The , also known as , is Japan's self-regulatory film regulator. Eirin was established on the model of the then-Motion Picture Association of America's Production Code Administration in June 1949, succeeding the US-led occupation authorities' role of film censorship during the Occupation of Japan. It classifies films into one of four categories depending on their suitability for viewing by minors of different ages.
As in other countries, Eirin classifies films to indicate their suitability for minors. It considers eight criteria, such as whether the film contains sexual or violent material, and gives the film a rating in one of four categories.
Early ratings set
The screened in the 1950s were criticized as unethical, and the organization composed of people involved in the film industry, was also criticized for being lenient in its screening. Leading to the establishment of the Eirin Committee (formerly Eirin), a screening body of experts outside of the industry. In 1956, two ratings were introduced.
- : Patrons of all ages are admitted.
- : Patrons under 18 years old and high schoolers are prohibited from admission. In 1958, it was renamed .
Introduction of Limited General Film rating
After the controversy surrounding the release of the erotic drama film Emmanuelle in 1974, calls for a rating between General and Adult were raised. Later in 1976, the R rating, which means "Limited General Film" was introduced.
- : Patrons of all ages are admitted.
- : Patrons under 15 years old and junior high schoolers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. However, most theaters prohibited admission of patrons under 15 and junior high schoolers, thus in the following year, the rating became fully restrictive. The first Japanese film to use this rating was and the first non-Japanese film to use this rating was Snuff (released June 19, 1976), a movie claiming to show actual scenes of homicide.
- : Patrons under 18 years old and high schoolers are prohibited from admission.
Introduction of PG-12 rating
A series of non-Japanese horror films depicting violent scenes have led to concerns about their impact on children. And since similar ratings already existed outside of Japan, the PG-12 rating was introduced in may 1998, and the existing ratings were renamed.
- 55px : All ages admitted.
- 55px: Accompaniment required for under 12 years old and elementary schoolers.
- 55px: Prohibited admission for under 15 years old and junior high schoolers.
- 55px: Prohibited admission for under 18 years old and high schoolers.
Current ratings
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On April 1, 2009, the ratings were revised, PG12 became advisory and school level is not required to be admitted anymore.
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|Anybody can view
:The themes or subjects represented in films in this category, and how they are handled are not disturbing or shocking for children of elementary school age or younger. They are carefully restrained so as not to shock them, although brief scenes of sex, violence, drugs, crime etc. are included, they are limited for necessary development of the story, and overall, it is a calm work. Some works in the G category are more adult-oriented, otherwise, in works that are mainly viewed by kindergartners and elementary schoolers, more careful depiction and expression are made.
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|Parental advice and guidance required for under 12 years old
:The themes or subjects represented in films in this category and the way in which they are handled are stimulating and not suitable for viewing by elementary school students. Although some important content is also included, in general, it is unsuitable for viewing by kindergartners and lower graders of elementary school, and in the case of upper graders, since there are individual differences in the growth process, knowledge and maturity level, Eirin expect advice and guidance from parents or guardians.
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|Viewing is prohibited for those under 15 years old
:Films in this category are strongly stimulating in their subject matter and depiction of material and not suitable for children under the age of 15 in terms of comprehension and judgment. Contains inappropriate content, therefore, the target audience is 15 years old and over and those under 15 are prohibited from viewing.
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|Viewing is prohibited for those under 18 years old
:Films in this category are suitable for viewing by those over the age of 18. The subject or material and its treatment are extremely stimulating, for this reason, people under the age of 18 are prohibited from viewing.
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Not Applicable for Examination
Films considered "Not Applicable for Examination" (審査適応区分外, Shinsa tekiō kubun-gai) contains more extreme depictions than R18+, will be treated as not suitable for screening by Eirin, and will be refused screening at movie theaters affiliated with the National Federation of Entertainment and Public Health Industry Associations (全国興行生活衛生同業組合連合会, Zenkoku kōgyō seikatsu eisei dōgyō kumiai rengō-kai).
Criteria
The eight criteria are the main focus of rating a film, those are themes, language, sex, nudity, violence, horror, drugs and crime.