Ten of the largest manga companies, calling themselves the  “Comic Ten Companies Association,” have announced that they will not participate in the upcoming Tokyo Anime Fair because of a new law introduced in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly that would regulate sexual depictions in manga sold to kids under 18, according to Variety. 

The publishers argue that the new law, supported by Tokyo governor Shintaro Isihara, would threaten freedom of expression.  The range of material considered appropriate for children has been much broader in Japan than it is in the U.S., at least until now.

The publishers withdrawing from the show include Shueisha, Shogakukan, Kodansha, and Kadokawa.

The show, scheduled for March 24-27, drew over 132,000 visitors to its 2010 event, according to the report.