The book in question is “Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters” written by journalist Abigail Shrier. Kadokawa Corp announced its decision to suspend the publication of the Japanese version on Tuesday, just days before its planned January 24 release.
The Tokyo-based company had initially used a Japanese title for the book that could translate to “That girl’s become transgender, too: The tragedy of the sex-change craze being contagious through social media.” The sales copy accompanying the announcement also included controversial phrases such as “We’re against discrimination. But can you ignore the cruel facts?” and “The frenzy becomes contagious through social media.”
Kadokawa Corp explained that their intention was to provide Japanese readers with insight into gender discussions happening in Europe and the United States. However, they recognized that the title and sales copy ended up causing harm to people involved in transgender issues, leading to their decision to pull the publication. The company issued a sincere apology for any harm caused by their initial announcement.
While Kadokawa Corp did not specify which phrases from the sales copy were considered harmful, the overall decision to cancel the release demonstrates the company’s commitment to being sensitive to issues surrounding gender and transgender rights.
This move by Kadokawa Corp comes amid increasing global awareness and discussions about transgender rights and representation in media and literature. The decision also reflects the ongoing need for publishers and media organizations to carefully consider the impact of their content on marginalized communities.
It is important for publishers, writers, and translators to engage in thoughtful and inclusive practices when bringing controversial and sensitive material to a new audience. While the intention may have been to foster discussion and discourse, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals affected by the subject matter.
Overall, Kadokawa Corp’s retraction of the publication of “Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters” underscores the complexities and sensitivities at play when dealing with contentious issues such as gender identity. This decision serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful and considerate dialogue when addressing matters of social and cultural significance.
© KYODO
