慰安婦写真展―表現できる社会を守る

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 29
EDITORIAL: Freedom of expression must be protected
慰安婦写真展―表現できる社会を守る

On the question of Nikon Corp.’s decision to cancel a photo exhibition featuring “comfort women” who were forced to provide sex to Japanese soldiers before and during World War II, the Tokyo District Court issued an injunction requiring the company to provide the venue in line with the contract with a photographer.
　元従軍慰安婦をテーマにした写真展を、ニコンが一方的に中止すると決めた問題で、東京地裁は「ニコンは契約に基づき、会場を貸さなければならない」という仮処分決定を出した。

Although Nikon filed an appeal, the photo exhibition opened on June 26 as scheduled.
同社は異議を申し立てたが、写真展は予定どおり始まった。

We find Nikon’s actions all the more regrettable because the company has a strong social impact.
　社会的影響力のある企業だけに残念でならない。

Could it be that Nikon lost its cool in the face of loud protests against the event and missed something important?
大きな声にあわてて、大切なものを見失ってしまったのか。

During court proceedings, Nikon argued that it could not provide the venue, whose purpose is to advance photographic culture, for an event that has political implications.
　裁判でニコン側は「写真文化の向上を目的とする会場を、政治性のある催しに貸せない」と主張した。

In response, the court stated that depending on themes, photographic culture may not be completely free from politics.
The court concluded that the exhibition in question does not run counter to the “purpose” advocated by Nikon.
これに対し地裁は、扱うテーマによっては一定の政治性を帯びるのが写真文化だと述べ、今回の企画はニコンが唱える「目的」に反するものとはいえないと結論づけた。

The ruling showed the court’s clear-cut stance to protect freedom of expression.
　表現活動を理解し、その自由を守る姿勢をはっきり示した判断といえる。

Comments blasting the comfort women exhibition as “treason” swirled around the Internet after the announcement of the planned event. Nikon has received complaints, as well. The development apparently led to its decision to call off the show despite its earlier approval.
　今回の写真展をめぐっては、ネット上に「売国行為」といった批判が飛びかい、ニコンにも抗議が寄せられたという。こうした動きが中止の判断につながったのは想像に難くない。

It is understandable that a business wants to avert trouble.
　もめごとを避けたい気持ちはわかる。

But abruptly depriving a photographer of a venue to exhibit his works is too rash.
だが、いきなり公表の場を奪うのは乱暴にすぎる。

Nikon lenses have captured various controversies around the world, including war and pollution, and recorded many images of joy and grief.
　ニコンのレンズは戦争や公害など世界の矛盾を切り取り、多くの喜びと悲しみを記録してきた。

The company has also been highly commended for making social contributions, including its program to support photographers.
写真家への支援などの社会貢献でも高い評価を得ている。

It is a pity that its reputation has been damaged by an issue concerning none other than freedom of expression.
そんなイメージを、ほかでもない表現の自由をめぐる問題で傷つけてしまうとは。

If threats are expected, the company should seek police cooperation to ensure safety.
　混乱が心配されるのなら、警察に協力を求めて万全を期す。

Still, in light of objective facts, if a serious situation is likely, only then should the company consider cancelling the show.
それでも、客観的な事実に照らして、重大な事態が具体的に予測されるときに初めて中止などを検討する――。

Nikon should have taken appropriate measures based on past court rulings over similar cases.
今回と似たようなケースをめぐって裁判所が重ねてきた判断を踏まえ、適切な対応をとるべきだった。

Thanks to the security of freedom of expression and speech, including the exhibition of photos, people can freely exchange ideas, gain support and have an opportunity to realize their own mistakes.
　写真の発表をふくむ表現・言論の自由が保障されているからこそ、人々は考えを互いに交換し、賛同者を増やしたり、逆に自分の誤りに気づくきっかけを得たりする。

It is upon such ground that democracy is built.
その土壌のうえに民主主義は成立する。

However, attacks against people with different ideas have become increasingly common, including those on the Internet.
　ところが最近は、ネット空間の言論をはじめとして、異なる考えを認めず、過激な批判を浴びせ、萎縮させる動きがさかんだ。

We also recognize the emerging trend among people to think it is safer not to put up resistance but to swim with the tide.
抗せず、なびいた方が無難という風潮も見え隠れする。

Which way is such an oppressive society headed? We need to remember the lessons of history.
そうして息苦しくなった世の中はどこへゆくのか。歴史の教訓に思いをいたすべきだ。

An intolerant society is fragile and weak.
　ひと色に塗りこめられた社会は、もろく弱い。

What should each of us do to prevent Japan from becoming such a country?
この国をそうさせないために、一人ひとりがそれぞれの現場で何をなすべきか。

We must always think and use our wisdom.
常に考え、知恵を働かさねばならない。