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‘Mature’ AV actresses still finding favor in Japan’s porn biz

Shukan Post Nov. 30
Shukan Post Nov. 30

The current interest in adult video (AV) actresses falling into the jukujo, or “mature,” category seemingly knows no bounds, reports Shukan Post (Nov. 30).

Such actresses, whose age range is not definite but could include women in their early 30s or younger, are finding favor since fans presume they have extensive experience in many facets of life.

“It used to be that jukujo features were only made by labels specializing in that genre,” says a producer an AV production company. “Now, all labels make them.”

Of course, money is the motivating factor. For a little background on the industry, the producer says that productions shipping 500 units will break even, with those reaching 5,000 considered huge hits.

Naturally, the salary of the actress is determined by sales. For a title that sells 500 copies, the maker will receive approximately 100,000 yen in revenue, of which 30 percent will go to the actress. For bigger hits, her take could be three or four times that amount.

When looking for an actress, it used to be that younger women were sought after in higher numbers than those who have reached middle age. With the shift in the market, the opposite is true; housewives and divorcees in their 40s and 50s form the core of those desired by AV companies.

In a separate article, the magazine says that next year will mark 15 years since Reiko Makihara starred in the release of what is considered the first jukujo feature.

Industry insiders now estimate the market for jukujo features to be worth five billion yen, roughly 10 percent of the entire AV industry.

In recruiting women over 40 years of age, companies are finding young women who will misrepresent their true age on application forms. Legendary jukujo performer Mariko Kawana was one of the first, apparently claiming to be 34 when in fact she was really three years younger.

“Everything’s flipped on its head,” says the producer. “If we wish for a confirmation with identification papers, there are girls who will refuse. Many 25-year-old applicants will claim to be over 40.”

Source: “’25sai nanoni 40sai’ no jitsurei mo dai buumu ‘jukujo AV’ ni oubo kyuzo no ‘gyaku saba onna'” Shukan Post (Nov. 30, pages 161-162)