Computer Entertainment Rating Organization

Basic Information
Company Type	N/A
Company Status	Active
Foundation	2002

The Computer Entertainment Rating Organization​ (特定非営利活動法人コンピュータエンターテインメントレーティング機構, , Tokutei Hieiri Katsudō Hōjin Konpyūta Entāteinmento Rētingu Kikō) system (CERO for short) is an organization that rates video games released in Japan. Despite its name, it mostly governs console game ratings. The majority of PC and mobile games released in Japan are governed by the older EOCS organization. Both are considered the equivalents of the Entertainment Software Rating Board in North America.

An icon-based content descriptor system is also in effect for all ratings excluding "All Ages". It is similar to the PEGI system's icons.

Video Game Ratings

Image	Rating	Restriction	Status
	A	Suitable for everyone, regardless of age.	Advisory
	B	Has content that may be suitable for ages 12 and older.	Advisory
	C	Has content that may be suitable for ages 15 and older.	Advisory
	D	Has content that may be suitable for ages 17 and older.	Advisory
	Z	Suitable for ages 18 and older.	Enforced
	Demo	Used for demos of video games.	Advisory
	Educational/Database	Used to specifically advise that the software is for Educational or Database use.	Advisory
	Rating Pending	Advises that the video game has yet to receive an official rating.	Advisory
Retired
	All	Suitable for everyone, regardless of age. Replaced with the A rating.	Advisory
	12	Has content that may be suitable for ages 12 and older. Replaced with the B rating.	Advisory
	15	Has content that may be suitable for ages 15 and older. Replaced with the C rating.	Advisory
	18	Has content that may be suitable for ages 18 and older. Replaced with the D and Z ratings.	Advisory

The ratings A, B, C and D are advisory, while Z is strictly enforced. Many games rated as "18" under the old system have been re-rated as D.

The old ratings system was retired on March 1, 2006, in favor of the new ratings system. It was divided into "All Ages," "12 and Up," "15 and Up," and "18 and Up.". All ratings were advisory.

Content Descriptors

In April 2004, CERO defined the following "content descriptors". These icons are displayed on the back of all packages except those rated as "All ages".

Image	Descriptor	Description
	Crime	Depictions of criminal behaviour.
	Drinking and/or Smoking	Depictions of drinking alcohol and/or smoking tobacco.
	Drugs	Depictions of recreational drugs.
	Fright	Includes content likely to scare or induce fear.
	Gambling	Depictions of Gambling.
	Language	Written or spoken content includes vulgar and/or obscene language.
	Romance	Depictions of Romance.
	Sexuality	Content may be sexually suggestive, and may include written or spoken sexual references.
	Violence	Depictions of violence.

See also

• List of CERO-rated video games

External Links

• CERO