Question Regarding Potentially Sensitive Goods [Answered]

[Deleted]

In advance of the Nomi, I thought I'd ask about how we should/are expected to handle a potentially sensitive series, namely the incredibly popular Tokyo Revengers.

For those who don't know, the main logo for the series contains the Japanese character "manji", which is to say "卍". Now, I'm not going to speak one way or the other on the "appropriateness" of the symbol (frankly I don't care), but I can see how it might cause issues, given the diverse range of people who come to the event.

I know that with regards to 18+ items, the policy has been to either keep it covered or keep it out of sight; is the same policy expected to apply here? Are sellers free to display goods with the character prominently featured? Is there some third option I haven't thought of that will be the policy? Inquiring minds want to know.

PS - This is not the place to start a debate around the character or whatever policy ends up being in place. This is just so we have a publicly available answer from the staff. If you attempt to turn this into an argument I will ban you from my Nomi table for all time. Thank you!

[samuraizero]

I mean, the symbol is what it is, and I think context is pretty important here. This book isnt nazi related right? The symbol is a buddhist religious symbol.

I think you'd be fine not covering it up, but the con operators may disagree. Like you said, the only real concern would be people misunderstanding.

[Deleted]

Jun 3, 2022 13:57:17 GMT -5 samuraizero said:

I mean, the symbol is what it is, and I think context is pretty important here. This book isnt nazi related right? The symbol is a buddhist religious symbol.

I think you'd be fine not covering it up, but the con operators may disagree. Like you said, the only real concern would be people misunderstanding.

Yeah, the series isn't Nazi related at all (in fact, the whole reason the character is used is in relation to Buddhist temples; the gang that makes up the main characters is called the Tokyo Manji Gang and holds their meetings outside of a local temple). It's not even technically the same symbol.

That being said, there are censored international releases that remove the character entirely, and the uncensored goods are banned in Germany, so clearly there are concerns over it and it's not just me, you know?

[samuraizero]

Ya, I get ya. Probably best to double check. But, level heads would say you'd be fine. (if only we all had level heads)

[apocryphal]

The symbol for manji while still technically a "swastika" is actually facing the opposite direction then the actual nazi symbol. There should be no issue - honestly I'd be very surprised if you get any push back.

[pikaboo]

Jun 3, 2022 19:29:46 GMT -5 apocryphal said:

The symbol for manji while still technically a "swastika" is actually facing the opposite direction then the actual nazi symbol. There should be no issue - honestly I'd be very surprised if you get any push back.

The problem is some people don’t know the difference. I would suggest covering up the logo with a sticky note or something to avoid any issues.

[The Chris McKenna]

Items featuring a "nazi swastika" are not permitted anywhere in the convention, including the Nominoichi.

However, although the mark from "Tokyo Reverngers" is very similar, it is not the same.

Therefore you are permitted to offer merchandise with this logo.

But, as I'm sure not everyone will be aware of this distinction you are sure to get a few questions about it.

Should anyone (another seller or buyer) have any concerns about this please direct them to the staff tables located at the end of the aisle nearest to the main entrance: N190, N191, and N192.