Mitamura Sparks Debate on Gendered Acting Titles with Viral Post
Actor Mitamura has ignited a widespread discussion on social media regarding the evolving terminology for performers, specifically the shift from gendered titles like “actor” and “actress” to the more inclusive “actor.” His post on X (formerly Twitter) on the 18th, expressing discomfort with the move away from gender-specific terms, has garnered meaningful attention, amassing over 6.84 million impressions.
Mitamura articulated his unease, questioning the necessity of abandoning terms like “male actor” or “actress.” He mused, “At some point, it will be bad to say ‘men or women’ and you will have to call them ‘people’ or ‘humans’?” This sentiment reflects a broader societal conversation about language and inclusivity.
The reaction to Mitamura’s post has been divided. Many have voiced their agreement, with comments such as, “My own thoughts are unavoidable as words and ways of thinking change. Though, even if you are very careful, you sometimes end up calling yourself ‘nurse’ when you were a child.” Others have countered, pointing out the practical implications of such a shift, stating, “But when I watch TV news, the perpetrators of the incident are called ‘men’ or ‘female.’ If it’s consistent, you have to call it ‘human’ or ‘human.'” A strong sentiment against what some perceive as an attempt to erase gender distinctions was also evident: “We are desperate to deny ‘femininity and masculinity’ and create a single society. We should not acknowledge this trend.”
This debate is not isolated to Mitamura’s experience. Entertainment journalist reports highlight similar sentiments from other figures in the industry. In February 2024, actress Kawakami Maiko noted on her X account, “Recently, there have been more and more scenes in her X that have changed her title from an actress to an actor.Is this also the trend in the times? It truly seems that many male actors do not refer to male actors as actors or actors. Though, actresses also have a desire to hear the resonance, and I have a nuance that I don’t want to lose.”
Similarly, actress Yokoyama Megumi has expressed her discomfort with being referred to as an “actor,” advocating for the term “actress.” Her stance, which she has shared when given the opportunity, garnered significant attention and reposts, with her stating, “I think the sound of the word ‘actress’ is very stunning.”
Conversely, some public figures have embraced the change. Former AKB48 member Akimoto Saika requested her agency to use “actor” for her name in 2021, stating, “My title as an actress doesn’t really fit.”
The article concludes by acknowledging the complexity of the issue, noting that differing views exist across individuals and that the trend towards gender-neutral terminology, exemplified by the abolition of gender-specific awards in Europe and the United States, is gaining traction in Japan. This suggests that discussions surrounding the language used to describe performers will likely continue to evolve.
