TOKYO (TR) – Adult video manufacturer Soft On Demand (SOD) is facing severe backlash over a newly released virtual reality (VR) pornographic video that heavily implies child prostitution in Indonesia.
The revelations come just weeks after authorities warned of real-world crackdowns on sex tourism in the region, reports the site for weekly tabloid Josei Jishin (June 8).
Released on May 28, the controversial VR video is set in a fictionalized brothel in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. The promotional material has sparked widespread outrage for its blatant allusions to the illegal exploitation of minors.
The SOD marketing copy accompanying the video include thinly veiled phrases that imply child prostitution. Among them are: “Where was she sold from?” and “Anyone over 1 is considered a mature woman. That’s the perception here.”
Other disturbing descriptions on the packaging read, “She looks like she was just brought in, she’s trembling,” and “I’ll teach the girl.” The cover art features a woman styled to look like a young girl, surrounded by several men.
Child prostitution in Southeast Asia
The release of the video comes at a highly sensitive time. The issue of Japanese nationals engaging in child prostitution in Southeast Asia has recently drawn the attention of law enforcement.
On May 13, the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia issued a stern warning after local police began investigating Japanese-language social media posts hinting at child prostitution in the Jakarta and Bekasi areas.
The Embassy reminded citizens that child prostitution is a punishable offense under Japanese law, even if committed overseas. Similar warnings were issued last year in Laos, which culminated in the arrest of a Japanese man in his 50s who purchased sex from three underage girls.
The VR video has ignited a firestorm on Japanese social media, with users condemning the production company for making light of a severe international crime and risking Japan’s diplomatic relations.
“It’s genuinely disgusting and shows a disregard for real social issues. It makes me embarrassed to be Japanese,” one X user wrote.
A Japanese man in his 30s who previously lived in Jakarta told reporters that the video could have real-world consequences for expats. “If this becomes an issue in Indonesia, Japanese people living there earnestly will be looked at with suspicion. It’s infuriating, especially since Indonesians generally treat Japanese people with such goodwill.”
“Extremely regrettable”
When contacted for comment, the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia stated they were unaware of the specific video but called the situation “extremely regrettable.”
By June 4, the major adult content platform FANZA had removed the video’s sales page. The operator did not respond to requests for comment.
The production company, SOD Create, has also remained silent regarding the backlash. However, as of June 8, a promotional post boasting “Jakarta is hot right now” remained visible on the company’s official X account.
