The nefarious, merchants of souls, manipulate girls inside the sex industry. It’s easy for it to proliferate; all we have to do is be indifferent.


 

NEFARIOUS

MERCHANT OF SOULS

 


I am worthless.

Nobody cares about me.

For I have become a “thing.”

 

Exploited sexually, devastated by violence and horror, girls and their souls suffer deeply, caught in self-denial. Will they ever be able to recover their self-esteem and have hope for their futures?

 


 


Presented by Exodus Cry; Produced, written, directed by Benjamin Nolot;

Cinematographed by Matthew Dickey & Steve Willis;

Edited by Mathew Dickey, Kenny Miracle, & Jesse Koepke;

Music composed by John Samuel Hanson.

 

2011, USA, 96 minutes

Japanese subtitles by Mariko Yamaoka (Not For Sale Japan) & Takami Katsumata

Promoted in Japan by Not For Sale Japan

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE MOVIE

 

Not For Sale Japan will continue sponsoring "movie screening & talk" events at other 
organizations. 
If you are interested in co-hosting one or if you know anybody who would be happy to co-host, please feel free to contact Not For Sale Japan at <japan@notforsalecampaign.org>.

 Screening and Talk Events Schedule

 

 

To be decided.         

 

 

 

 

 

Events Report

 

 

 

 Dec. 9   Seisen University,  Gotanda, Tokyo

 

 

 

 

Comments from audience: 

 

”I was ignorant that there could be such problems.  I was especially shocked to know that poverty was not the reason for prostitution in Cambodia.  This event was a really good opportunity for me.” (female, 20's)

 

”I was one of those who thought these women  choose to enter prostitution by themselves.  I've learned today that this is such a deep-rooted problem." (female, 10's)

 

"The indifference of our society that leaves the problem as it is, and damages that the victims are suffering; both are grave and serious.   I really appreciate this opportunity." (male, 50's) 

 

 

 

June 25, 2016      Musashino Place,  Musashisakai, Tokyo

 

 

Comments from audience: 

 

 "I've learned today there are 4,600 slaves in the world, and some of them are in Japan, too.  I've learned prostitution exists all over the world.  We can't simply blame poverty for this, the problem lies in morals and spirit of people.  I will look to see what I can do to help end prostitution." (female, 10's)

 

"Group discussion after the movie helped me learn other people's views and opinions and provided me with in-depth understanding of the problem." (female, 20's)

 

"I wish more men will see this movie.  How about showing it for junior and senior high school students?  I was shocked to learn prostitution is a growing industry.   Women's low social status may be one of the reasons of this whole problem." (female, 40's)

 

"I'm speechless.  I learned child prostitution is caused from complex factors of society and they vary with region, culture, politics and religions." (male, 50's)

 

 

 

 

June 12, 2016     Tokyo Union Church,   Omotesando, Tokyo

 

Exactly 5 years (and 4 days) ago, David Batstone, President and Co-founder of Not For Sale visited Tokyo and gave a lecture on human trafficking in Tokyo Union Church(TUC). Among the participants were the very first members of ノット・フォー・セール・ジャパン（Not For Sale Japan） and the members who joined us later. Well, they worked hard and brought NFSJ's screening & talk event of Nefarious: Merchant of Souls in the TUC yesterday! About the same number of people (approx. 60) as 5 years ago filled the church sanctuary and the event was a success: lots of interests, tears, focused attentions, questions, comments and expressions of commitment. Thanks for those who participated! 

Nov. 11, 2015   Sophia University,  Yotsuya, Tokyo

 

 

 

 

October 15, 2015     Kobe College,  Nishinomiya, Hyogo









Nefarious screening event hosted by Kobe College was well-attended and it provided a great opportunity to learn.


Questions like "What are the situations of other countries (including Japan) in terms of banning prostitution like Sweden?" was raised in the Q&A session.


After the event, some students asked questions like "What can be done to make pornographic manga be banned?" "Are single mothers more likely to be involved in the prostitution?" Well, many many issues are contained in this film and I'm glad to know that students and adults who participated in the event actually took away something from it.


Thanks for all who participated and for the professors who worked hard to bring the event to their beautiful campus! (We distributed the manga booklet "Waiting for Sunrise" to all the participants!)



 

 

October 25, 2015   Nishi Kunitachi Church of God,  Tachikawa, Tokyo

 

 

 

October 27, 2015  International Christian University,  Mitaka, Tokyo

 

     * Co-sponsored by  Rotary Peace Center

Although it was during the daytime on a weekday, 20 people gathered…mostly students but some adults as well. Some came after seeing the poster in the cafeteria that day.　

The International Students engaged in lively discussion after the film. An Australian student talked about the condition of trafficking from Central America to Mexico. Examples of questions asked: Isn’t there a need for ‘Johns’ to be managed in Japan, too? Is there a failure in Japanese sex education? Are Japanese sexually suppressed? Is the Mafia (Yakuza) involved behind the sex business in Japan, too?

Many thanks to those who participated and especially to Rotary Peace Center to host the event!



 

Sept. 5,  2015      Higashi-ku Plaza, Niigata

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 23, 2015,   Doshisha University,  Kyoto

 

 

 

 

 

April 20, 2015,     Musashino Place,  Mitaka, Tokyo

 

 

Discussion:


Q: I have been aware of human trafficking existing in the cacao industry.  Is there any way for companies in the chocolate industry to act against human trafficking?


A:  By buying into fair trade products, we can support producers acting against human trafficking.  However, such practices are not popular in Japan yet.  Japanese confectioner Morinaga produced the country’s first fairtrade chocolates last year.  We consumers need to buy and support their fair-trade products in order to make their efforts last. 


Q: The Japanese media seems to treat female high school students and young girls with favor and beautify them too much.  This beautification is based on tendencies  to regard young girls as sexual objects. Such media attitudes create and encourage sexual abuse.  Is the number of sexual abuse cases growing in Japan?


A: It is likely to be regarded that not many sexual abuses cases occur in Japan, however, most cases are not reported and hidden inside because victims cannot or dare not to speak out.   According to certain statistics, 20,000 sexual abuse cases occur in Japan in a year.   Most of child pornographic photos and videos on the Internet are taken by family members, revealing the evidence of child abuse.



Q: A person in the movie said that child abuse cannot be solved solely by raising the educational and economical standards but the problem should be solved from spiritual and moral perspectives.  How can this morality and spirituality be developed?

 

A: We can have belief in ourselves and feel valuable when we have someone around who loves you no matter what.  Caring human relationships and respect for others, such human interaction will help solve the problems.


  

Comments from audience: 

 

"Demands create supply.  We consumers must not treat humans as products. "

 

"It’s important for us to put ourselves in a victim’s place, and not to take part in the human trafficking industry."

 

"As I grew up, there were many sex-related shops in my neighborhood.  I regarded foreign workers in these shops were doing it because they wanted to.  I have learnt from this movie that I was wrong and I regret my ignorance now."

 

"Money and education do not solve human trafficking problems.  Root causes of the problem lie deep in the nature of human being."


 

Feb. 14, 2015,   3.1 Church,  Sagamihara, Kanagawa


 

Nov. 20, 2014,  Kyoritsu Women's University,  Hitotsubashi, Tokyo


 

Nov. 15, 2014,  University of Shizuoka (Shizuoka Student NGO AOI)


Comments from audience: 

 

 "I understand that there are various causes behind human trafficking:  educational, cultural and moral problems.   These are all critical issues to tackle in order to root out human trafficking."

 

"I learned that it's indispensable for human trafficking victims to  regain human dignity, with or without religious faith."

 

"The movie made me feel disgusted.  I just could not understand how these human trafficking offenders think and behave.  Their problems are not just poverty, but moral ones."

 


 

Oct.26, 2014, West Tokyo Union Church,  Mitaka, Tokyo


Comments from audience: 

 

"I think firstly to stop shaming prostitutes. The film was impactful and opened eyes to the reality." (Female. 10’s)


"I learned a lot about the causes of trafficking and how engrained it is in our society today still.  Although there is not much we can do individually, with enough awareness and collective action, I believe some change can be made to the issue as a whole and definitely to a few individuals’ lives."  (Female. 10’s)


 

Oct. 25, 2014, CARE International Japan,  Mejiro, Tokyo


"I thought I knew what is happening, but I have learned about the real problems behind the scene.  I want to keep on searching for what I can do to this issue."  (Female. 30’s)


"The movie showed us hidden system of human trafficking and make us dismiss our brief and simplistic point of view to see that sex industry workers choose their jobs by their own free will. " (Male, 20’s)

 

 

Sep.27, 2014, JELA Mission Center, Ebisu, Tokyo



 Comments from audience:

 

"The movie made me think what lies deep in every human heart, sins of human beings.  Offenders should have weakness and a feeling of emptiness as well and they need to be forgiven and saved.  I think we have grown so accustomed to this issue that we tend to have resigned attitudes."   (Female, 50’s)

 

"This movie may be difficult for female students to watch, but it contains something they should learn that will affect their future lives."  (Male, 50’s)

 

"I have found that the system and structure of human trafficking are totally different from what I have imagined."  (Female, 40’s)

 

"I’m afraid I’m also taking part in human trafficking in some way.  Though the methods and tactics of human trafficking vary according to times, the reasons for the problem seem to be in human hearts.  It gives me pain when I think of the long way to the solution."  (Male, 20’s)

 

"Victims of human traffickings are absolute victims, but offenders might be victims themselves as well.  The negative cycle of the problem needs to be broken.  The common problem is that everyone, victims and offenders alike, are starved for love."   (Female, 20’s) 

  

 

Aug. 23, 2014,   Urawa Community Center, Urawa, Saitama Prefecture

 Comments from audience: 

 

"Human trafficking exists not only in sexual exploitation but also in those who are forced to work at cheap clothes factories.   As social networks and the internet are spreading, we have to protect our children by keeping them away from smart phones and try to improve the morals of men."

 

 "I didn't imagine these things are happening now in the 21st century.   I know the gap among people is widening in Japan as well, but I was very shocked to see how people are treated like things.  I realize women are still regarded as inferior.   I'm also impressed by the people working to save human trafficking victims.  Their efforts are based on genuine human love and seem somewhat similar to efforts to free people from cults."

 

"William Wilberforce's efforts were shown in the final part of the movie.  I want to start doing  what he does and I also want many people to learn about this problem." 

 

 

Aug. 2, 2014,   AIDS Culture Forum in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture  


 Comments from audience:

 

"There are various reasons and backgrounds for human trafficking, including poverty and financial assistance to parents.   It was distressing to see victims minds are manipulated and hearts are broken."

 

"I was impressed by the phrase 'No woman chooses to prostitute herself by free will'."

 

 "I knew that sexual exploitation exists but I was avoiding to face the fact.   In Japan, similar problems occur.   Lust can deprive people of human dignity and pride.  These victims in the film finding hope in despair was the only consolation."


 "I was so shocked to see some people sell their own daughters.   I just hope there will be more and more places in the world where people, men and women alike, can treasure their own bodies."

 

"At first I hesitated to see this movie because I was afraid to face the fact.  But it is important for us to learn about it.  I will try to spread this reality to others."

 

 

 

　

July 12, 2014 　Soka University， Hachioji, Tokyo
   (Co-sponsored with Lighthouse Youth Forum)

Comments from audience:

 

"The problem of human trafficking is not attracting much public attention in Japan. I'd like to participate in publicizing it." 

 

"I'm glad to have been able to learn about human trafficking through this movie.  What I can do may be small but I can tell my friends about the matter using tools like Twitter."

 

"The first thing I can do is to tell about the matter as many people as I can. I can't think of right now what to do next."

 

"As a college student, I think need to learn more.  Telling friends about this is one thing I can do, but I think we, public citizens as well as victims, need to gather many opinions and concerns in order to raise public awareness on the matter." 

 

"Soka University has a motto "You must not forget what you learn for" and  "Universities are for those who do not have the privilege of attending to it" is one of the ideas of the school founder.  During the movie I imagined again and again what it would be like if I were a victim.  But it was impossible to share their viewpoints because I do not have their experiences.  I'm going to start from learning more about and not turning my eyes away from the reality."

 

 

June 22,  2014　Musashino Place，  Musashino, Tokyo

Comments from audience:

 

  • "Ignorance can be a cause of crimes.  People go for prostitution because they are ignorant. It's important to let people know thoughts and lives of these victims.  I've learnt that human trafficking arises from social problems and it can impair human dignity and damage victims' mentality. I understand it's hard to crack down criminal ogninazations who keep finding loopholes in laws, but the important thing is to provide people with opportunities to learn about and raise awareness of the problem."
  • "The event taught me a lot. I want many people, especially men, to see the movie."
  • "I'm encouraged by having been able to share common awareness of the issue. I want to work for legislation to tackle these problems that seem so commonplace in the present-day society of Japan."
  • "I did not know human trafficking exists in Japan. It's easy to turn away from the reality, but we must think more seriously about the problem."

May 24 ,  2014　Musashino Place，  Musashino, Tokyo

 

Comments from audience:

  • "I've learned a lot of things from the movie.  I've also learned that deep-rooted problems are
  • intricately interwined and hidden behind our everyday lives."
  • "I've never had a chance to hear about human trafficking.  Victims' stories were truely shocking."
  • "The situation in Thailand amazed me.   The notion of sexuality is one of the most serious causes of the problem.  It may be even more troubling than criminal organizations involved in human trafficking.  I think we must share information in order to control prostitution."
  • "It's dangerous that many children today have smartphones without getting enough information on how to handle them correctly from their parents and schools."
  • "Is there any other way to eradicate sexual human trafficking and re-civilize our nation than state regulation and individual self enlightenment?"
  • "It's important to make "human trafficking" publicly known by sharing information and lobbying the government.
  • 　

Nov. 24, 2013　Tokyo Deaf Baptist Church，  Ingagi, Tokyo

October 27, 2013    Nagoya YWCA, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Comments from audience:

  • "It was a very shocking film but I didn't want to avert my eyes from it." (female, 20's)
  • "The fact that sex industry is growing fast shows the stupidity of human nature.  It's so sad there are many women who regret having been born."  (female, 40"s)
  • "Please raise awareness about boy victims and the reality of sex industry in Japan. (female, 30's)

September 29, 2013    The Salvation Army Japan Headquarters, Kanda, Tokyo

Comments from audience:

  • "It was very heavy but made me realize that bringing a faith is one of solving this complicated issue." (female, 20's)
  • "It's very important to let people know this reality.  Too many people don't know or don't want to know it."  (female, 60"s)

June 8, 2013     Seibi Kyoiku Bunka Kaikan, Higashi Kurume, Tokyo

Comments from audience:

  • "Very informative film.  Practical ways of how to help as a church or individual would be good." (female, 30's)
  • "The event was bilingual and helped me know non-Japanese ways of feeling about the issue."  (female, 40's) 

March 30, 2013     Biblical Church of Tokyo (Seisho Kirisuto Kyokai Tokyo), Nerima, Tokyo

 

After viewing the documentary film "Nefarious", Chiyoko Yokota, the director of "Izumi-ryo", a women's protection facility, gave a presentation on situations of sex trafficking in Japan.  Then she had a discussion with participants and Mariko Yamaoka, the director of Not For Sale Japan.

 

 

Presentation by Chiyoko Yokota:

Prostitution  has its deep roots  in Japan.  In Meiji Period, child selling prevailed among farmers due to hunger.  After WWII, the government authorized brothels for American soldiers in attempting to protect general women.   The Anti-Prostitution Act that went into effect in 1956 is intended to arrest prostitutes, not men who buy prostitutes.   We need to ammend the law into what  has more consideration on human rights of women.

 

Most of women in protection facilities have experienced domestic violence in the past.  They are haunted by these experiences and have lost faith in others and themselves.  The first thing that should be done for them is to regain their emotion and self esteem.  In the next step, they need to regain trust relationship with people around them. 

Discussion:

"We need to act to transform  public indifference into concerns toward victims. " (participant)
"Japanese inclination toward "kawaii" , or adorability, is a proof that the people value inmaturity and vulnerability of women. " (participant)
"Sexual abuse happen at home.  This is the case not only in Japan.  Children must learn about sex and relationship with the other sex from their early age but Japan is behind in this respect. "  (Yokota)
"The Japanese word "baishun", or selling sexuality, conceals the social background of the problem.  It is rather "kaishun", or buying sexuality, which is nothing other than human trafficking."  (M. Yamaoka, NFSJ)
"Rather, the word "sex trafficking" should be used instead of "kaishun" because the word Kaishun（買春) has the letter Spring (春), and therefore has a coonotation as if it is a kind of consolation or something gentle." (participant)

 


"Many of assailants of domestic violence were not raised  with a right value.  They tend to lack sympathy to other people.  Children must be raised to have a strong sense of self affirmation."  (participant,  midwife)

"Is it possible to give children a chance to hear directly from victims for education and preventive measures? " (participant, education official)
"Protection facilities are intended for the protection of women over 17 years of age.  But in fact, facilities actually deal with girls under 17 years old,  who are subect to Child Welfare Law.  Preventive measures and aid for young people are urgently needed.  We need to set up big events to provoke the government.  Anti-violence education and frank discussion on sex are also important.   " (Yokota)
"The film  provoked sympathy for those victim women, at the same time, as a man, I realized that men should change and gain control over their desire for sex, desire to gain power and control over others."  (participant, Christian minister)

 

Feb. 25, 2013     International Christian University, Mitaka, Tokyo

 

Not For Sale Japan was invited to an open lecture by International Christian University's Social Science Research Institute.  We showed the documentary film " Nefarious" and Mariko Yamaoka, NFSJ Director, gave a short presentation.  Over 70 people, most of them were students, attended the lecture and had an active discussion after watching the film. Prof. Sawa Omori, who teaches public policy course at ICU, gave us thought-provoking comments on delay of enacting legislation on child porn in Japan.

Comments from audience:

  • "It was a very shocking film but I didn't want to avert my eyes from it." (female, 20's)
  • "The fact that sex industry is growing fast shows the stupidity of human nature.  It's so sad there are many women who regret having been born."  (female, 40"s)
  • "Please raise awareness about boy victims and the reality of sex industry in Japan. (female, 30's)

Feb. 3, 2013    Tokyo Baptest Church, Daikanyama, Tokyo  (FINISHED)

Thanks to the wonderful members of the Salt & Light Ministry of TBC, our second screening and talk event was a success with an audience of about 200 people.  Everybody learned a lot, was equipped with much information, and was emotionally/spiritually empowered to do something to change the horrible situation of sex trafficking!

 

Comments from audience:

  • "Very difficult to watch but so powerful and I was very thankful for the hope of salvation at the end of the film." (male, 50's)
  • "It is very eye opening and shocking movie. But I think I should watch it to know what’s going on in this real world. Thank you." (female, 30's)
  • "We should encourage more men to watch the documentary."  (female, 20's)
  • "Truly helpful. Every human being on this earth is involved." (female, 30's)

 


Jan. 19, 2013     Wesley Center, Aoyama, Tokyo  (FINISHED)

 

 

Not For Sale Japan and Wesley Foundation co-sponsored a screening event of the film and had a time to talk about sex trafficking that is also happening in Japan.　

 

Date&Time: Saturday, January 19, 2013, 14:00-16:30 (film screening approx. 90min.)

 

Place: Wesley Center, Seminar Room (#205)

             6-10-11, Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo  

 

Admission: Free  (Considering the subject matter of the film, we recommend viewer to be over 15 years old.)  

 


Report on Not for Sale Japan's Facebook page:

 

The Nefarious Screening Event yesterday was a great success! The venue was mostly full with 40 participants. Many thanks to those who participated in "Nefarious" Japan Premiere! 

Although it is a very serious movie, and I watched it many times already on my PC, I was deeply moved, tears welled up, for it was my first time to see it with a larger screen. I would like many people to watch it in the future!

After the screening I gave a short presentation on sex trafficking in Japan, and we had a discussion time. Many shared their opinions, ideas, and experiences so it was a good opportunity for all of us to learn and be enlightened. Many young people including 3 male students participated, that was really encouraging. And many people offered to think about co-sponsoring the same event. I confirmed my conviction that this issue is taken as really important. 

 

Comments from audience:

  • "The movie deals with the difficult theme of human trafficking, yet it was easy to follow.    Through the presentation after the movie I learned there are human trafficking problems in Japan, too." (female, 20's)
  • "I knew nothing about human trafficking.  The event helped me to understand the complexity of this problem.  I think everyone should have a high sexual morality."  (female, 10's)
  • "I also wanted to know men's points of view, such as what makes them repeat illigal acts."  (female, 20's)
  • "Quite shocking."  (male, 20's)
  • "All I can do is to continue thinking and telling people about this problem so that it won't be forgotten,"  (male, 10's)
  • "Moving, shocking, quite informative and educational."（female, 60's）

Report on the Wesley Foundation's website.