Japan's parliament has passed a law that bans the possession of child abuse images which excludes pictures in comics, animations and video games.
Child safety campaigners say the new legislation is a long-overdue improvement, but are unhappy with the exclusions.
The ban does not apply to animation or to comic art known as manga.
Analysts say there was strong resistance from manga artists, free-speech advocates and publishers.
They said it would impinge on freedom of expression and allow authorities to make arbitrary decisions about art.
The Japan Magazine Publishers' Association, which represents over 90 publishing companies, posted a statement on its website earlier in June saying the law could "put a strain" on artists and publishing culture.
The BBC's Rupert Wingfield-Hayes in Tokyo says Japan is still considered one of the world centres for the exchange and consumption of images of child sexual abuse.
Crimes related to child sexual abuse have reportedly been on the rise in Japan.
Police uncovered 1,644 cases last year, about 10 times higher than a decade ago.
More than half of the cases involved sharing or selling photos or videos over the internet, police said.
The new law will allow those who do possess such material a year to get rid of it.
BBC News - Japan bans child pornography possession
Child safety campaigners say the new legislation is a long-overdue improvement, but are unhappy with the exclusions.
The ban does not apply to animation or to comic art known as manga.
Analysts say there was strong resistance from manga artists, free-speech advocates and publishers.
They said it would impinge on freedom of expression and allow authorities to make arbitrary decisions about art.
The Japan Magazine Publishers' Association, which represents over 90 publishing companies, posted a statement on its website earlier in June saying the law could "put a strain" on artists and publishing culture.
The BBC's Rupert Wingfield-Hayes in Tokyo says Japan is still considered one of the world centres for the exchange and consumption of images of child sexual abuse.
Crimes related to child sexual abuse have reportedly been on the rise in Japan.
Police uncovered 1,644 cases last year, about 10 times higher than a decade ago.
More than half of the cases involved sharing or selling photos or videos over the internet, police said.
The new law will allow those who do possess such material a year to get rid of it.
BBC News - Japan bans child pornography possession
