s refusal to bow to what it claims is an assault on free speech has attracted support from across the political spectrum.

“It’s appalling that far-left groups are attempting to intimidate publishers and bookshops and trying to influence what people can read, and I am glad that they are not succumbing to that pressure,” Yoichi Shimada, a conservative academic, told This Week in Asia.

Japanese police on duty in Tokyo. Police say bookstores carrying the title, as well as the newspaper, have received threats. Sankei has filed a complaint on the grounds of obstruction of business. Photo: AFP

Shimada first read the English version of the book shortly after its release in 2020 and recommended to the newspaper that it be translated for the Japanese market.