More information about Japanese content warning symbols

Updated 3 August 2024 to add the Famitsu Cube cover

Prior to the creation of CERO in 2002, Sony put these red warning triangles on violent games that read このゲームには暴力シーンやグロテスクな表現が含まれています, “This game contains violent scenes and grotesque expressions” (Google Translate)

They were even in use well after the establishment of CERO

Capcom then developed its own mark that reads このゲームには過激な 表現が含まれて います, “This game contains explicit language” (Google Translate)

Additionally, I saw this cover of ファミ通キューブ+アドバンス 6月号別冊付録
バイオハザード　完全脱出バイブル 上 / Famitsu Cube + Advance (2002-06) Separate Volume Appendix: BIOHAZARD: Complete Escape Bible Top

Which reads オトナ専用　この別冊には 過激な表現が 含まれています, “For adults only. This special edition contains explicit content.” (Google Translate), so apparently it wasn’t just used for games. I find it interesting how the Famitsu editors used Capcom’s warning symbol.

Sega did the same thing, theirs reads このゲームには 暴力等の過激な 表現が含まれて います。, “This game contains extreme expressions such as violence.” (Google Translate)

Further fun fact, チョロQHG4 / ChoroQHG4 has このゲームには友情シーンやフレンドリーな表現が含まれています。(“This game contains friendship scenes and friendly expressions.” – Google Translate) on its box as a spoof of this practice

All images are from eBay or Mercari unless otherwise noted

If you would like to use my lists for any reason (make a video, add it to a wiki, build on it and make your own list, anything at all), you are free to do so! No need to credit if you don’t want. I would be so happy if you want to be a link to sharing silly gaming knowledge to even more people. All I ask is that if you make anything, please share it with me because I would love to see 🙂
Please note I don’t own the images anyhow, they’re all from eBay or Mercari unless otherwise cited
Thanks for witnessing!