Fridae

The 30-year anniversary revival broadcast of a popular Japanese television show featuring a  “Homoo Homooda,” a character crafted around offensive stereotypes of gay men has caused offence to the LGBT community in the country, according to Human Rights Watch.

The episode of “Tunnels” was aired in late September and featured a number of anti-gay remarks.

Some 104 groups and individuals – including prominent business executives and opinion leaders – submitted a letter of complaint to Fuji TV and the program’s sponsors the following day. 

Gon Matsunaka who runs Good Aging Yells told the Mainichi:  I can’t believe they’re still showing this sort of thing. When the character first appeared (in the 1980s), it was common for children to use the word ‘homo’ as an insult to boys who were quiet and gentle,” according to Gay Star News.

“I remember feeling uncomfortable at the time, especially as I was of a susceptible age. I wonder how children who are unsure about their gender or sexual orientation felt when they saw this one-off program,” he said.

During a regular media briefing on September 29, the president of Fuji TV, Masaki Miyauchi, apologized for any part of the program that created discomfort, but did not say whether the company was planning to take any steps in response to the criticism.