In response to the recent controversy and tragedy
related to the “Sexy Tanaka-san” live-action
series , Nippon TV has issued a press release announcing important
changes to its production policies . These changes are focused
on “respecting the original material” and “establishing a social media
monitoring team . ”
- « We
express our condolences for the death of Hinako Ashihara, author of the
live-action “Sexy Tanaka-san” broadcast in October 2023. Nippon TV
takes this situation with the utmost seriousness and, based on the
investigative report of “Sexy Tanaka-san”, san” published on Friday, May
31, has formed the “Promotion Team for the Improvement of the Live-Action
Production Process.” We will follow the attached guidelines for
the production of live-action series from Nippon TV, with the aim of
constructing and implementing an appropriate live-action series production
process .
The manga's author, Hinako Ashihara,
committed suicide earlier this year following a controversy on social media .
Ashihara had expressed on her blog that Nippon TV had not respected her
condition to keep the adaptation faithful to the manga, pointing out several
deleted scenes and changes in characterization. Although she wrote the
scripts for the last two episodes, Ashihara deleted her post shortly before her
death. Following her death on January 29, Nippon TV stated that she
had followed her protocol in consulting her and that she had approved the
script.
The television station's new directives include:
- Reconstruction
of the Production Process : Adequate
processes will be reviewed and established, emphasizing respect for the
original material. There will be direct and frequent communication with
the original creators, and a basic agreement on the adaptation will be
formed one year before broadcast.
- Construction
of a Safe and Reliable Production Environment :
Workload and staff distribution will be optimized to avoid overloads,
ensuring clear communication and transparency in production processes.
- Proper
Use and Management of Social Media : A social
media policy will be implemented, consultation points will be established
and a rapid response team will be formed to handle crises on social media,
protecting those involved from harassment and defamation.
- Talent
Development in Live-Action Production : The
training and experience of producers and production staff will be
encouraged, offering training and mentoring programs to ensure that the
team is well prepared and supported.
Nippon TV is committed to following these guidelines
to ensure more careful and respectful production of live-action series
for everyone involved . However, comments from netizens in Japan show
that they are skeptical about this:
- " They
say that, but in the end they will pressure the original author to accept
changes ."
- « Respecting
the original material should be obvious. Is this when they decide this? ».
- « The
fact that they cannot say that they will stop making live-action series
for a few years shows that their guidelines are just a facade. In a
society where even comedians take a break after a traffic accident .
- « Unless
the author really wants a live-action adaptation, it is best to reject it .»
- " You
can't trust anyone when there has already been a death ."
- « It
looks like an essay from a high school student. They ask their business
partners to also make an effort, but they start from the premise that the
fault lies with the production team and not with the company, which is
ridiculous .
- « No
matter how much you set guidelines and sign contracts, if you believe that
'television logic' will prevail, this is of no use. They need to get rid
of that mentality of privilege so that the same thing does not happen .
- « Honestly,
it seems like they are rushing to clean up their image before the 24-hour
television event. Anyone could say the same thing .
- " The
best strategy would be not to make live-action series based on
original works ."
Source: HachimaKikou
