Question from a Reader:
While reading the investigative report released by the third-party committee regarding the sexual misconduct issue at Fuji Television, I found myself curious about the difference between “sexual harassment” (sekuhara) and “sexual violence” (seiboryoku). The report differentiates between these two terms, yet I feel that they are not often distinguished in general news or online articles. The term
“sekuhara” is commonly heard, but there seems to be a lack of clear explanations about where exactly it begins and where “seiboryoku” starts. According to the report, sexual assault in a party-like scenario in a suite is categorized as “seiboryoku,” while inappropriate behavior by executives is treated as “sekuhara.” I find it impressive that they make this distinction clearly. There may be legal and social perspectives that contribute to the differences between these two terms, and I would appreciate insights from anyone knowledgeable about the criteria used by the Fuji Television third-party committee to differentiate them.
Exploring the Difference Between Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence
Recently, I came across the report on the sexual misconduct issue at Fuji Television, which prompted me to reflect on the differences between sekuhara and seiboryoku. Although I usually do not think about these terms, issues like this remind me that it is important to have knowledge about them. I love comedy and enjoy contemplating the deeper themes that lie within humor, and I feel that understanding these issues allows for a broader perspective on various matters.
Definitions of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence
According to the report, sekuhara is defined as “sexual behavior that goes against the will of a worker in the workplace,” which includes sexual comments and actions. On the other hand, seiboryoku refers to any sexual acts that involve coercion, including psychological intimidation and threats. Understanding this difference reveals the varying weight of these words. For instance, jokes or teasing in the workplace may be classified as sekuhara, while coercive actions in a suite are defined as seiboryoku. This indicates that similar actions can be evaluated differently based on specific circumstances and power dynamics.
Personal Reflections
In conversations with friends about comedy, I have had moments that deepened my understanding of sekuhara and seiboryoku. One time, a friend mentioned that a funny skit made him think about social issues, which piqued my interest, and I asked, “What was the skit about?” The material he shared reflected pain and reality within the humor, prompting a lot of contemplation. Through such discussions, I feel a sense of responsibility as a father. To teach my children the right values and how to interact with others, I realize I must have a solid understanding of these issues myself. Moreover, I have come to realize that the problems of sekuhara and seiboryoku are not limited to specific workplaces but are closely related to our everyday lives. This is why I believe it is essential for more people to think about this issue and create spaces for dialogue and exchange of opinions.
Share Your Thoughts
How do you feel about sekuhara and seiboryoku? If you have any experiences or opinions, please share them in the comments! I hope we can learn from each other and work together to create a better society.
