TOKYO (TR) – Freelance singer and entertainer Rikka Kanon has taken to social media to expose sleazy television and commercial producers.
In a lengthy statement posted to X on Monday, Kanon revealed that “dozens of times” she has faced malicious propositions for sex in exchange for roles, a practice known in Japan’s entertainment industry as makura eigyo (pillow sales).
She explained that the encounters often begin deceptively as standard business meetings with polite email exchanges, making independent talents easy targets, only to take a dark turn at the end.
“Almost every time, at the end of the meeting, the topic of makura eigyo is brought up, and I go home feeling absolutely disgusted,” Kanon wrote.
“Vulgar thugs”
According to the singer, producers would initially praise her appearance before making blatant propositions, using phrases such as, “If you do your best for one night, I’ll cast you in a terrestrial network drama next year,” or “Since I’m the president, I can put you in the main cast of my show.”
Furious at the predatory behavior, Kanon fired back at the industry executives.
“The ultimate beautiful body that I have spent years and years building, shedding so much sweat and tears, is not meant to be slept with by vulgar thugs like you. Please remember that,” she wrote.
As a result of the ongoing harassment, the talent announced that all future initial business meetings will be conducted strictly online.
【 テレビ関係者・フリー活動者様へ 】
テレビ番組やCMのプロデューサー様、制作者様からよく出演依頼(を装った)ご連絡をいただくのですが、
今後のテレビ関係の打ち合わせはすべて「オンライン」とさせていただきます。
今日までは指定の打ち合わせ場所へ足を運んでおりましたが… pic.twitter.com/czFp4UJGqg
— 叶望立夏🌹🎧 (@kanonricca) August 31, 2026
“Dangle a carrot”
Kanon also issued a stark warning to other independent artists and entertainers who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
“It is easy to dangle a carrot in front of unaffiliated girls. But please, absolutely do not go along with such vulgar talk, and take care of your heart and body,” she pleaded. “Do not lose what is important over a momentary lapse in judgment or a careless decision. Right effort leads to right chances.”
Despite the harsh realities of the casting couch culture, Kanon concluded her post by clarifying that there are still “many good and honest people in television,” expressing her sincere desire to continue working with legitimate professionals.
