The Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly has passed a new law that will regulate the content of manga and anime more strictly, according to ITmedia and Sankei via Anime News Network.  The new law, which amends the Youth Healthy Development Ordinance, requires the industry to regulate anime or manga that “unjustifiably glorify or exaggerate certain sexual acts.  Voluntary self-regulation under the new law takes effect on April 1, 2011, and the restrictions on sale or rental take effect on July 1st. 

Manga publishers are reacting strongly; ten of the largest companies announced that they will boycott the Tokyo Anime Fair as a result of the new law (see “Manga Companies Boycott Show”).