A growing trend is being observed across Japanese municipalities as they begin to remove nude statues from city streets. Sparked by a new cultural shift towards modesty and respect, numerous regions have started acting on the outcry from citizens uncomfortable with these public displays of nudity. The timing and extent of this movement vary across the different regions, making it an ongoing matter in the country. There is an increasing debate about the balance between artistic freedom and public decency.
Japanese culture traditionally prizes modesty and respect for others. However, public nudity depicted through statues, often seen as artworks, has become a contentious issue due to this cultural context. Some consider the removal of nude statues as a preservation of societal values, while others argue it disregards artistic freedom and historical narratives. The situation has sparked nationwide discussions concerning cultural normativity, public space management, and the role of local government.
In the United States or European Union, there is also a divide in opinions regarding the presentation of nude statues in public spaces. In many cases, these statues are seen as key artistic and historical symbols, drawing tourists' attention and enriching the cultural milieu of the sites. However, similarly to Japan, voices asking for the reevaluation of such public displays grow louder, leading to some local governments to reconsider their stance on public nudity in art.