With a saturation of adult video actresses toiling in the industry, it is not unusual for a performer to garner a mere 30,000 yen per day. So why do it? Weekly tabloid Shukan Post (June 15) says that a sense of freedom and carnal pleasure rank high on the list.
For background, the magazine turns to Atsuhiko Nakamura, the author of the book “Being an AV Actress,” which was released last month by Gentosha.
The author says that supply of actresses is far greater than demand. “If one position is available, there will be 25 actresses willing to fill it,” he says. “It is a highly competitive environment.”
Genre productions, such as those with hitozuma (married women) and chikan (molestation) themes, comprise 80 percent of all films. The remainder rely solely on the name of a popular actress.
Nakamura says that current budgetary allocations provide 150,000 yen per day for women in genre roles, whereby the actress will engage in two real sex scenes and one imitated performance. After commissions and fees are subtracted, only 30,000 yen remains for the star.
Nakamura concludes then that dreams of monetary rewards are not behind the current oversupply of actresses. As an example, the author describes the liberated sensation of a woman who resigned from a position within the banking industry to join the AV world.
“She said that she chose this path to live her own way,” the author says. “Further, this woman has no guilt in selling sex as the outcome in going from finance to AV involved no effective ‘change in occupation,’ so to speak.”
Nakamura then cites a 26-year-old nurse who became rundown while working at a university hospital. “She cast aside her registered nurse position to join the AV industry,” the author says. “She said she wanted a drastic change. Compared to the daily grind that involved substantial overtime work she is now enjoying life.”
A unique experience, too, could trump monetary reward.
“To be ‘taken care of’ by a professional actor and director through sex is enjoyable,” says an AV production company employee. “There is an increase in girls entering the industry who have a genuine curiosity about such experiences. At a ‘happening bar,’ you never know who your partner might be. In this industry, there is a feeling of security.”
In times past, one’s parents vigilantly probed their offspring about his or her occupation. Women today, however, are not showing reluctance in revealing employment in the biz.
“To become an AV actress is considered a positive move,” says Nakamura. “These women have come of age in an environment plagued by recession, low salaries, and restructuring. In a tight job market, means of employment can vary greatly compared to a boyfriend. So these women are simply proud to be contributing to society.” (K.N.)
Source: “Oote kigyo wo yamete made ‘hiatari 3manen’ no AVjoyu ni naritagaru onnatachi,'” Shukan Post (June 15, pages 142-143)