The Organization Began its Statement by Rxplaining its Mission to Mii-chan and Miss Yamada
--
RAVE OTONITY – On August 20, the New Inclusion Japan Association, Inc. published a statement concerning the anime adaptation of the manga “Mii-chan and Miss Yamada,” also known as “MiiYama.”
This statement does not necessarily oppose the anime adaptation itself. Rather, it expresses worries about the commodification of portrayals associated with people with intellectual disabilities and calls on the production team to offer detailed explanations.
The organization began its statement by explaining its mission:
“We, the New Inclusion Japan Association, Inc., seek to create communities where everyone can live with peace of mind, receiving appropriate support and having their rights protected at every stage of life, regardless of the nature or degree of their disability.
Read more: First Reactions to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Season 2: Called Very Special
We are working to achieve the ‘inclusive society’ as defined in Japan’s Basic Act on Persons with Disabilities.”
On August 20, the New Inclusion Japan Association, Inc. issued a statement regarding the anime adaptation of the manga *Mii-chan and Miss Yamada*, also known as *MiiYama*. This statement does not necessarily oppose the anime adaptation itself.
Rather, it highlights concerns about the commodification of portrayals of people with intellectual disabilities and demands that the production team provide detailed explanations.
Regarding the reasons behind the release of this statement, the organization explained:
“In this work, Mii-chan, who is portrayed as the main character, has not received an official diagnosis of an intellectual disability and therefore cannot be explicitly described as a person with an intellectual disability.
Read more: Synopsis of Sakamoto Days Season 2: New Action and More Dangerous Enemies
However, the way she is represented in the work strongly suggests a condition corresponding to a mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning.”
The statement also referred to comments by the creator, Nene Azuki:
“The author, Nene Azuki, stated that Mii-chan was inspired by a woman with a mild intellectual disability who holds a disability certificate, which we assume to be a Ryoiku Techo, known in Tokyo as an Ai no Techo. Based on these established facts, our organization hereby expresses the following views.”
Set in the Kabukicho district of Shinjuku in 2012, the story follows Yamada, who works as a nightclub hostess in this bustling nightlife district, and Mii-chan, a new employee who seems to always mess things up, no matter what she does. The manga portrays twelve months in the world of nightlife, focusing on these clumsy but endearing young women.
Mii-chan is full of energy and eager to work, but she doesn't know how to read kanji or read the room. The people around her make fun of her and call her “pathetic.” Nevertheless, as Mii-chan continues to work diligently, Yamada gradually finds herself drawn to her.
Despite its charming visual style, the story portrays with relentless realism the loneliness of people who have nowhere to go and the unforgiving circumstances they face.
