As pundits continue to discuss the impact of Japan’s possible entry into the tariff-eliminating Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Shukan Taishu (Mar. 25) takes a look at the domestic porn industry.
“There is a risk Japanese actresses porn actresses will not be employable once Japan joins the TPP,” says an individual associated with a leading adult video (AV) manufacturer.
Such a bold statement is based on the idea that certain products deemed legal in Japan could be viewed otherwise overseas, with AV films being one of them. The idea is that overseas influence may then negatively impact existing domestic policies. “There is a chance that Japanese AV may violate child pornography laws in the U.S.,” says the previously quoted individual.
And rice farmers in Niigata thought they had problems.
Shukan Taishu assures that actresses in Japan are all 18 years of age and above. Hence, the output is not child pornography. “But in the eyes of Americans, Japanese actresses look younger in effort to create a Lolita-type fantasy,” says the AV employee. “There is a risk that the President Obama may come forth and exercise his authority against the Japanese porn.”
Toyota’s headquarters likely just released a collective chuckle.
“When seeing actresses, such as Asuka Hoshino, Americam men may think that they are elementary school kids and get irritated,” says the editor of an adult-entertainment magazine.
Kemuta Otsubo, a writer for the porn industry, says quite bluntly that the content itself poses a risk. “In American porn, actresses seem to be enjoying themselves. While it is porn, the women will smile to come across as if they are having a good time. In Japanese porn, however, the films show girls shouldering bags or sporting high-school uniforms to exhibit degrading mannerisms. This will not be acceptable.”
But some in the industry will welcome the initiative.
“There are quite a few fanatics living overseas who are big fans of baby faces,” says an employee at a leading porn recruitment agency. “Entry to the TPP could provide publicity that will make the porn industry bigger.”
Otsubo says that titles featuring jukujo, or mature, actresses will indeed sell well. “These women have striking beauty and well maintained physiques,” he assures.
Japan’s hottest rookie AV talent, Mana Sakura, says it is not about sales or marketing; she is in favor of pleasing audiences.
“Japaneze porn films have stories that create fantasies with a certain degree of intimacy for viewers,” says Sakura.
The actress adds that with the variety of situations presented and number of genres the industry is now hitting a high point. “It is an truly a form of art,” she says.
Source: “Nihon TPP nara nadeshiko AV joyu ga kieru,” Shukan Taishu (Mar. 25, pages 188-189)
