[1] Although the ratings are sometimes controversial, Eirin's defenders argue that its independence shields film makers from the more draconian alternative, government censorship.

The Motion Picture Code of Ethics Committee (映画倫理規程管理委員会, Eiga Rinri Kitei Kanri Iinkai) was established in 1949 and was the predecessor to Eirin.

There was also criticism of the content of some films which came out at the time, such as Nikkatsu's Season of the Sun based on the award-winning book by Shintaro Ishihara.

[1][3] Films considered "Not Applicable for Examination" (審査適応区分外, Shinsa tekiō kubun-gai) contains more extreme depictions than R18+, will be treated as not suitable for screening by Eirin, and will be refused screening at movie theaters affiliated with the National Federation of Entertainment and Public Health Industry Associations (全国興行生活衛生同業組合連合会, Zenkoku kōgyō seikatsu eisei dōgyō kumiai rengō-kai).

[5] The eight criteria are the main focus of rating a film, those are themes, language, sex, nudity, violence, horror, drugs and crime.